Caribbean Island Re-Opening Dates for Tourism, post coronavirus lockdowns

Posted On: November 16, 2020
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Trying to keep up with the latest news about the reopening dates of your favorite Caribbean island? At WIMCO, we are updating news of island re-openings and testing requirements, to make your vacation planning easier. This page is updated daily.

Looking to vacation somewhere within driving distance this year? WIMCO has a portfolio of private properties in several destinations in the US too. Wondering about flights? We can set up commercial flights or private flights for you to any destination or island.

Covid-19 PCR test requirements – Most Caribbean islands are requiring that the traveler present a negative Covid-19 PCR test result in order to enter the destination. Please use the search tool below to find a test center near you.

US Government Test Center finder: Health & Human Services test center search tool

Rapid Covid 19 PCR test center finder (based on traveler reviews): Find one near you

View info on traveler testing requirements for each Caribbean island:

So, Where Can You Vacation This Season?

Most Caribbean islands have successfully controlled and eradicated the coronavirus locally, and have reopened to tourism. Below is a list of regions and countries that have re-opened their borders for tourism. These updates are based on official government announcements. Where ever you travel outside of the US, travelers will be required to present a copy of a negative Covid-19 PCR test result. When you return from travel, CDC guidelines state that no quarantine is required.

Riviera Maya & Cancun – Open for tourism as of June 8 *

Antigua & Barbuda – Open for tourism as of June 4*

Jamaica – Open for tourism as of June 15*

St. Barths – Open for tourism as of June 22*

Mustique – Open for tourism as of July 1*

Punta Cana & Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic – Open for tourism as of July 1*

Bahamas (and associated private islands there) – Open for tourism as of July 1*

Barbados – Open for tourism as of July 12*

Turks & Caicos (and associated private islands there) – Open for tourism as of July 22*

St Martin/Sint Maarten – Open for tourism in July 1*

US Virgin Islands – Open for tourism on September 19

Grand Cayman – Planning to re-open for tourism on December 1, 2020*

British Virgin Islands – Planning to reopen for tourism on December 1

St Kits and Nevis – Planning to reopen for tourism on Oct 31

In the US – Montana, Idaho, Utah, New Mexico, Colorado – Open for tourism as of June 1*

* Reopening dates and entry requirements announced by local governments are subject to change. The situation on each island is fluid. Ex[ect to be required to produce a recent Covid 19 PCR test to gain entry to any country. Contact your WIMCO villa specialist at info@wimco.com for the most up to date information, or to be placed on a destination travel alert list.

Getting there: The TSA is allowing passengers to carry up to 12 ounces of hand sanitizer in a carry-on bag. Many airport restaurants have reduced service to take out, and airlines are encouraging passengers to bring their own food and beverages as in-flight meal service is reduced. Airlines are performing sanitizing “wipe downs” of the planes during change overs. Read Read: What is it like to Fly Now?

Coronavirus Travel Restrictions for Caribbean Islands and Airports

St. Barths travel news – Government confirms St Barts remains open for tourism during the lock-down in mainland France.

To enter the country, a traveler is required to take a Covid 19 PCR test within the previous 72 hours, and have a negative test result from that test. This test result needs to be sent to WIMCO in advance of travel. Clients that can show that negative test result can then enter St Barts, and they are free to move about the island as long as they agreed to wear a mask when they enter a local business, and to practice good social distancing when out in public.

Important travel note – if you are traveling to St Barts through St Martin, you will also need to fill out and submit a travel entry request form for St Martin. The online form can be found here: https://stmaartenehas.com/application-form/

When returning home through St Martin you will be required to produce a negative Covid-19 PCR result from a test no more than five days old. You can get tested in St Barts 3-4 days prior to departure to satisfy this requirement.

On October 17, the local health authorities required restaurants to cap table sizes at 6 persons, and to space tables 3-4 meters apart. By French government decree, masks must be worn in all public places. See full details on the St. Barths Covid-19 travel page.

For travelers who wish to stay on St Barts for more than 7 days, a second Covid 19 PCR test must be taken on the 7th day.

