The Caribbean islands are once again welcoming travellers in their plane-loads, with the fully vaccinated getting the smoothest ride. For almost two years they have had to persistently enforce Covid-19 protocols, and it has paid off.
The spread of the pandemic has been checked and frequent visitors will notice how testing and checking processes at airports and hotels have become streamlined with better equipment and experienced personnel in place. The result is a situation that is not perfect but represents a balance between keeping everyone safe and minimising the inconvenience to sun-seekers desperate to jump into that warm turquoise sea.
While there has been a steady easing of restrictions, every island is doing this in its own way and at a varying pace. We are by no means back to pre-pandemic ‘normal’ and it is important to check the individual rules of a destination closely. If you are transiting from one island to another, such as continuing from Antigua to the British Virgin Islands, you will need to meet the Covid-19 requirements of both destinations, and again on your return.
Across the region there is a good level of conformity to Covid-19 rules, such as wearing face masks and sanitising, and hotels are generally rigorous with their cleaning regimes. Be prepared for temperature checks, requests to see your NHS Covid-19 pass, and instructions to observe social distancing.
Despite the pre-flight stress and tedious form-filling a Caribbean holiday requires, once you finally get to sit on a sunny beach with a rum punch in hand it will all seem worthwhile.
Can I go to the Caribbean?
Yes. All Caribbean islands are now open to British tourists. Entry restrictions will be lighter if you arrive fully vaccinated.
What’s it like on different islands?
Barbados
Barbados is taking the fight against Covid-19 seriously and while strict entry protocols must be observed the mood is more relaxed than last year. “We want to ensure our island remains a safe destination for both tourists and locals,” explains Cheryl Carter, Interim Head of Global Markets at Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. These guidelines protect our businesses, restaurants and hotels, allowing visitors to enjoy a true Bajan experience in a safe environment.” Hoteliers have worked hard to fit in with changing rules and the disruption to holidays is minimal if you are fully vaccinated.
Jamaica
Jamaica’s strategy for fighting the pandemic while keeping tourism alive is based on two areas dubbed ‘Resilient Corridors’. These do not require quarantine and run along the north and south west coasts, coinciding with key tourism areas, and have approved accommodation and service providers who observe strict Covid-19 protocols.
St Lucia
St Lucia benefits from having a good supply of high quality resorts set in their own, isolated grounds, including a luxurious cluster around the island’s iconic peaks, the Pitons. Travellers who are fully vaccinated are free to explore but must abide by Covid-19 protocols.
Antigua
Antigua’s borders have been open since June 2020. Visitors must use certified accommodation, activity and transport providers but there is no curfew. Bars are open to fully vaccinated guests with appropriate proof.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas never closed its borders to US visitors and consequently has a business-as-usual air. Covid-19 protocols are in force, such as vaccination and test status checks at airports, and both residents and visitors observe the rules.
Are flights operating?
Yes, flights are operating between the UK and various Caribbean islands. In some cases, such as to Tobago, flights have recently resumed after a gap of almost two years. The frequency of services enjoyed a boost in the peak winter season and new routes have been launched, for example Aer Lingus now flies from Manchester to Barbados. Virgin Atlantic has introduced to flights to the same island from Edinburgh and also flies a pioneering route from Heathrow to St Vincent and the The Grenadines.
Will I be insured if I go?
Yes. So long as your destination does not have a Foreign Office (FCDO) warning in place, you will be insured for travel. Haiti is the only Caribbean island where the FCDO warns against all but essential travel. It is worth contacting your insurer to check whether your package includes Covid-19 cover.
Do I need to take a test before travel?
Many Caribbean destinations require a PCR or antigen test before arrival, even if you are fully vaccinated.
Barbados
Fully vaccinated travellers must present a negative PCR test taken up to three days prior to arrival. A negative Rapid PCR test, taken one day before arrival is also acceptable.
Jamaica
All travellers aged 12 and over must have proof of a negative PCR or antigen test, taken within 72 hours of departure.
St Lucia
All travellers aged five years and over arriving in St Lucia must provide proof of a negative PCR test taken within five days before travel. You will have your temperature checked on arrival. If you are fully vaccinated and travelling with children aged five to 17 they will need to be retested on arrival at your cost, and remain in quarantine until the result comes through – if this is negative they are free to roam.
Antigua
Fully vaccinated passengers must present a negative PCR or antigen test taken up to four days before arrival. This includes transiting passengers. Children aged four and under do not require a test. Unvaccinated travellers may be denied entry.
The Bahamas
Travellers, including children between the ages of 2 and 11 require a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of arrival. Children under the age of 2 are exempt from testing requirements. Anyone entering The Bahamas, regardless of vaccination status, is also required to undergo a rapid testing on the fifth day after arrival.
Do I need to fill in any forms?
Yes, all Caribbean destinations have a health declaration form, and/or some form of passenger locator form for arrivals. Check the country’s FCDO page before travel.
Barbados
All passengers are also required to submit an Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) card 24 hours prior to travel, to which they should upload their negative test result via Travel Form.
Jamaica
Travellers need to gain authorisation from the Jamaica Cares section of the Visit Jamaica website.
St Lucia
All travellers must complete a pre-arrival registration form no less than two days prior to arrival to St Lucia. This must include the results of your PCR test taken five days or less before travel. Authorisation documents must be received and printed prior to travel.
Antigua
Passengers must complete a Health Declaration Form to enter Antigua. There will also be checks to make sure all guests travelling to Antigua on holiday are staying at a certified accommodation property, here’s a full list.
The Bahamas
All visitors aged 18 and over travelling to The Bahamas are required to apply for an individual Bahamas Travel Health Visa. This application requires travellers to opt in to Covid-19 health insurance that covers them for the duration of their stay up to one month. The cost of this insurance is included in the Health Visa application fee which varies according to vaccination status and length of stay. Applications can take up to 48 hours to process so allow adequate time. Unvaccinated persons, ages 12 and older, travelling into and throughout The Bahamas will be required to complete a short daily Health Questionnaire during their stay. The questionnaire must be completed upon arrival and each day.
Do I need to self-isolate on arrival?
Fully vaccinated travellers will not face mandatory isolation on arrival in any of the major destinations in the Caribbean, although some destinations do have quarantine rules in place for unvaccinated arrivals.
Barbados
Unvaccinated arrivals in Barbados must quarantine at an approved facility (such as a designated hotel) at their own expense and may be required to wear an electronic tracking bracelet until they receive the results of a second test. They can then take a test on day five and if this is negative exit quarantine.
Jamaica
Fully vaccinated travellers that present a negative PCR test before their flight are not required to quarantine on arrival and can move freely around the country. Unvaccinated travellers are subject to stricter rules and may be required to test at the airport or a designated facility. They are only permitted to stay at a hotel/resort within the “resilient corridor” scheme, but must stay here for the duration of their trip, unless they go on permitted excursions.
St Lucia
Fully vaccinated arrivals can skip quarantine in St Lucia as long as they received their second dose 14 days prior to arrival on island. Unvaccinated international travellers must isolate for 14 days at a Covid-19 certified property and can only go on a selection of government-certified tours and activities.
Antigua
Fully vaccinated travellers who present a negative PCR test taken within four days of arrival are not required to quarantine.
The Bahamas
If a person test positive with the follow-up test, they will be required to isolate for 5-14 days depending on the severity of the symptoms.
