Caribbean island destinations ease Covid rules
Several Caribbean island destinations have eased Covid restrictions as they transition from pandemic to endemic status.
These include the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and St. Maarten, among others.
Dominican Republic drops mask requirements
The D.R., whose entry regulations have been among the most relaxed for visitors throughout the pandemic and which has required no proof of vaccination, entry test or quarantine, now has dropped all mask requirements in indoor and outdoor settings, except for at the airport.
Jamaica lifts travel authorization requirement
Visitors to Jamaica no longer will be required to obtain travel authorization to enter the island, effective March 1. Those age 12 and over will only need to provide a negative antigen or PCR test result done within 72 hours prior to arrival.
In addition, travelers no longer will face travel-related quarantine measures. Jamaica recently shortened the isolation period for U.S. travelers who test positive while in Jamaica and eliminated quarantine restrictions for fully vaccinated business travelers who present a negative PCR test taken within three days of travel to Jamaica.
Related: The latest on travel to the Caribbean: Requirements for U.S. travelers
“We are confident these refreshed entry requirements will increase the appeal of Jamaica as a destination of choice and help us continue on our path to recovery for the tourism sector and wider economy as a whole,” said Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s minister of tourism.
St. Maarten eliminates testing for vaccinated
Effective March 1, St. Maarten will eliminate the requirement for proof of a negative test result for entry for vaccinated travelers as well as for those who have recovered from Covid in the past nine months.
Unvaccinated travelers must still provide a negative PCR test result taken 48 hours prior to arrival or an antigen test taken 24 hours before arrival.
The health authorization form will still be required for all travelers within 72 hours of arrival.
St. Maarten extended all nightlife business hours to 3 a.m., effective Feb. 25.
“We remain as united as ever to restore our tourism prestige by adapting our processes to meet consumers’ expectations and provide an easy travel experience to our beloved island,” said Roger Lawrence, St. Maarten’s minister of tourism, economic affairs, transport and telecommunication.
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