St Martin & Sint Maarten travel news – Dutch side re-opened for tourism as of July 1:

The Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) re-opened to international flights on July 1. The government requires that travelers wishing to enter St Martin present a negative test result from a Covid-19 PCR test taken no more than 120 hours prior to arrival, and also complete a Self Health Declaration Form online before traveling.

Details can be found here: https://stmaartenehas.com/application-form

Transition through St Martin on your return

Please note, for travelers who have been vacationing on nearby islands who are then transiting through Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) on their return to the US, you will be required to present a Covid-19 PCR test that is less than 120 hours old to transit through the airport. Ask your villa rental agency or hotel to reserve testing for you 3-4 days prior to your departure so you will have the necessary test results in hand when transiting through St Martin. Testing requirements can be found on this government site: https://stmaartenupdates.com/#FAQ

Those concerned about this requirement should transit back to the US via San Juan, Anguilla, Nevis or Antigua.

Turks & Caicos – re-opened for tourism on July 22

Premier Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson ended the shelter at home order on May 4. On May 29, she announced that the county’s borders would be re-opened to tourism on July 22. To enter the country, a traveler is required to present proof of having been tested for Covid 19 within the previous 96 hours, and have a negative test result from that test.

Turks & Caicos is also requiring the purchase of travel insurance that covers COVID19. Here are some insurance options https://tinyurl.com/ybc6e2e5. It costs about $30 a person and the insurer will issue a “Visa Letter” which indicates you meet the COVID19 coverage requirements.

Travelers need to visit the government website called TCI Assured to set-up an account, and upload their test results, and proof of insurance. The government will review the documents prior to arrival and issue a “TCI Assured” badge which travelers will show to the customs officer upon arrival. These re-opening procedures also apply to nearby private island resorts at Parrot Cay, Ambergris Cay and Sailrock on South Caicos.

Jamaica – Re-opened for tourism on June 15 – Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced that starting on July 15 all non-business travellers 12 years of age and over will be required to upload a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from a College of American Pathologists (CAP) accredited medical laboratory. The date of the test must be within 10 days of the arrival date in order to obtain a Travel Authorization.

Upon arrival, the traveler will be tested again, and is required to quarantine in place in their villa or hotel until the test result is received (24-48 hours). If the test is negative, the traveler is then free to move about the island.

Half Moon villa resort reopened on June 15. Round Hill Villas is closed until September 1. The Tryall Club is proposing to reopen in early November.

US Virgin Islands – Re-opened for tourism on September 19 – Governor Albert Bryan Jr. announced that the USVI repened to tourism on September 19th. Travelers will need to produce a negative Covid 19 Test, which they need to upload onto the USVI travel portal at www.usviupdate.com prior to arrival.

The test needs to have been taken no more than 120 hours (five days) prior to the time you arrive on at the airport in St Thomas. Travelers presenting a negative result from a Covi19 PCR test that was taken no more than 120 earlier can enter the USVI and travel about without restriction

All travelers to the Territory aged 5 and older must set-up an account and complete the Travel Screening Portal prior to leaving home.

Riviera Maya travel news – re-opened for tourism on June 10 – On May 13, the Tourism Promotion Council announced that hotels in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya coast are open for tourism as of June 10. Airlines from Canada, the United States and Europe have confirmed flights for June 10 and beyond. There will be no restrictions of movement for arrivals.

Dominican Republic travel news – reopened for tourism in July. Public Health minister Rafael Sánchez Cárdenas has scheduled the reopening of hotels, beaches and restaurants for June 17.

Mustique travel news – re-opened for tourism on July 1– The Mustique airport (MQS) has reopened to international flights as of July 1. There are no COVID-19 cases on the island. The restaurants, tennis courts, activity centers and common areas will be open with social distancing policies in place. Test requirements for arrivals.

