19 Safest Places to Travel in the Caribbean during Covid (2021 Winter)
Those looking to engage in international travel are encouraged to focus on the countries that the CDC has placed in Level 1, 2 or even 3 of epidemiology risk, which means that visitors should simply “practice usual precautions” to be safe.
A few countries have been moved to “levels 3 or even 4 (high risk)” but the number of real cases is low when compared to other countries.
Read: Countries Open to Vaccinated Tourists Without Quarantine – 2021
Saba
Level 1: COVID-19 Low
Saba is a five square mile island located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea, 28 miles southwest of its international hub St. Maarten. Visitors can make it to this hidden gem by taking a 12-minute flight or 90-minute ferry. Its surrounding Saba Marine Park, a renowned dive site, is home to coral formations and very popular with avid hikers.
This small island is one of the safest places to visit on earth as of right now. It has been open for tourism since May 1.
Visitors are required to fill out an online immigration (EHAS) card prior to travel at www.sabatourism.com/entry-form. They must also bring proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no longer than 72 hours upon arrival.
Quarantine requirements vary depending on the traveler’s country of departure. Those should consult their special conditions at info@Sabagov.nl.
Saint Barthelemy
Level 1: COVID-19 Low
Travelers looking to have a holiday to remember should head up to St. Barthelemy (St. Barts for friends!) This French Caribbean territory has become a popular winter getaway for the French, Europeans, and Americans.
Visitors will have a hard time deciding between going on a hike, sunbathing at the beach, spotting dolphins, or relaxing at one of its multiple spas and villas.
Fully vaccinated travelers arriving from Orange and Green countries or zones are permitted to enter.
In any case, they must bring proof they were immunized at least 14 days prior to arrival.
Additionally, visitors aged 10+ must submit a negative PCR test taken no longer than 72 hours before boarding or a rapid antigen test within 48 hours of their departure.
St. Barts has been ranked at level 1 risk (Very Low) which makes it one of the safest destinations in the world.
Montserrat
Level 1: COVID-19 Low
Montserrat is one of the smallest Caribbean British overseas territories, with a population of just 5,000. This has been reduced from 13,000 over the past 25 years after volcanic activity rendered much of its southern part uninhabitable.
The country severely restricts who enters. With only 2 active case, only nationals, permanent residents of Montserrat or their close family members are allowed to visit.
Those who are eligible must complete the Access Declaration Form at least three days prior to arriving.
PCR tests are required prior to and 3-4 days after arrival. Unvaccinated travelers must undergo a 14-day quarantine and vaccinated ones only 5.
Most visitors arriving in the country may be subjected to clinical medical examinations. If health authorities consider a person to be a risk they can and will isolate them until they can produce a negative COVID-19 test result.
Keep in mind that all travel to or from Montserrat is via Antigua. If you are traveling to Montserrat you must comply with all Antiguan entry requirements. It is advised to check travel advice for Antigua to avoid unexpected inconveniences.
San Andres and Providencia, Colombia
Level 2: Moderate Level of COVID-19 in Colombia
A seven-color sea, sugar sand beaches, luxurious resorts and one of the most stunning natural aquariums in the world are open for tourism on San Andres Islands.
Cheap and direct flights to San Andres depart daily from every major Colombian city. Flight time is 1h 48m from Medellin, 2h 20m Bogota, 2h from Cali, and only 1h 29m from Cartagena.
As per entry requirements, Colombia is one of the 3 countries in the world imposing no restrictions on international tourists. Foreign and local tourists must pay a US $32 tax fee to access the islands.
Bonus! – Although Colombia is a Spanish-speaking country the residents of San Andres and Providencia speak English as a first language and Creole and Spanish as a second, which makes things easier for most travelers.
The Bahamas
Level 3: High Level of COVID-19 in the Bahamas
Come to the Bahamas to enjoy the pleasures and luxuries of large all-inclusive resorts with on-site activities, or venture outside and experience the island’s famous beaches and fantastic shopping deals.
Travelers who have been vaccinated must show proof of a negative rapid antigen or PCR test taken within 5 days of their arrival in The Bahamas. “On the test result, the name and address of the lab where the test was performed must be clearly displayed.”
Unvaccinated visitors must also complete a daily health questionnaire for 14 days or the duration of their stay, whichever is first.
All foreign travelers aged 18 and up must fill out a Travel Health Visa Application.
Puerto Rico
Level 3: COVID-19 High
This “unincorporated U.S. territory” better known as the Island of Enchantment boasts a blend of Spanish, Indian, and African traditions all set in a landscape of mountains, waterfalls, and tropical rainforests.
Unvaccinated or international travelers are required to present a negative PCR or antigen COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival.
