“It’s Christmas in the Caribbean, snowbirds fill the air…
We don’t get in a hurry, we send away for mistletoe…
Christmas in the Caribbean,
We’ve got everything but snow!” Jimmy Buffet.
That should have most American or Canadian snowbirds as soon as they read – “We’ve got everything but snow!” On top of that, it’s also hello, end of the year or all years! We’ve had our hair down all year during lock downs and quarantines. Now there is snow and it’s time to get some wind in our hair concurrently with sun on the skin and palm trees flapping in view.
Here’s the low-down on what, where and when for travel to the Caribbean when it gets too cold or gloomy back home.
First, take note of PCR Test requirements before you , of course.
PCR test requirements – most Caribbean islands are requiring that the traveler present a negative PCR test result to enter the destination. Several are now accepting rapid result antigen tests.
Where to Spend a Sunny Christmas ’20?
Most Caribbean islands have reopened to tourism. Below is a list of Caribbean islands and regions that you can travel to now, and what the requirements are. These updates are based on official government announcements, as summarized also on www.wimco.com
Wherever you travel internationally, you will be required to present proof of a negative PCR or Antigen Test, and in several cases you will be required to log on to a travel entry request portal to submit the info in advance.
Riviera Maya, Cozumel & Tulum, Mexico – No testing required for entry, screened for symptoms upon arrival, no quarantine required.
Punta Cana, Cap Cana & Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic – No testing required to enter, random screening of arrivals.
St. Barths – PCR or Antigen tests required for entry, within last 3 full days, no portal upload required, no quarantine required. No tests for trips to St Martin/Sint Maarten and Guadeloupe from St. Barths.
Turks & Caicos – PCR test required, within last 5 full days, portal upload required, no quarantine required
British Virgin Islands – PCR test required, with last 5 full days, portal upload required, 4 day quarantine in your villa or hotel , then second test required
US Virgin Islands – PCR test required, within last 5 full days, portal upload required, no quarantine required
St Martin/Sint Maarten – PCR or Antigen tests required, within last 5 full days, portal upload required, no quarantine required
Mustique – PCR test required, within last 5 full days, portal upload required, second rapid test required upon entry, then no quarantine after testing negative
Anguilla – PCR test required for entry, within the last 5 full days, portal upload required, quarantine in your villa or hotel for 10 days, with select excursions and activities allowed if requested first
Bahamas (and associated private islands there) – PCR test required for entry, within the last 5 full days, portal upload required, no quarantine, however second rapid test required after 4 days
Jamaica – PCR or Antigen tests required for entry, within last 10 days, portal upload required, no quarantine required
Barbados – PCR test required for entry, within the last 3 full days, portal upload required, quarantine in your villa or hotel until results from second test are received (within 24-48 hours)
Antigua & Barbuda – PCR test required for entry, with last 7 full days, no portal, 14 day quarantine in place and second test required
Grand Cayman – PCR test required for entry, with last 5 full days, portal upload required, 14 day quarantine and second test required
St Kits and Nevis – PCR test required for entry, with last 3 full days, no portal, 7 day quarantine and second test required
DO NOTE: Reopening dates and entry requirements announced by local governments are subject to change.
Getting There
The TSA is allowing passengers to carry up to 12 ounces of hand sanitizer in a carry-on bag. Many airport restaurants have reduced service to take out, and airlines are encouraging passengers to bring their own food and beverages as in-flight meal service is reduced. Airlines are performing sanitizing “wipe downs” of the planes during change overs.
In Conclusion
So, if you scan through the above you will notice that most islands require a test and/or portal upload or second test followed by quarantine of varying amounts of days. In other words, be prepared to be spending up to 2 weeks in a hotel room in Antigua, for instance. But Barbados seems a bit easier with only up to 2 days quarantine until results from a second test is received. It really depends on you.
For that matter, skip all this and go to Cozumel/Riviera Maya/Tulum area in Mexico or the Dominican Republic. Public Health minister, Rafael Sánchez Cárdenas, stated that there are no requirements for entry, no testing is required, and there is no quarantine for vacationers planning to stay in villas or hotels in Cap Cana, Punta Cana or Casa de Campo (Dominican Republic). You are, however, advised to wear a mask in the airport and to maintain adequate social distancing.
Interestingly, travel to Anguilla allows tourists to leave the (quarantine) villa for certain pre-approved outings such as boat rides and travel to select restaurants. Managing these strict entry procedures does come at a cost.
Source: www.wimco.com
Having stated all the above, there are some doctors who disagree with the main stream narrative. Whatch this video, but we do encourage you to always use common sense and do your own research.