With everyone’s summer travel plans being derailed, most people are looking to travel anywhere just about now. The easiest place would be the Caribbean. But, just because countries are starting to open back up, that doesn’t mean they are accepting tourists just yet. There is a lot of information out there and some of it is either out-dated or misleading. There are countries that say they are open but they are only open to their citizens. Also, maybe the country is open but restaurants, bars and attractions may still be closed. We are staying on top of all this information to find the best destination for you when you are ready to travel.
Here are some countries and their guidelines to reopening (note this information changes frequently):
Aruba – will be opening to visitors possibly between June 15 – July 1 but no specific date has been set yet. When the island opens, businesses will have to meet specific standards, called the Aruba Health & Happiness Code, and will get a gold certification seal, in order to open to visitors. They are reviewing the protocols travelers will need to comply with when visiting.
Bahamas – Currently in phase 1B of the 5 phase reopening plan, and international travel and tourism are included in phase 5. July 1 is the target date, but that is likely to change.
Barbados – Barbados never had an actual travel ban, but commercial flights were suspended until June 30, with no set date to resume. Visitors must quarantine in a government facility.
Bonaire – Travel ban extended to June 15
British Virgin Islands – Not expected to open until mid-August at the earliest
Cayman Islands – Travel ban extended to August 31, only returning residents allowed in the country and are placed under 14 day quarantine. Inter-island travel is also prohibited.
Curacao – Curacao has relaxed its shelter in place, but still has a curfew throughout the country, and the airport remains closed.
Mexico – Each state has its own dates for reopening. Some states say they are open but only to Mexican citizens for the first phase of reopening. Other states may be opening but many of the hotels are not open yet and many attractions are still closed. The land border between the US and Mexico is closed to non-essential travel until June 22.
Puerto Rico – They will begin slowly opening beaches and some businesses, but a curfew is in place from 7pm – 5am and masks are required in public.
St. Lucia – Phase 1 starts June 4. Airports will open and passengers will have their temperature checked and luggage sanitized. Passengers are required to present a certified COVID-19 negative test prior to departure from the US. Hotels and taxis must be certified to operate. Restaurants are open for carry out and delivery only. Masks are required at all times. Phase 2 to begin August 1.
US Virgin Islands – Airports are open. Health screenings will be done at the airport and arriving passengers must follow Governor’s current directives and monitor themselves for symptoms for 14 days. Restaurants and bars are open at a limited capacity. Nightclubs and casinos are still closed.