COVID 19 PCR – Test Certificate – negative test result (taken 5 days prior to departure)
Complete the VINCYCOVID questionnaire (Set-up an account and complete the questionnaire on the government travel site
All guests are required to set-up an account on a government travel site, then send their test result by email to cordelia@mustique.vc as soon as it is completed as this allows time for pre-clearance protocol
Testing on Mustique. In an effort to maintain a safe environment on the island, all passengers will be tested 48 hours after arrival on Mustique, at the cost of US $100 each. This test is to ensure the virus was not contracted during the transit period to Mustique. Anyone testing positive on the PCR test will be placed into mandatory 14 day quarantine at their villa.

The Bahamas travel news – reopened for tourism as of July 1 – Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis announced the Bahamas is open for tourism as of July 1 . Travelers must now present proof of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test taken within 10 days of arrival. The proof of negative result is part of the required Bahamas Health Visa application all travelers must fill out upon arrival.

Info for US residents – updated July 27 – Residents of the US will be permitted to enter the Bahamas, however they are required to quarantine in a government approved facility, at the guest’s expense, for 14 days, then pass a Covid 19 test, before being permitted to move about freely.

Private Island Resorts in the Bahamas – private island resorts in the Bahamas are open for tourism as of July 1. Kamalame Cay is open as of July 1. Musha Cay has announced that they will reopen on July 15. Reopening dates for Over Yonder Cay and Fowl Cay have not been published.

British Virgin Islands travel news – reopening for tourism on Dec 1 – British Virgin Islands Premier Andrew A. Fahie announced that the BVI will reopen for tourism on December 1. Travelers must provide proof of negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 5 days prior to day of travel, and have proof of travel insurance that includes coverage for medical expenses.

Travelers are required to set=up a profile at BVI Gateway Online Portal (site will be live on 11/2/20) to complete a travel declaration and upload test results and get approval, in the form of a BVI Gateway Traveller Authorisation Certificate, to visit the BVI before boarding their flight.

Arrival, Test & Contact Tracing App: At a new Welcome Center in the Tortola airport officials will perform health screening including temperature check plus a COVID-19 PCR test. Visitors will also be required to download to their phone a contact tracing application (and in some cases using a wearable device).

Transportation: Visitors must take “approved” transportation to their accommodations.

4 Day Quarantine: Visitors MUST quarantine for four (4) days at the compound of their approved accommodations (tourism properties and businesses must be “Gold Seal Certified” to receive visitors).

Day Four Test: On the forth day of the quarantine period visitors must take another COVID-19 PCR test. If negative, visitors will be able to visit certain designated BVI locations, but not high-traffic or high-risk ones.

Day Eight Test: If staying longer than one week, on the eight day of their trip visitors must take another COVID-19 PCR test. If negative, visitors will then be free to visit all BVI locations.

Costs: All PCR tests and tracking device (if necessary) would be at the visitor’s expense. Costs are to be determined.

Private Islands in the BVI – private island resorts in the BVI will reopen for tourism on December 1 – this includes Necker Island, Scrub Island, Oil Nut Bay, Moskito Island, Eustatia Island, Cooper Island, Guana Island, Jost Van Dyke, Peter Island and more.

Anguilla travel news – Anguilla Governor Tim Foy announced that the island will reopen to tourism Nov 1. For travelers interested in visiting Anguilla from Nov 1 on, they can contact their villa rental agency or hotel, and get the details for submitting a request to enter the country. Visit Anguilla travel site to apply for travel entry permission.

To enter the country, a traveler will be required to present proof of having been tested for Covid 19 within the previous 72 hours, show proof that they have purchased travel insurance, and have a negative test result from that test. Once on island, travelers will be tested on arrival, then are required to quarantine in place (in their villa) for 10 days, then be tested on day 10 to confirm they are not carrying the coronavirus. Tourists will however be allowed to leave the villa for certain pre-approved outings such as boat rides and travel to select restauranrs – ask your villa rental agency for details. Managing these stringent re-entry protocols and procedures does come at a cost, and the following fees for entry have therefore been established by the Government of Anguilla, payable only on approval of the application:

For a stay of under 3 months:
Individual Traveler: US$1,000
Business Guest: US$1,000
Family (4 persons): US$1,500 (There will be a charge for additional family members, which will be shared on the site.)

