The Latest Caribbean Island Travel Restrictions

Caribbean islands are reacting to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic by enforcing and altering travel restrictions. Here’s the latest from several islands:

Anguilla

Anguilla has closed all ports—sea and air—for 14 days for all passenger movements. This will come into force from 11:59 pm on Friday, March 20. This does not include the movement of goods. All persons arriving in Anguilla who have traveled outside of the Caribbean within the last 14 days, will be quarantined for 14 days on their arrival. A judgement will be made on arrival by health professionals if this can be self-quarantine or in a government run health facility.

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda has one confirmed case of coronavirus. The individual is currently in self-isolation at home in Antigua and is being monitored. The destination remains open for travelers; however, foreign nationals (including passengers and crew) who have travelled to China, Italy, Iran, Japan, South Korea and Singapore the past 28 days will be not be permitted entry. Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda as well as resident diplomats will be allowed entry.

The Bahamas

At this time, there is one confirmed case of coronavirus in Nassau, The Bahamas, and the patient is in isolated quarantine. Effective Thursday, March 19, expanded travel restrictions will be introduced. Foreign nationals and foreign individuals who have travelled within the last 20 days from the United Kingdom, Ireland and Europe will be prohibited entry into The Bahamas. This is in addition to restrictions already in place for China, Iran, Italy and South Korea. This restricted travel list of countries will be continuously monitored and updated as necessary.

Traveler health questionnaires and a screening protocol are used at ports, hotels and rental properties to identify guests who may require surveillance or treatment. In addition, all Bahamian nationals and residents returning to The Bahamas through any point of entry from any of the restricted countries or an area where community infection and spread is present will be quarantined or be placed under self-isolation upon arrival and are expected to follow the protocols of the Ministry of Health.

British Virgin Islands

On March 14, the British Virgin Islands announced the immediate closure of the Tortola cruise port, allowing no cruise ships to call on the territory for a 30-day period in an effort to protect the territory from potential contamination. At present there are no confirmed cases in the islands.

Also, the number of international ports of entry into the British Virgin Islands have been limited to facilitate the effective screening of passengers. The three ports that remain open are Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, Road Town and West End Ferry Terminals, and one cargo port of entry (Port Purcell). The entry of passengers and crew members who have traveled to, from or through COVID- 19-affected countries, as specified in a list of countries of special interest within a period of 14 days or less, will not be allowed. Additionally, the entry of passengers and crew members who have traveled to, from or through COVID-19-affected countries, classified as a high-risk country within a period of 14 days or less immediately preceding their arrival in the territory, will be subject to advanced screening procedures and may be quarantined for a period of up to 14 days based on the outcome of the risk assessment.

Locally, any mass gatherings or festivals that were scheduled to take place in the BVI during the next month will be postponed until further notice. This includes the 2020 BVI Spring Regatta, scheduled for March 30 to April 5, and the Virgin Gorda Easter Festival scheduled for April 11 to 13.

Curaçao

All incoming flights are canceled with the exception of flights carrying local residents in the possession of a valid retour-ticket and a sedula. All returning residents are obliged to spend 14 days in quarantine. This needs to take place at home, as long as this is possible. Regarding departing flights, only non-residents are allowed to travel; residents are not allowed to travel abroad. There have been three cases of COVID-19 identified on Curaçao as yet.

Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic President Danilo Medina reported the island will be closing the country’s borders by land, sea and air effective Thursday, March 19, for the next 15 days. Only ferry places will be allowed for the departure of foreign citizens, as well as the arrival of planes, cargo ships and fuel to guarantee supplies to the island. Medina also requested to the National Congress to declare a national emergency. There are currently 21 confirmed cases in the DR.

Jamaica

Jamaica’s Prime Minister has activated the Disaster Risk Management Act, which in effect means COVID-19 has been declared a national emergency. Its Ministry of Health and Wellness has imposed travel restrictions to include nine countries in efforts to control the coronavirus: China, Italy, South Korea, Singapore, Iran, Spain, France, Germany and the UK. Travelers who have been to these countries in the past 14 days and do not have permanent residency or marriage exemption in Jamaica will not be landed on arrival to the island. In addition, all persons arriving in Jamaica, regardless of destination of origin, are subject to self-quarantine for 14 days.

St. Kitts Nevis

To date, St. Kitts Nevis still has no confirmed cases of COVID-19. However, to help control the spread of the virus, the federal government of St. Kitts Nevis has issued COVID-19 travel advisories for visitors, citizens and residents arriving in from China, Italy, Iran, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany and Spain.

Air passengers traveling to/from any of the above listed destinations within the last 14 days are asked to note travel restrictions and the 14-day mandatory quarantine period that is enforced for nationals, residents and visitors. Persons who travel to St. Kitts Nevis from these destinations will be subject to screening at the port of entry and a mandatory 14-day quarantine period, wherein their movements will be restricted to a designated facility — for air passengers, most likely their hotel. Air travelers are advised to contact their hotel in advance of arrival to determine if the hotel can accommodate a quarantine and to request information about fees and policies if travelers choose to postpone or cancel their trip.

Others

Additionally, Aruba, the Cayman Islands, St. Maarten and Trinidad are totally closed to international visitors for two to four weeks. This closure went into effect Monday, March 16. Any visitors will be quarantined if they show symptoms.