Travel to the Caribbean during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go

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Editor’s Note — Coronavirus cases remain in flux across the globe. Health officials caution that travel increases your chances of getting and spreading the Covid-19 virus. Unless you’re fully vaccinated, staying home is the best way to stem transmission. Below is information on what to know if you still plan to travel, current as of July 23.

(CNN) — If you’re planning to travel to the islands of the Caribbean, here’s what you’ll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The first thing to keep in mind is the Caribbean Sea region consists of 13 independent island nations. There are even more overseas territories. Each of them has its own rules, subject to frequent change.

Some of the islands opened back up to travel in the summer and fall of 2020. Others reopened more recently. Restrictions can vary. Some islands require quarantines, even for vaccinated travelers, while others don’t even request a Covid-19 test. Rules vary depending on your country of origin.

Also remember that hurricane season continues through November 30. Typically, the worst part of the season is mid-August through September. Islands in the southern part of the Caribbean are usually less affected by hurricanes than their more northerly neighbors. Get updates at CNN Weather.

Here’s a roundup on 10 popular destinations that are open. Follow the links provided so you can find out all the crucial details and check for updates before you book a trip:

Aruba

Aruba is known for its white beaches and colorful buildings in the capital city of Oranjestad.

DPPA/Sipa USA/AP

What’s on offer: Days are usually dry and sunny. Arikok National Park features caves, desert landscapes and giant lizards. Wide beaches bordering clear jade water are the big draw.

Who can go? Citizens of all countries can enter with the exception of Venezuela.

Entry requirements: All visitors 15 and older must have a negative result from a molecular Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival. Aruba visitors health insurance is mandatory. No quarantine is in place. Travelers who test positive for Covid-19 are required to stay in mandatory isolation.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 3: High. Unvaccinated travelers should avoid nonessential travel to Aruba.

The Bahamas

You’ll find Bimini Big Game Club and Marina on North Bimini, which is off the coast from Miami, Florida.

Francisco Blanco/Alamy

What’s on offer: The chain has 700 islands — from the hustle and funky beats of the capital city, Nassau, on New Providence, to the peaceful beaches on many less-visited islands. You can swim with pigs or dive with sharks.

Who can go? The Bahamas is open to all international travelers.

Entry requirements: Fully vaccinated travelers are exempt from testing requirements. Unvaccinated travelers must present a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than five days before arrival. Children 11 and younger are exempt. You must fill out a health visa application and opt in to the Bahamas’ Covid-19 health insurance. Unvaccinated travelers staying longer than four nights and five days must also take a rapid antigen test on day five.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 3: High. Unvaccinated travelers should avoid nonessential travel to the Bahamas.

Barbados

Charles Fort was built in 1650 to protect Carlisle Bay on Barbados from pirates.

Jon G. Fuller/VWPics/AP

What’s on offer: Golf, history and architecture get visitors beyond the beach on the most easterly island in the Caribbean. Rum distilleries offer tours and the local cuisine — a blend of African, Indian, Irish, British and Creole flavors — will soak up the spirit.

Who can go? The island is welcoming visitors from around the world; however, those from “countries of special consideration” have more stringent testing and quarantine requirements. Barbados also has a travel bubble list of some other Caribbean islands and Bermuda that allows people who meet certain conditions to bypass quarantine.

Entry requirements: Both fully vaccinated travelers and the unvaccinated must present a negative result from a Covid-19 PCR test taken no more than three days before travel. You must upload results to the BIMSafe app.

Vaccinated travelers also take a rapid test upon arrival and quarantine for one or two days awaiting results. Unvaccinated travelers must quarantine for five days, take another PCR test and remain in quarantine until receiving results. You must book your room ahead of time at a government-approved accommodation (scroll down for list).

US CDC travel advisory: Level 1: Low.

Cuba

The Cuban flag at the Melia Varadero International Hotel in Matanzas Province, east of Havana on Cuba’s north coast.

Yamil Lage/AFP/Getty Images

What’s on offer: The largest island in the Caribbean, Cuba has a plethora of beaches. The romantic charm and mystique of Old Havana and the lush Viñales Valley, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, set this destination apart.

Who can go? Cuba is allowing visitors from around the world to enter. The US government doesn’t allow its citizens to visit Cuba for general tourism purposes. However, there are a variety of permitted reasons to visit.

Entry requirements: Visitors are required to show proof of a negative result from a Covid-19 PCR test taken within three days of arrival. They must take another PCR Covid-19 test upon arrival in Cuba and quarantine at a government-approved hotel. On day five, they take another Covid-19 test. No exemptions for the fully vaccinated. Cuba remains on lockdown as it has for much of the pandemic.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 3: High. Unvaccinated travelers should avoid nonessential travel to Cuba. (The US State Department currently has a “Level 4: Do not travel” advisory out on Cuba.)

Curaçao

The Penha Building was built in 1708 in the Dutch colonial style and is now a department store in Willemstad, the capital of the island.

Jon G. Fuller/VWPics/AP

Who can go? Curaçao divides countries and territories — and the travelers arriving from them — into four categories: very low risk, low risk, high risk and very high risk. You need to check which category you’re in as they may have varying requirements.