This fee covers two tests per person, surveillance and costs associated with the additional public health presence.

For a stay of over 3 months and up to 12 months:
Individual Traveler: US$2,000
Business Guest: US$2,000
Family (4 persons): US$3,000 (There will be a charge for additional family members, which will be shared on the site.)

This fee covers two tests per person, surveillance and costs associated with the additional public health presence, the cost of extended time and a digital work permit.Details from the government press release

Barbados travel news – re-opening for tourism on July 12 The shelter at home order ended on May 4, and there are no active covid cases on the island. The borders were re-opened for tourism on July 12.

All arriving passengers over the age of 5 will be required to submit a negative COVID-19 PCR test from an accredited or certified facility/laboratory within 72 hours of travel, or be tested at the airport on arrival in Barbados (testing at the airport may involve a 6-8 hour wait for test results, and is not recommended). Prior to arrival, travelers are required to upload their Covid 19 test results and complete a pre-arrival form at www.travelform.gov.bb.

Travelers coming from “high risk” countries like the US, Brazil , Mexico, France, Argentina and Russia, are required to present a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test result, then be quarantined at an approved villa (or designated holding hotel) at their own expense, and will be monitored daily for the onset of symptoms for a period of 14 days with an option to take a second COVID-19 PCR test between 5 – 7 days after the last test accepted by the Ministry of Health and Wellness. If the result of that second test is negative, that person will not be subject to further quarantine.

Travelers from Medium Risk countries, which includes the UK and Canada, need only to present a valid Covid19 PCT test no older than 72 hours, and then they are free to move about the island. They are asked however to take a second test on the 5th day of their stay in Barbados.

Grand Cayman travel news – re-opening for tourism after October 1 – Minister Alden McLaughlin announced a two phase reopening plan. Phase one is a SOFT-OPEN phase (September/October) for property owners and visitors looking to stay and work in Grand Cayman for longer stays. Only Cayman Airways and British Airways, as well as private aircraft, will be flying into Cayman until November 1.

Travelers need to set-up and account and apply for an entry permit at www.exploregov.ky/travel . Arrivals DO NOT NEED to take a COVID PCR test prior to flying; however, they are required on arrival:

1. To take a PCR test at the Cayman Airport
2. Self-Quarantine at their condo/villa for 14 days
3. Wear a location-monitoring bracelet during isolation
4. Be tested (PCR) at end of 14 days
5. Negative test result = release into the population

Government cautioned that PHASE II requirements and dates will all depend on the success of PHASE I and how well the self-isolation plan works. It will also depend on advances in the accuracy of new RAPID-ANTIGEN tests that are much cheaper and faster.

PHASE II Strategy will most likely utilize MORE-FREQUENT TESTING prior to arrival as well as a shorter self-isolation period on island. It is the Government?s hope that PHASE II can begin in November, but no formal plans have been published yet. Government and the Health Service Authority continue to evaluate strategies utilized by other islands who are currently open.

Antigua travel news (re-opening later this summer) – The lockdown established by the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda is scheduled to end on June 22. The island will re-open in stages; a re-opening of borders to tourism is not expected until late summer. Nearby Jumby Bay Private Island resort will resume operations on November.

Mexico travel news (re-opening to tourism this summer) – Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen and Tulum reopened for tourism on June 10. Visitors can fly into the Cancun International airport to access this region, and there are no travel restrictions once you arrive. The Cabo San Lucas area will reopen to tourism in stages starting in July.

St Lucia travel news – re-opening to tourism on June 4 – On May 18, the Minister of Tourism Dominic Fedee announced a phased approach to reopening the island’s tourism sector. Phase one includes welcoming international flights at Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) on June 4, for flights from the United States only.