Travelers arriving without a test will receive a fine of $300.
Vaccinated travelers on domestic flights (all U.S. territories including mainland), must upload their official Vaccination Card, as proof of vaccination through the Travel Declaration Form portal. Hard copies are not accepted.
So far the only vaccine brands approved by the FDA are Pfizer-BioNTech, Modern, and Janssen/Johnson & Johnson.
Dominican Republic
Level 3: COVID-19 High
With an average of fewer than 850 cases per day, this paradise Caribbean island famous for the all-inclusive beach resorts of Punta Cana is once again open for tourists with just a few entry restrictions.
First and foremost, the Dominican Republic does not require visitors to be vaccinated or even present a negative COVID-19 test to allow them in.
In some cases, authorities will perform some rapid COVID-19 tests on randomly selected travelers upon arrival.
There is a nationwide curfew but it is expected it will be eased soon.
Trinidad and Tobago
Level 3: COVID-19 High
This cosmopolitan two-island Caribbean nation is open to visitors and happy to share its unique blend of cultural activities and eco-adventure.
While Trinidad offers a vibrant nightlife in its modern capital, Port-of-Spain, Tobago, which is only two hours away by ferry, is perfect to connect with nature.
To be allowed entry, visitors must be fully vaccinated with WHO’s approved vaccines or vaccine combinations.
A negative Covid-19 test is required as well as obtaining a TTravel Pass.
With only 6,618 active cases, this country has been ranked as level 3 (high level of transmission). But taking the necessary precautions visitors can enjoy its venues without too much trouble.
Anguilla
Level 3: COVID-19 High
Renowned for its pristine white sand beaches, colorful sunsets, and its 23-30°C (73-85°F) all year round, Anguilla has also become one of the safest places to visit during COVID-19 according to the CDC.
This British overseas territory in the Caribbean is welcoming back visitors from all over the world from May 25.
In order to be allowed entry, the first step is to request authorization to travel to the island. Once travelers get it, they will need to submit proof of a negative PCR test taken within 3-5 days prior to their arrival.
Effective July 1, fully vaccinated travelers who received the last jab at least three weeks before arrival will no longer need to quarantine.
Unvaccinated travelers must undergo a 10-14 day quarantine.
Turks and Caicos Islands
Level 3: COVID-19 High
Turks and Caicos is a pristine British overseas paradise made up of over 40 low-lying coral islands in the Atlantic Ocean. These islands offer a wealth of natural beauty and a perfect summer getaway for all types of travelers.
Both of the islands only have 78 active cases at the moment.
Here is a complete list of the documents visitors need to get in order be allowed entry:
- A travel pre-authorization via the TCI Assured Portal
- A negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken 5 days prior to arrival
- An online health screening questionnaire
- Proof of insurance that covers COVID-19 and full hospitalization expenses
Also read: Best COVID-19 insurance plans for travelers in 2021
Jamaica
Level 3: COVID-19 High
Jamaica is nothing less than the cultural capital of the Caribbean. This island country is frequently visited by those looking to experience live reggae music, street dances, festivals, and carnivals as well as crystal clear waters and sugar-white beaches.
With around 99 cases per day, the CDC ranks Jamaica at level 3 – High risk of contagion.
Most visitors need to obtain a travel authorization within 72 hours of their planned travel date. The document can be obtained at https://www.visitjamaica.com/travelauthorization.
The country is open for tourism. But, due to COVID-19 activity, the country is currently under a night curfew. Also, some interstate travel may be affected.
Cayman Islands
Level 4: COVID-19 Very High
The Cayman Islands, which is located 90 miles south of Cuba, has proven to be an especially popular destination for those interested in exploring its coral reefs and taking advantage of its culinary offerings.
Authorities scraped quarantine restrictions for fully vaccinated tourists on Nov. 20
For now, all arrivals need to get pre-approved at Apply to Travel Cayman, undergo pre-arrival PCR testing, and quarantine for 14 days or 5 days if they received their shots in the U.K. or in the Cayman Islands.
Also, note that the repercussions of not quarantining can be severe.
Read our full post: The Cayman Islands To Reopen For Fully Vaccinated Tourists on November 20.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Level 4: COVID-19 Very High
Saint Kitts and Nevis, which is also known as the Mother Colony of the West Indies, is in the northeast Caribbean.
Starting May 29, 2021, only fully vaccinated travelers are allowed entry into St. Kitts & Nevis, the exception being children under 18 traveling with fully vaccinated parents.
Fully vaccinated visitors are required to “Vacation in Place” at a travel-approved hotel for 9 days. They are allowed to interact with other tourists and take part in hotel activities only.
