Caribbean Islands Are Reopening for Tourism in June

With just 96 confirmed cases and 11 deaths, the Bahamas has started to reopen businesses with commercial activity resuming most recently on Cat Island, Long Island, Abaco, and Andros as of Monday, May 18. However, nonessential travel won’t come until later this summer.

“As of now, we are looking at a possible opening date for commercial travel on or before July 1,” Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis said in a radio and television broadcast on May 17. “These dates may change depending on the circumstances. It will be adjusted if we see a deterioration in the COVID-19 infection trends or if we determine that the protocols and procedures are not in place sufficiently to warrant an opening.”

Cayman Islands unlikely to reopen on September 1

Earlier in May, the government in the Cayman Islands discussed reopening its borders on September 1, but Premier Alden McLaughlin now says that date is unlikely, local news source Cayman Compass reported.

“Given what I and everybody else is seeing in the United States, the September 1st reopening date is not looking good,” McLaughlin said at a press briefing on May 19. So far, the Cayman Islands have recorded 111 coronavirus cases and 1 death.

St. Lucia will welcome flights from the United States only starting June 4

With borders closed to international tourists since March 23, St. Lucia has recorded only 18 cases of coronavirus and no deaths. Starting on June 4, the country will begin a phased approach to reopening tourism and will start by welcoming flights into Hewanorra International Airport from the United States only. 

In order to protect locals and visitors during Phase 1, the government will require all visitors to present certified proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of boarding their flights and undergo temperature checks upon arrival. Travelers will be required to wear face masks and follow social-distancing measures during their stay on the island. Around 1,500 hotel rooms are slated to open in early June, once a new COVID-19 certification process for sanitization and social distancing is completed. 

Phase 2 of the island’s new responsible approach to tourism will commence on August 1, 2020, with details to be revealed in the weeks ahead. For more information on St. Lucia’s reopening plans, visit stlucia.org/covid-19.

Next: What Is an Immunity Passport—and Do I Need One to Travel?