Grenada travel news (re-opening to tourism on June 30) – Prime Minister, Dr the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell, has identified 30 June 2020 as the possible date for re-opening the country’s borders. Nearby Calivigny Island is scheduled to reopen in January, 2021

St.Kitts and Nevis travel news (re-opening to tourism Oct 31)– Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris announced that country’s borders will be reopened to tourism on October 31, 2020. US carriers will resume flights to both St. Kitts’ Robert L Bradshaw International Airport and Nevis’ Vance W. Amory International Airport in October. Monitor this page for updates on the specific date for the re-opening of Nevis, and for the Covid 19 PCR testing requirements for visitors wanting to vacation in Nevis.

They’ll then have to undergo a temperature check and health questionnaire at the airport upon arrival, and then download a contact tracing app. Travelers will be restricted to their hotel and hotel grounds for the first 1-7 days of their stay.

For those travelers staying longer than a week, they will be tested again on day 7; if negative, they can book select excursions and access select destination sites. Travelers staying more than 14 days will take another test on day 14; if that’s negative, they are free to integrate into St Kitts and Nevis.

Puerto Rico travel news – reopened to tourism on July 15 – San Juan airport is open and accepting flights from North American cities. Governor Wanda Vázquez Garced ended the shelter in place order on May 22. Starting on July 15, all travelers arriving at the San Juan airport will be asked to present a copy of a negative Covid19 test result. If travelers arrive at the San Juan airport without the requested test result documentation, they will be offered a rapid COVID-19 test (an anti body test) at the airport. Even if the test result is negative, it will be mandatory for the traveler to quarantine and cover their own medical expenses/possible extended stay.

Private Islands in the BVI, Grenadines and Bahamas reopening this summer in phases– Access to private island resorts is governed by the countries whose territorial waters they lie within. Consult the list above for area specific information.

Rocky Mountain States – Re-opened for tourism on June 1 – Montana, Idaho, Utah and Wyoming are all open to tourism, as are the national parks within those states. WIMCO has introduced private and premier house rentals in select areas. Please use this form to tell us where you want to go in the US,

Hawaii

Hawaii – reopening for tourism October 15- Governor David Ige announced that the Hawaiian island have reopened for tourism on Oct 15. Proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test is required, and the test needs to have been taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival.

Getting there: What is it Like to Fly Now?:

For all airport procedures, please read this full article. In short, airlines are using high-grade disinfectants to sanitize all surfaces during layovers. Planes staying overnight will receive an enhanced cleaning procedure. For personal sanitation measures, the TSA has reversed its stance on liquids, and is allowing passengers to carry up to 12 ounces of hand sanitizer in a carry-on bag, which will be screened separately. Social distancing measures will be in effect during screening as well. Many airport restaurants have reduced service to take out, and airlines are encouraging passengers to bring their own food and beverages as in-flight meal service is reduced.

Criteria for re-opening to Caribbean Islands tourism.

The World Health Organization, the WHO, has established six (6) criteria that countries should use before lifting or relaxing the restrictions. These are:

Controlling the transmission of the virus;
Ensuring that the local health systems are able to detect, test, isolate and treat every COVID-19 case and to trace every contact;
Ensuring that outbreak risks are minimized in special care settings such as healthcare facilities and nursing homes;
Instituting preventative measures in workplaces, schools and other places where essential services are offered;
Managing the risk of importing the virus from other countries/territories; and
Fully educating, engaging and empowering communities to live under what has been described as the new normal

European Union Countries

For more news updates about travel to Italy, France and Greece during covid-19, countries with a coronavirus travel ban, and the latest information coronavirus travel restrictions, please see this related article:

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Travel Restrictions for Italy, France and Greece

Travel advisories for North Americans planning to travel abroad

US State Department – As of August 6, the global travel advisory has ended, and country specific travel advisories are in effect.
CDC – As of August 1, the global travel advisory has ended. The CDC has returned to country specific travel advisories.
CDC statement on the risk of getting Covid19 while flying – Because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes, most viruses and other germs do not spread easily. Although the risk of infection on an airplane is low, try to avoid contact with sick passengers, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands, and wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Canadian Government – Avoid all travel outside of Canada

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