Returning Americans, and other travelers going to the United States, have now the option to get a COVID-19 test in St. Kitts so they can be allowed to re-enter the territory according to the new CDC regulations for returning travelers.
Those may schedule their appointments at nextgenmedlab.com or www.qualitydiagnosticlab.com. The cost of the test is USD 150.
The CDC has recently ranked it at a level 4 risk (high level of Covid-19 transmission)
Belize
Level 4: COVID-19 Very High
Even considering that Belize is bordered on the north by Mexico and on the south and west by Guatemala, this small Caribbean country has managed to keep the COVID-19 pandemic under control.
Land borders are closed but the country is open for tourism. Indeed, it is rapidly becoming one of the most popular destinations in the region due to its world-class scuba diving, its barrier reef and the always popular and interesting ancient Maya ruins.
All travelers must submit a negative COVID-19 test and take another one at the airport. If this one returns positive, the traveler will need to undergo a minimum of 14 days quarantine at their own expense.
Antigua and Barbuda
Level 4: COVID-19 Very High
Antigua and Barbuda is a tropical country made up of 3 islands in the Eastern Caribbean. Antigua, blessed with bays and sandy beaches; Barbuda, a flat coral island with a large lagoon; and Redonda, a rocky uninhabited natural place.
All arrivals must bring a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR taken within 7 days of their flight. Returning nationals and residents need to quarantine at a government-selected facility for 4 days at a cost of EC $82.00 per day.
Fully vaccinated travelers in possession of a verifiable vaccine certificate will be only required to quarantine for 48 hours or until they can produce a negative test result.
The cost for COVID Test is US$50.00 for residents and US$100.00 for visitors.
Unvaccinated travels must undergo a 7-day mandatory quarantine or longer.
Grenada
Level 4: COVID-19 Very High
Famous for its festivals, parties, and astonishing beaches, this tropical Caribbean island, which is located only 1529 miles away from Miami, has reopened for fully vaccinated travelers.
Starting July 31, 2021, all arrivals over the age of 5 must bring proof of having been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to arrival in Grenada.
In addition to the vaccine certificate, visitors must submit a negative COVID-19 test result taken no longer than 72 hours prior to departure as well as a confirmed reservation at an approved accommodation.
Also, travelers will be required to pay for an additional COVID-19 test before applying for the travel authorization certificate.
For information on travel protocols visit: https://covid19.gov.gd/travel-covid/
British Virgin Islands
Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19 in the British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands is a 60-island British Overseas Territory that has historically welcomed significant numbers of visitors from the United States, United Kingdom, and other areas of Europe.
Due to a recent surge in coronavirus infections, The British Virgin Islands changed some of the entry protocols for visitors from July 19, according to Carvin Malone, the BVI’s Minister for Health and Social Development.
As of today, fully vaccinated visitors must undergo a rapid antigen test upon arrival at their own expense. (USD 50).
Arrivals who have been fully vaccinated won’t need to undergo mandatory quarantine if the test they must take upon arrival returns negative. Unfortunately, this benefit does not apply to anyone traveling from or through India or Brazil.
Visitors who have received one dose of a two-dose vaccine, or those whose final vaccine dose was administered less than 14 days before arrival are only permitted to enter through the Road Town Jetty and the T B Lettsome International Airport.
Regular entry requirements:
- BVI Gateway Traveler Authorization Certificate at a cost of $105.00.
- Proof of a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test taken 3-5 days before arrival
- Proof of vaccination status.
- RT-PCR COVID-19 testing upon arrival and quarantine until they can produce a negative test result.
- Partially vaccinated or unvaccinated travelers must quarantine for seven days.
Dominica
Level 4: COVID-19 Very High
Dominica is an island country located in the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, about halfway between Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago.
Travelers visiting the island must fill out a health questionnaire 24 hours before arrival, submit a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 24-72 hours of their flight.
Fully vaccinated travelers must undertake a Rapid Diagnostic Test upon arrival. If negative, travelers will need to quarantine for 2 days only.
Unvaccinated visitors will be required to take a rapid diagnostic test upon entry and quarantine for a minimum of 5 to 7 days.
The CDC categorizes Dominica at level 4 risk (Very High) but according to official data Dominica only has 545 active COVID-19 cases at the moment.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Level 4: COVID-19 Very High
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is located in the southeast Caribbean, about 130 miles north of Venezuela. It consists of a chain of 33 islands; Saint Vincent is home to more than 90% of its population.
To be granted entry, visitors will need to complete a pre-arrival travel form and submit a recent negative PCR test taken less than 72 hours prior to arrival and agree to get retested on arrival.
Vaccinated travelers must quarantine for 48 hours and unvaccinated ones for 14 days.
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