We'd all love to lay out on a beach right nowand no one does beaches better than the Caribbean. But more than toes in the sand, what the Caribbean and its economies need right now are tourist dollars. According to the Inter-American Development Bank, 14 of the 15 most tourism-dependent nations in the world are in the Caribbean, with Aruba, Antigua and Barbuda, and the Bahamas in the top three spots. But as many of these island nations and territories reopen to kick start their economies, health and safety questions for travelers remain: Do you need to take a COVID-19 test before arriving? How are hotels and resorts stepping up cleaning efforts? Will you be able to rent snorkel equipment? And, importantly, do you have to wear a face mask on the beach?
To help you sift from all the information out there, we broke down exactly what to expect if you're heading to the Caribbean in the coming months, for every destination with a reopening plan. Note that not everyone is rushing to welcome travelers back: you won't find the Cayman Islands, Guadeloupe, or Curaao belowas they don't plan on open their borders anytime soon.
Read on for what to know about visiting the Caribbean this summer. And as you plan your visits, remember to keep checking in on local government and tourism board sites, as coronavirus updates come often.
This dual-island country officially reopened its borders, and its international airport on Antigua, on June 1. (As of publishing, American is flying the only route from the U.S., with a daily flight from Miami.) Visitors have two options when it comes to Antigua and Barbuda's mandatory coronavirus testing: you can pay $100 for free test at the airport upon arrival and quarantine in your hotel for about 24 hours until you get the results; or you can quarantine at your hotel or rental for the first 14 days of your stay.
You'll have to wear a mask in all public places, and when interacting with others outside your family circlebut you won't have to wear them at beaches or pools where social distancing is possible, Colin James, head of the country's tourism board told the Telegraph. At beach bars, stools will be removed and tables will be at last six feet apart; and, for now, local restaurants outside of hotels will be restricted to takeout. All hotels and villas are also being certified by the local government to ensure they're following local health and cleaning guidelines. Check back on the government's COVID-19 site for continuing updates.
Aruba is reopening its border in stages. First, on July 1, European, Canadian, and Caribbean tourists (with the exception of the those from the Dominican Republic and Haiti) will be able to visit. Then, on July 10, that will extend to U.S. travelers. No date has been announced for travelers from countries not mentioned above. Like a number of U.S. airlines, Aruba is requiring visitors to both complete a health questionnaire and upload negative COVID-19 PCR test results, within 72 hours of arriving, as part of a new embarkation and disembarkation (ED) card process. (You can also prepay for a COVID-19 test upon arrival at Queen Beatrix International Airport.) Once you've filled out that ED card and received approval to visit, you're set to fly.
As for the experience on the ground, masks are not required, but are requested in situations where social distancing is difficult. Hotels have installed plexiglass barriers at front desks, and many are offering contactless check-in. Outdoor restaurants have been open since late May, restaurants with seating inside (as well as spas) opened June 1, and bars and nightclubs opened on June 10. The island has also instituted a Health & Happiness Codeessentially a certification that shows that a tour operator, water activities coordinator, car rental company, or spa is complying with suggested safety guidelines.
Follow this link:
A Guide to the Caribbean Islands Reopening this Summer - Cond Nast Traveler
- Cheap Caribbean [Last Updated On: December 9th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 9th, 2016]
- Caribbean - Lonely Planet [Last Updated On: December 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 12th, 2016]
- Caribbean Sea | sea, Atlantic Ocean | Britannica.com [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2016]
- Caribbean travel guide - Wikitravel [Last Updated On: December 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 22nd, 2016]
- Caribbean Information Office [Last Updated On: January 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 9th, 2017]
- Holidays to the Caribbean 2016 / 2017 | loveholidays.com [Last Updated On: January 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 9th, 2017]
- Caribbean Cruises | Caribbean Vacation Packages | Norwegian ... [Last Updated On: January 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 9th, 2017]
- Caribbean - New World Encyclopedia [Last Updated On: January 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 9th, 2017]
- 'Pirates of the Caribbean' Actor Brenton Thwaites to Star in Thriller 'Ghosts of War' - Variety [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- New Kokomo bar has Caribbean theme - Kokomo Tribune [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Michael Perry: Caribbean work day | Recent columns by Michael ... - Madison.com [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Orlando Bloom Returns as Will Turner in Pirates of the Caribbean 5 First Look - MovieWeb [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Link-Caribbean Awards US$125000 To Five Caribbean Firms - Caribbean360.com (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Johnny Depp Finally Appears In Dynamite 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' Super Bowl Spot - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- RORC Caribbean 600 attracts Classics - Scuttlebutt Sailing News [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Caribbean dancer N'Jelle Gage-Thorne visits Allen Hall - Daily Illini [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Norwegian, Royal Caribbean expand Cuba sailings through end of the year - Orlando Sentinel [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Why Disney's 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' Had The Best Super Bowl Movie Ad - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- The 'baseball island' is taking on water at the Caribbean Series - ESPN (blog) [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- World's Smallest Biennale Drops Anchor on Caribbean Islet - Hyperallergic [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Obama kiteboards in Caribbean with billionaire Richard Branson - Reuters [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Crime Costing Caribbean Billions | Caribbean360 - Caribbean360.com (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Classics Gather in Caribbean - Sailing World [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- CCGA enters partnership with Caribbean college - The News (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Caribbean Charm Enjoying New Location - Hartford Courant [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- World Bank Appoints New Country Director for the Caribbean - St. Lucia Times Online News (press release) [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Caribbean reports record of 29M visits - The San Luis Obispo Tribune [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Puerto Rico edges Mexico for Caribbean Series title - MLB.com [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- LGBTQI coalition gears up in eastern Caribbean - Erasing 76 Crimes [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Caribbean Series artifacts to be displayed in Hall - MLB.com [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Pros and Cons of Royal Caribbean's unlimited drink packages - Royal Caribbean Blog (blog) [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- AP PHOTOS: Editor Selections From Latin America, Caribbean ... - ABC News [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Caribbean reports record of 29M visits - Beloit Daily News [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Humanitarian Bulletin Latin America and Caribbean Volume 30 | November December 2016 - ReliefWeb [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- All inclusive Caribbean trips with nonstop flights hit the vacation spot - The Tennessean [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- US, EU Food Standards Major Hurdle for Caribbean Exporters - Caribbean360.com (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Cruises that cater to the Chinese on Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas - Miami Herald [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- St. Croix Restaurants Named Among Top Ten In Caribbean By USA Today - VI Consortium (press release) [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Caribbean Brothers Bar & Grill opens along Route 30 in Lancaster Family Resort - LancasterOnline [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- FATCA hurting Caribbean: Revoke it, Mr Trump - Jamaica Observer [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Book review: 'Island People' brings Caribbean's humanity, color to life - Fredericksburg.com [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Caribbean/American leaders want strong stance against Trump's immigration policy - Jamaica Observer [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- 10 Ways MSC Cruises is Elevating the Caribbean Cruise Experience - Cruise Fever [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Caribbean hoteliers concerned over poaching - Jamaica Observer [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Caribbean all-inclusive resorts: Top spots for families, foodies, more - USA TODAY [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- This Unknown Caribbean Island Should Be Your #1 Vacation Destination In 2017 - Huffington Post [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Belize among the Caribbean countries recording strongest tourism growth - Amandala [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- You can take a family vacation the Caribbean - AZCentral.com [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Caribbean-style lagoon coming to Houston-area development - Chron.com [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Royal Caribbean CIO Sets Sail For Digital Innovation - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- 2000 Royal Caribbean passengers stranded after ship fails life jacket inspection - Fox News [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Caribbean's Carnivals Tip Their Hats to Trinidad - New York Times [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- New shark of the Caribbean - Deutsche Welle [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Caribbean labour ministers to meet in Jamaica - Jamaica Observer [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Record Fleet for RORC Caribbean 600 >> Scuttlebutt Sailing News - Scuttlebutt Sailing News [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Caribbean hoteliers predict positive tourism performance for 2017 - Amsterdam News [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Venezuela promotes trade with Caribbean - St. Lucia Times Online News (press release) [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Disney World announces expansion at Coronado Springs, Caribbean Beach resorts - Orlando Sentinel [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- AP PHOTOS: Editor selections from Latin America, Caribbean - SFGate [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- UK weather to get hotter than Barcelona as Caribbean blast 'heatwave' keeps temperatures soaring into next week ... - The Sun [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Black Caribbean Immigrants In The US Today 10 Things You Should Know This Black History Month - News Americas Now Caribbean And Latin America Daily... [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- The 8 Most Memorable Island Cocktails To Try On Your Next Caribbean Adventure - Huffington Post [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Caribbean air will send February temperatures soaring in Cornwall - Cornwall Live [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- New LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean sets revealed at New York Toy Fair 2017, coming in May [News] - The Brothers Brick [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Caribbean/American legislator dispels rumours about immigration sweep - Jamaica Observer [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Lego's New Pirates of the Caribbean Ship Can Open Itself Up Like a Skeleton's Ribcage - Gizmodo [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Royal Caribbean cancels all cruise stops in Turkey in 2017 - Royal Caribbean Blog (blog) [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Caribbean trained attorneys are taking over the judiciary in the region - Stabroek News [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Caribbean Nations Concerned President Trump's Immigration Policy Will Slow Tourism - South Florida Caribbean News [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Woman suffering diabetic shock airlifted by Coast Guard from Royal Caribbean cruise ship - ABC News [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Johnny Depp is in 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales', Apparently - Bloody Disgusting [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Dozens Starve to Death in Caribbean Prison - Newser [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Horses on the Caribbean Track - Scuttlebutt Sailing News [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- SXM Festival on the Caribbean island of Saint Martin announces 2017 edition - Mirror.co.uk [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- Navigator of the Seas Live Blog - Day 5 - Curacao - Royal Caribbean Blog (blog) [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- Jamaica Commended For Its Economic Initiatives At IDB - South Florida Caribbean News [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- RORC Caribbean 600: It's Never Like This >> Scuttlebutt Sailing News - Scuttlebutt Sailing News [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- More Caribbean illegals in line for deportation - Trinidad & Tobago Express [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- CHIEF and Taste Of The Caribbean To Be Held In Miami In June ... - Caribbean360.com (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- Caribbean islands offer Carnival travel choices: St. Lucia, Barbados and more - Newsday [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]