What to know before traveling to the Caribbean this fall

Many of the Caribbean’s 33 tourism-reliant nations remain closed to international travelers. However, several destinations across the region are now accepting visitors as they attempt to rebuild tourism activity during the critical fall period.

Yet, destinations need not only to reopen, travelers must also feel comfortable returning to the region.

To do that, vacationers must access, understand and prepare for required COVID-19 protocols in the Caribbean country they intend to visit. “We forewarn our clients that protocols and guidelines can change on a dime, so they need to be aware that they might need to suddenly follow a new policy, which can be stressful,” said Jennifer Doncsecz, owner of VIP Vacations.

Her agency has served “many travelers and even large wedding groups” traveling to Antigua, St. Lucia, Aruba, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic following these countries’ border reopenings. Another top travel seller, Tom Varghese, also identified the “romance market” as ready to travel to Caribbean destinations this fall, including “clients that are celebrating a delayed honeymoon, anniversary or milestone birthday.”

Here are essential aspects that travelers heading to Caribbean destinations this fall should consider before departing:

GET TESTED

Most Caribbean nations accepting travelers from the U.S. have designated America as a “high risk” COVID-19 country and thus require travelers from the country to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test within as few as three to five days of arrival.

But standards can vary across the region. Some Caribbean countries, including Aruba, only “encourage” travelers to obtain proof of a negative test prior to arrival. The Dominican Republic recently implemented a Responsible Tourism Recovery Plan under which travelers are no longer required to present a negative COVID-19 test at Dominican airports to enter the country.

Checking the specific requirements in the country you are visiting will prevent further problems upon arrival.

CONTACT THE AUTHORITIES

Caribbean government and tourism websites offer the most updated information regarding current protocols for regional countries, which can vary significantly. Some Caribbean governments have changed protocols and requirements several times as more is learned about the illness.

Entry requirements also vary within the region. For example, high-risk visitors to the Bahamas and Barbados are required to quarantine for up to 14 days upon arrival. Anguilla requires potential visitors to pre-register online at the Anguilla Tourist Board’s website and provide information including proposed travel dates. The Bahamas and U.S. Virgin Islands both changed protocols earlier this summer due to local COVID-19 spikes.

That’s why it’s crucial that travelers access data from official tourism authorities in the Caribbean destination they plan to visit this fall.

Doncsecz advises consumers to select their Caribbean vacation targets carefully.

She noted “Barbados, Turks Caicos, and The Bahamas have flip-flopped on their entry requirements and reopening dates,” making it imperative travelers access the latest information.

Travelers can find government ministry and tourism agency links for 24 Caribbean destinations on the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s website. The Centers for Disease Control recommends Caribbean-bound travelers consult the destination’s Ministry of Health or the U.S. Department of State’s Country Information page. In addition, the Caribbean Hotel Tourism Association maintains a Resource Center that provides regional alerts, travel advisories and airline and accommodation policies and guidelines.

BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel insurance coverage tied specifically to COVID-19 is limited according to travel insurance consolidation firm Squaremouth. Benefits may be available depending on the situation, including coverage for COVID-19-related cancellations or medical emergencies. However, travelers can also protect themselves in case an unforeseen COVID-19 scenario impacts their plans with a “cancel for any reason” policy from a leading provider.