CARIBBEAN ISLANDS RE-OPEN

The Caribbean region like the rest of the world faced the challenges associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic. However, swift decisions by the islands’ leaders to close the borders and control the community spread, resulted in the eradication of the virus on a number of islands. The challenge of controlling the spread is just the beginning; now leaders are making plans to re-open the borders and must do so while controlling a repeated spike in the virus through the islands. Please see below, brief summaries for border openings on some of the Caribbean islands. We hope you find this information useful as we begin to regain a level of normalcy throughout the region.

ANGUILLA
Although Anguilla is now COVID-19 free, all Anguilla ports remain closed until June 30, 2020. The Government has stated that it is possible that the border closure will be extended further. Anguilla is taking extra precautions to secure its borders until they reopen. A limited number of repatriation flights for foreign nationals have been scheduled under controlled arrangements. Contact with ground staff will be very limited. Anguilla is now able to do testing for COVID-19 on the island.
TORTOLA
An online registration has been scheduled for travel via the Terrence Lettsome Airport in British Virgin Islands (BVI) to accommodate a limited opening of BVI’s borders for returning nationals, permanent residents, work permit holders and naturalized citizens only, from June 2, 2020. The first two weeks of travel to BVI are designated for persons that registered for private quarantine accommodations. Government quarantine will be available from June 15, 2020. Every person returning to BVI will be subject to health screening on arrival, ongoing monitoring during a 14-day mandatory quarantine period and COVID-19 testing and a controlled re-entry process. Non-resident visitors are not allowed to travel to the BVI until September 1, 2020 at the earliest.
CAYMAN ISLANDS
The authorities in the Cayman Islands have decided not to reopen their borders at this point in time and are looking at a tentative reopening date of September 1, 2020. The Cayman Islands government are also planning to implement an antibody testing, which would determine if someone has already had COVID-19. Once the borders reopen the premier has stated that, for the foreseeable future, anyone who comes to the Cayman Islands will have to be quarantined for a minimum of 14 days.
ARUBA
Prime Minister Evelyn Weber-Croes announced a tentative border opening date between June 15 – July 1, 2020 for Aruba. The Aruba Airport Authority will implement measures such as screening, temperature checks, on-site medical professionals, social distance markers and mandatory PPE training for all staff.
ST. LUCIA
The borders of Saint Lucia officially opened to international travelers on June 4, 2020 as part of Phase One of the responsible reopening plan. The borders are open to all regional and international flights, and for travelers who meet the entry requirements. Most major airlines have indicated that they will resume travels to the island sometime in July 2020. Visitors must present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 48-hours of boarding their flight and must be confirmed at COVID-19 certified accommodation properties before travelling to the island.
THE BAHAMAS
Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis slated July 1, 2020 as the date for the Bahamas to reopen its borders. The date will be based on the number of COVID-19 infections in the country at that point in time. The Bahamas is currently entering Phase 2 of its reopening strategy, with the fifth and final stage allowing the island chain to resume international travel and tourism operations. Resorts, airports, and seaports are finalizing the health and safety protocols that will be necessary for the re-opening.
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
Antigua and Barbuda officials opened their borders for regional and international travels from limited countries on June 4, 2020, including travels from Miami. Rapid virus testing will be done at the ports of entry. Visitors may also have to undergo a COVID-19 test at least 48 hours before travelling to Antigua and Barbuda to ensure that they are COVID-19 clear. All incoming passengers will be required to wear a facemask when they land on the island and it must be worn in public areas throughout their stay. A health declaration form and screenings and thermal checks will occur on arrival. Visitors may also be asked to undergo a virus test on arrival to their hotel.
GRENADA
Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell announced tentative plans to reopen the country on June 30, 2020. The Government has agreed to start gradually relaxing the restrictions for travel since the pandemic in the region has been largely contained.
JAMAICA
Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett stated that Jamaica will have a phased and gradual reopening beginning on June 15, 2020. Repatriation flights for Jamaica nationals began on June 1, 2020. Once reopened, Jamaica will be the largest Caribbean destination to reopen its borders.
BARBADOS
Barbados has just entered Phase 3 of the reopening of its economy, including the relaxation of previously implemented measures. All visitors coming to Barbados will still be required to quarantine for a period of 14 days.
ST. MARTIN/ST. MAARTEN
Internally St. Maarten and St. Martin have been reopened as of June 1, 2020. Persons travelling throughout the island must wear masks at all times throughout their travels. Borders remain closed to regional and international travelers at this time.
ST. KITTS AND NEVIS
At this time, commercial flights to St. Kitts and Nevis remain suspended. The borders remain closed to inbound travel, except for essential purposes listed as repatriation and medical emergencies. St. Kitts and Nevis is now COVID-19 free and thus the government has begun relaxing restrictions to restart the economy and allow people more freedom of movement.
DOMINICA
Dominica was one of the first islands in the Caribbean that was able to locally conduct COVID-19 testing. Presently, there are no cases of COVID-19 in Dominica. No official update has been released as to when the island will reopen its’ borders.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Dominican Republic continues to lead the Caribbean with the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases. As of March 17, 2020, all international flights were suspended as well as closing of its land border with Haiti, though deportations continue. The country has canceled flights from high risk countries and announced that travelers may be subject to additional screening or self-isolation when they return to the island in the future.
MONTSERRAT
Although Montserrat is now COVID-19 free, travelling to date is only permitted for returning Montserratians, returning residents, spouses and children of Montserratians and residents.
CURACAO
Effective May 8 2020, until further notice, the Government of Curacao has decided to keep the Curacao International Airport closed with limited incoming traffic to returning residents, essential medical specialists, nurses, and professionals. The country’s seaports continue to be closed. The Curacao Tourist Board together with embassies/consulates on island, are gathering information from visitors who need to travel back home because of the unprecedented developments of COVID-19.