Travel to the Caribbean during Covid-19: Resources for your trip

CNN/Stylemagazine.com Newswire | 3/29/2022, 10:33 a.m.
If you're planning to travel to the islands of the Caribbean, here are some resources to help you plan your …
The Penha Building was built in 1708 in the Dutch colonial style and is now a department store in Willemstad, the capital of the island. Mandatory Credit: Jon G. Fuller/VWPics/AP

Originally Published: 24 JUL 21 14:05 ET

Updated: 28 MAR 22 18:42 ET

CNN Staff

(CNN) -- If you're planning to travel to the islands of the Caribbean, here are some resources to help you plan your trip during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The first thing to keep in mind is the Caribbean Sea region consists of 13 independent island nations. There are even more overseas territories.

Each of them has its own rules, subject to frequent change. Some may allow only fully vaccinated visitors to enter. Others might ask for a pre-travel Covid test.

Here's a roundup of 10 popular Caribbean destinations with links that provide the latest information on Covid-19 measures and entry requirements:

Aruba

What's on offer: Days are usually dry and sunny. Arikok National Park features caves, desert landscapes and giant lizards. Wide beaches bordering clear jade water are the big draw.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 4 (very high). Avoid travel to Aruba.

The Bahamas

What's on offer: The chain has 700 islands -- from the hustle and funky beats of the capital city, Nassau, on New Providence, to the peaceful beaches on many less-visited islands. You can swim with pigs or dive with sharks.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 2 (moderate). Be up to date with vaccines before going to the Bahamas.

Barbados

What's on offer: Golf, history and architecture get visitors beyond the beach on the most easterly island in the Caribbean. Rum distilleries offer tours and the local cuisine -- a blend of African, Indian, Irish, British and Creole flavors -- will soak up the spirit.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 4 (very high). Avoid travel to Barbados.

Curaçao

What's on offer: The island's coral reefs and sunken ships are accessible via scuba and snorkeling outings. Willemstad, the capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a don't-miss for history buffs. Nature lovers will find orchids and birds at Christoffelpark.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 4: Very high. Avoid travel to Curaçao.

Dominican Republic

What's on offer: Top-notch beaches and a range of resorts await visitors. Diverse geography, including lush forests and mountains and semi-arid areas, contrasts with Santo Domingo's historic Cuidad Colonial -- a lively and romantic spot to explore.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 3 (high). Be up to date with vaccines before going to the Dominican Republic.

Guadeloupe

What's on offer: Gorgeous, white-sand beaches in this French island chain are just the start. The National Park of Guadeloupe offers more than 74,100 acres of rainforest to explore. Music ensembles practice for Carnival by playing a variety of traditional music styles year-round in villages. French Créole specialties such as red snapper delight diners.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 4 (very high). Avoid travel to Guadeloupe.

Jamaica

What's on offer: Jamaica's reggae and dancehall music and laid-back vibe are perennial draws. Tropical beaches, waterfalls and delicious jerk cuisine also lure visitors.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 2 (moderate). Be up to date with vaccines before going to Jamaica.

Puerto Rico

What's on offer: Charming and historic Old San Juan is ripe for exploration. The island's casinos and El Yunque rainforest are also top attractions that stretch beyond the water activities at the island's many beaches.

US CDC travel advisory: The CDC does not include the United States in its list of advisories, but it was color-coded at Level 4 on March 28 on the agency's map of travel risk levels.

Turks and Caicos

What's on offer: This British overseas territory -- northeast of Cuba and southeast of the Bahamas -- is known for its coral reefs, ripsaw music and a low-key vibe. Whale watching, snorkeling and a range of other outdoor activities pair well with the islands' natural aquatic beauty.

US CDC travel advisory: Level 3 (high). Be up to date on vaccines before visiting Turks and Caicos.

US Virgin Islands

What's on offer: Fine dining, scuba diving and golfing draw visitors to St. Croix. The pristine beaches of undeveloped St. John make it a favorite place to relax. Boating and duty-free shopping are big draws in lively St. Thomas.

US CDC travel advisory: The CDC does not include the United States in its list of advisories, but it was color-coded at Level 4 on March 28 on the agency's map of travel risk levels.