Entry requirements: All visitors except those coming from “very low risk” destinations must have negative results from a Covid-19 PCR test that’s no more than 72 hours old before your flight to the island. There are no exemptions for the fully vaccinated. All travelers must fill out the passenger locator card 48 hours before arrival. No quarantines are in place unless you test positive for Covid-19 during your stay.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 1: Low.

Dominican Republic

Tourists take pictures of flamingoes in Bayahibe, La Altagracia province.

Erika Santelices/AFP/Getty Images

Who can go? Travelers around the world may enter, but depending on where you’re coming from, entry requirements will differ.

Entry requirements: Travelers from many nations — including the United States, Canada, Mexico and France, among others — do not need a Covid-19 test to enter. But as of June 28, the DR has set up a list of nations from which you do need a negative result from a Covid-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. Nations on that list include Brazil, Ireland, Spain and the United Kingdom, among others. No quarantines are in place.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 3: High. Unvaccinated travelers should avoid nonessential travel to the Dominican Republic.

Jamaica

Reach Falls, near the city of Port Antonio, is a popular destination in Jamaica.

Valery Sharifulin/TASS/Getty Images

Who can go? Until August 10, anyone who is not a citizen of Jamaica and has been in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, India or Trinidad and Tobago within 14 days of the intended date of entry will not be OK’d for travel.

Entry requirements: Travelers 12 and older must have a negative result from a Covid-19 molecular (PCR, NAA, RNA) or antigen test performed taken within three days of the travel date. You must fill out a travel authorization form.

Visitors are allowed to go only to “Resilient Corridors” designed specifically for tourists along with other licensed accommodations that meet Covid-19 safety standards. If you require a Covid test upon arrival, you must quarantine in your hotel or resort until you get a negative result.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 2: Moderate. Unvaccinated travelers who are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should avoid nonessential travel to Jamaica.

Puerto Rico

Paddleboarders enjoy themselves near a beach in the Condado neighborhood of San Juan.

Xavier Garcia/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Who can go? Puerto Rico is a US territory. According to US State Department and CDC guidelines on international travel, people who have been in Brazil, China, the European Schengen Area, Iran, India, Ireland, South Africa and the United Kingdom in the past 14 days will be denied entry for leisure travel. Others who meet entry requirements may enter.

Entry requirements: Fully vaccinated travelers on domestic flights must upload their vaccination card to the island’s online portal, which will generate a QR code. Nonvaccinated travelers on domestic flights must have a negative result from a Covid-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of arrival.

International visitors, regardless of vaccination status, must have a negative result from a Covid-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of arrival.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 2: Moderate. Unvaccinated travelers who are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should avoid nonessential travel to Puerto Rico.

Turks and Caicos

Colonial houses line the waterfront in Cockburn town, Grand Turk.

Alamy

What’s on offer: This British overseas territory — northeast of Cuba and southeast of the Bahamas — is known for it coral reefs, ripsaw music and a low-key vibe. Whale watching, snorkeling and a range of other outdoor activities pair well with the islands’ natural aquatic beauty.

Who can go? Visitors from around the world are welcomed to vacation here.

Entry requirements: All travelers 10 and older need a negative result from a Covid-19 PCR test taken no more than five days before arrival to enter. Starting July 28, that window goes down to three days. No exception is in place for the fully vaccinated. There’s no quarantine on arrival. You must fill out a travel authorization form, and Covid-19 travel insurance is required as well.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 1: Low.

US Virgin Islands

St. Thomas saw a lot of cruise ship activity before the pandemic.

Bonnie Jo Mount/The Washington Post/Getty Images

What’s on offer: From fine dining, scuba diving and golfing on St. Croix to the pristine shores of unspoiled and undeveloped St. John, these islands have a lot to offer. In lively St. Thomas, boating and duty-free shopping are big draws.

Who can go? The USVI is a US territory. According to US State Department and CDC guidelines on international travel, people who have been in Brazil, China, the European Schengen Area, Iran, India, Ireland, South Africa and the United Kingdom in the past 14 days will be denied entry for leisure travel. Others who meet entry requirements may enter.

Entry requirements: Travelers 5 or older who enter by air or sea are required to use the USVI Travel Screening Portal and submit a Covid-19 test result before travel. You must have one of the three following to enter:

— A negative result from a Covid-19 molecular test taken and received within five days of the start of your trip.
— A negative result from a Covid-19 antigen test taken and received within five days of the start of your trip.
— A positive result from a Covid-19 antibody test taken and received within four months of travel to the USVI.

No Covid-19 test is required for travel to and from the US Mainland.

Effective July 19, passengers traveling from the British Virgin Islands to the U.S. Virgin Islands must provide either a negative result from a PCR test taken within 48 hours of travel or a positive antibody test result taken within four months (marine) or three months (air) of travel.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 3: High. Get fully vaccinated before traveling to the US Virgin Islands.

CNN’s Forrest Brown, Marnie Hunter and Patrick Oppmann contributed to this report.

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