12/06/2020

Caribbean islands plan to cautiously reopen to international tourism over the upcoming weeks.

Borders will reopen with strict new public health protocols and procedures, such as requesting air travellers to show proof of having a Covid-free test result obtained prior to travel. 

Since airports closed in mid-March, American confirmed that it began its first international Caribbean destination by providing daily service from Miami to Antigua on June 4. By mid-June, American will begin service to Kingston and Montego Bay.

JetBlue, Southwest and Spirit will be announcing flight schedules this month.

Here are the latest developments across the Caribbean:

• Antigua and Barbuda: V.C. Bird Airport reopened June 4 and daily flights started operating from Miami by American. Arriving passengers must complete a health declaration form as part of the screening process and submit proof of a negative virus test taken 48 hours prior to boarding. Face masks are required in public.

 • Aruba:  On June 15, the country will reopen its borders for inbound travel for visitors from Bonaire and Curacao; on July 1 travel from the Caribbean (with the exception of the Dominican Republic and Haiti), Europe and Canada will be allowed ; and on July 10 visitors from the U.S. will be allowed.

• Bahamas: On July 1, borders will reopen. Extensive health and safety protocols will be introduced.  On June 15, hotels will reopen for staff to return to work and put in place measures for the arrival of guests on July 1. Face masks will be required in public, and daily temperature will be screened.

• Barbados: No timeline has been announced for the country's reopening.

• Bonaire: On July 1 borders will reopen for visitors from the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and France. A maximum of 1,000 visitors per week is allowed with the requirement of submitting proof of a negative virus test taken 72 hours prior to boarding. 

• Cayman Islands: Until September 1, the borders, airports and seaports remain closed across all three Cayman Islands. A curfew is still in place in Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac from 10 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. The curfew has been lifted on Little Cayman.

• Dominican Republic: No timeline has been announced for the country's reopening.

• Grenada: No timeline has been announced for the country's reopening.

• Jamaica: On June 15, the borders will reopen internationally and tourists will undergo voluntary Covid tests, but not a quarantine.