The Soca News guide to Caribbean travel
If you’re pining for that Caribbean getaway or a chance to catch up with friends and family in the islands you may need to remain patient. Countries are desperate to attract back their tourists and returning nationals, but the pandemic restrictions have, in some areas, actually tightened. Bear in mind that what follows was correct at the time of writing (27 March 2021) but is subject to rapid change as conditions improve or deteriorate around the world.
It is currently illegal to travel from the UK for holidays. You are allowed to travel for work, volunteering, education, medical or compassionate grounds, weddings, funerals and related events.
Before you leave the UK, you must fill in a travel declaration form.
Everyone arriving in the UK must quarantine for 10 days. If you are entering from a low-risk country, you can quarantine at home.
Certain countries with high rates of coronavirus are on a red list. Only returning British and Irish citizens and UK residents may enter the UK from a red list country and, when you do, you must quarantine in a hotel. The hotel, transport and two mandatory Covid tests must be booked and paid for in advance – the cost is £1,750. Currently, the only Caribbean countries on the red list are Guyana and Guyane (French Guiana). Before travelling, check Government Travel Guidance.
Remember that a country may be ‘safe’ when you fly out, but if its status changes while you are there you will have to pay the cost of hotel quarantine when you return.
Entry requirements for the Caribbean
This is based on UK government travel advice as of 27 March. Note that ALL countries require evidence of a Covid test carried out before you arrive. Most importantly, NHS and home tests are not accepted – you will have to pay for a private test conducted by a recognised healthcare professional. Most Covid-19 PCR tests cost £100-150 each.
Anguilla
Entry is restricted and must be pre-approved by the government. You must provide evidence of a negative Covid-19 test taken 3‑5 days before arrival. Expect testing on arrival and 10‑14 days quarantine in a quarantine facility or an approved self-quarantine facility. See also: https://beatcovid19.ai/
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Antigua and Barbuda
You must provide evidence of a negative Covid-19 test taken no more than 7 days before arrival. You’ll undergo health screening at V C Bird International Airport (expect long waiting times). Your accommodation must be on the approved list – see https://visitantiguabarbuda.com/antigua-and-barbuda-is-open/. Take precautions against zika virus and chikungunya when in Antigua and Barbuda.
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Bahamas
Bahamas is under a state of emergency and there are no direct flights from the UK. Before arrival you must complete a travel health visa application, for which you need proof of a negative Covid test that was taken no more than 5 days before arrival. Mandatory health insurance is included in the cost of the visa. See: https://travel.gov.bs/
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Barbados
You must provide evidence of a negative Covid-19 test taken no more than 3 days before arrival. You’ll be tested again at the airport and, if negative, quarantined at an approved facility at your own expense, where you’ll be monitored for 7 days after arrival. Monitoring includes interviews, health assessments and a second test. While quarantined you must stay in your room and may have to wear an electronic tag. See: https://www.visitbarbados.org/covid-19-travel-guidelines-2020
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Bermuda
Before travelling you must apply for Bermuda Covid-19 Travel Authorisation. You’ll need proof of a negative Covid test that was taken no more than 5 days before arrival and will be tested again at L.F. Wade International Airport. Visitors must wear a Traveller Wristband for the first 14 days of their stay. You must quarantine for 4 days upon arrival, or for 14 days if you do not wear a wristband.
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Dominica
You must complete an online questionnaire and provide evidence of a negative Covid test that was taken no more than 3 days before arrival. On arrival you will be given a rapid Covid test and must self-isolate for 5 days, when you’ll be given a second test. If you test positive, you’ll be required to quarantine for 14 days and take another test at your own expense. See: https://discoverdominica.com/en/travel-advisory-for-dominica
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Grenada
Air travel to Grenada resumed on 1 February. Before travel you’ll need a Pure Safe Travel Certificate, evidence of a negative Covid test that was taken no more than 3 days before arrival; a further test will be done when you reach the airport. Your accommodation must be on the approved list and booked in advance, and you’ll be expected to download a contact tracing app. Visitors must quarantine for up to 7 days. There is a risk of zika virus and chikungunya in Grenada. See: https://covid19.gov.gd/
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Guyana – red list country
You must provide evidence of a negative Covid test that was taken no more than 3 days before arrival. At the airport you will have to pay GY$16,000 (£55) for another test. You can self-isolate at home or in your hotel until a negative result is received. Borders with Brazil, Suriname and Venezuela are closed.
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Jamaica
Jamaica has banned all flights from the UK until 13 April. Non-Jamaicans who were in the UK up to 14 days before travelling will not be allowed to enter the country. Those who are not banned will need to get authorisation and provide evidence of a negative Covid test taken no more than 3 days before arrival. They will have to undergo screening and must pay for a further test at the airport. Zika virus is present. See: https://www.visitjamaica.com/
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Saint Kitts and Nevis
At least until 7 April visitors from the UK are advised not to enter Saint Kitts and Nevis. Those who do need to reach the country must provide evidence of a negative Covid test that was taken between 2 and 3 days before arrival and must complete a travel authorisation form before departure from the UK. On arrival, visitors will be health-screened, and required to download a tracing app. A 14-day quarantine at an approved hotel is mandatory, as are up to 3 Covid tests at a cost of US$150 each. See: https://www.stkittstourism.kn/
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Saint Lucia
Before you reach Saint Lucia, you must complete a pre-arrival registration form, provide evidence of a negative Covid test that was taken no more than 7 days before arrival and proof of a booking at an approved quarantine facility. On arrival, visitors will be health-screened. See: https://www.stlucia.org/en_UK/covid-19/
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Trinidad Tobago
TT has closed its borders to international flights and passenger shipping indefinitely; all direct flights from the UK and cruise calls are suspended. No non-nationals are allowed to enter TT. Nationals must provide evidence of a negative Covid test that was taken no more than 3 days before arrival and those who have been in the UK beforehand will have to stay in a state-run quarantine centre for 14 days.
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