Some Caribbean Destinations Bring Back COVID Test Requirement

by Jessica Montevago August 05, 2021

After dropping mandatory COVID-19 tests for arriving travelers who are fully vaccinated, some Caribbean destinations are re-adding the requirement as the Delta variant increases the number of cases.

Effective Friday, Aug. 6, all fully vaccinated travelers, as well as children ages 2-11, will be required to obtain a negative COVID-19 test, rapid antigen test, or PCR test, taken no more than five days prior to the date of arrival to The Bahamas.

Unvaccinated travelers ages 12 and older must still obtain a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 5 days prior to the date of arrival.

They will also need a test to travel inter-island from Nassau & Paradise Island, Grand Bahama, Bimini, Exuma, Abaco, and North and South Eleuthera.

Guests on cruises must still apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa and follow the new testing requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

The Turks and Caicos Islands announced an update to its travel requirements, which now requires all travelers to present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR, NAA, RNA, or Antigen test result from a test taken within three days of travel. These new protocols went into effect on July 26.

Also updated this week, Antigua and Barbuda will require all U.S. travelers to submit proof of a negative PCR test taken seven days before boarding. All arriving passengers must complete a Health Declaration Form and will be subjected to screening and temperature checks by Port Health Authorities upon arrival in Antigua and Barbuda.

The British Virgin Islands adjusted entry procedures in July for visitors due to an uptick in cases. Fully vaccinated travelers must undergo a rapid antigen test at the port of entry. The cost of the test is $50 and results will be available in approximately 30 minutes.

Grenada began requiring all adult visitors to be fully vaccinated, as of July 31. These travelers will have to quarantine for up to 48 hours, pending a negative PCR test upon arrival at the airport for $150.