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Everything You Need To Know To Get Into Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Aruba, Barbados, And The Bahamas
As the world scrambles to adapt to the new COVID-19 variant, nicknamed Omicron, it can be complicated understanding what is required for entry to different countries.
The Caribbean remains a prime spot for those looking to get away for some sun and sea, but knowing the restrictions in place, as well as who can even enter is going to be important to ensure an enjoyable, stress-free trip.
Jamaica is looking like it’s going to have a good end to the year. It’s just had its CDC warning rating dropped a level, and it’s still a beautiful island coming into its own as a tourist destination.
Currently, Jamaica is using a “Resilient Corridor” system to help keep tourism afloat.
The resilient corridors are segments of the popular North and South costs strips that have been segmented off from the rest of the island. Within these corridors, hotels and restaurants are operating at a higher level of COVID safe protocols, and travelers can enjoy a relative degree of freedom when staying in these resort areas.
Currently, to enter the country, all travelers must provide a negative COVID-19 test. The following tests are accepted:
- A Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction Test (RT-PCR)
- A Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAA)
- An RNA or molecular test
- An Antigen test
Travelers must also provide a travel authorization form before boarding a flight to the country.
If a traveler is fully vaccinated, they may travel anywhere on the island without quarantine. If a traveler is unvaccinated, they must remain within the Resilient Corridors. If they choose to leave the corridors, they are subject to a 14 day quarantine.
The Dominican Republic is another Caribbean country doing well as the world opens up. Punta Cana has found itself in the upper rankings of some global tourist destinations for the year, and will be hoping it can carry its momentum.
As of right now, even with the rising omicron cases, the Dominican Republic does not require any proof of vaccination or test results. But don’t get too excited, you might be able to get in without them, but if you want to leave your hotel or resort, you’re going to need vaccination proof, or a negative COVID test taken in the last seven days.
Otherwise, you’re not leaving the hotel. Which might be all you’re looking for anyway.
Aruba
This island paradise is another population for tourists. This Dutch haven offers more than just the crystal waters and white sand we’re used to associating with the Caribbean. Don’t miss the flamingoes if you’re drawn here!
Aruba is taking a more careful approach than some of the other countries in the area, and is still requiring tests. Depending on where a traveler is coming from, the window of time for the test is short or longer.
If a traveler is coming from a “high risk” country, like the United States, a COVID test must be administered no more than 48 hours before departure. .
If a traveler comes from a “very high risk” country, they must provide a negative COVID test taken no more than 24 hours before departure. The test on arrival is not available to passengers from these countries.
If a traveler is arriving from any other country not on the “high” or “very high” list, they have the option to take a test on arrival for $75. Although it is recommended to have a test before traveling.
All tests must be uploaded on the Aruba Health Portal before departure. See the Visit Aruba website for a full breakdown of accepted tests.
Visitors insurance, a personal health form, and a declaration of consent are all also required and found on the health portal.
The Bahamas has been a destination of choice for decades for a good reason. These islands are quintessential Caribbean and have so much to offer.
The islands have brought in a few new restrictions surrounding COVID in response to the Omicron variant, so be sure to check these out if you’re heading there over the winter.
As of the 27th of December, everyone arriving in the country will need to show a negative COVID-19 test, and have it uploaded on their Bahamas Travel Health Visa application. These applications can take up to 48 hours to complete and be approved, so travelers should have this prepared in advance. Passengers under 18 should be attached to their parents profiles.
On the 7th of January, the testing requirements will become more strict. The tests will only be accepted if they are PCR tests. Antigen tests will not be accepted after that date. Any tests must be taken no more than 3 days before departure.
Barbados has had an exciting year. After fully ceding from the United Kingdom, it became the world’s newest republic, and honored Rihanna in the same ceremony. Because why not?
With new direct flights coming from the US and Europe, Barbados is making a statement as it enters 2022. Here’s what you need to get in.
If a traveler is fully vaccinated, they’ll also need a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure. It should be noted, at home tests, antigen tests, and rapid PCR tests will not be accepted. They should also download the travel health app named BIMSafe, and complete all required forms.
Some vaccinated arrivals may be asked to take a random antigen test at the airport as an extra safeguard. This won’t impact the travelers trip, and no quarantine is required.
Unvaccinated travelers on the other hand will be faced with a five day quarantine at an approved hotel of their choice. They must have seven days booked at this hotel before their arrival. They must also take a PCR test no more than 72 hours before arrival. They’ll also have a second test on the fifth day of their quarantine. Once they receive their results, they’re free to enjoy the rest of the island.
It should be noted that all quarantine accommodations are at the travelers own expense. Travelers will also need to wear tech bracelets that ensure they don’t leave their accommodations during their quarantine period.
Travelers should attempt to keep up to date with any new restrictions as they are subject to change at any moment.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Rani Govindasami
Friday 31st of December 2021
Can I check how you verified the entry requirements for dominican republic? We were refused check in at Gatwick as my daughters pcr results were not available at the time of check-in. It was meant to have come within 3 hrs but was only made available after 4 hours. Thank you
Kashlee Kucheran
Friday 31st of December 2021
Yes they have a temp requirement for testing if coming from the UK. This is not part of their normal requirements and just a temp measure due to Omicron. Passengers from Canada, USA, etc do not have to show any tests
Timothy Tonozzi
Thursday 30th of December 2021
You all know Cuba is the best.no crime.beautiful people. All vaccinated.Please help CUBA they need support. Rich in culture and history music