Updated 12/31/21
We all want to get out and travel again but navigating through covid rules and regulations can be a bit tricky and confusing – plus the rules are always changing! Vaccination alone unfortunately doesn’t give you access to travel anywhere you’d like and believe it or not, travel without having to quarantine or test is currently only available to four locations in the whole world. Here’s a quick peek at some of the current rules for warm weather destinations you may want to visit this winter.
Locations where NO TESTS and NO QUARANTINE are required:
Mexico
As 99% of the world closed to Americans during the pandemic, Mexico remained open for U.S travelers. Fast forward 18 months, and that hasn’t changed. U.S travelers can visit Mexico this winter without quarantine or testing on arrival.
Covid test – Travelers are not required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result before traveling to Mexico.
Quarantine – Asymptomatic travelers are not required to quarantine on arrival in Mexico.
Entry form – Travelers must fill out a health questionnaire form in either electronic or a paper format. The paper form can be found in the international arrivals area at the airport. To access the electronic form, travelers need to create an account on the Vuela Seguro Mexico website a maximum of 12 hours before their flight, keep the QR code and present it to immigration upon arrival in Mexico.
Masks – Travelers must wear masks in public in some cities.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is nothing short of a tropical paradise. The small nation is home to a staggering 5 percent of the world’s biodiversity and world-class surfing, jungle trekking and natural beauty. Most importantly, there is no quarantine or testing on arrival this winter. However, beginning early February some locations may require visitors be fully vaccinated for entry.
Covid test – Travelers are not required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result when traveling to Costa Rica.
Quarantine – Travelers are not required to quarantine on arrival in Costa Rica.
Travel Insurance – Unvaccinated travelers are required to have proof of international travel insurance covering specific items or travel insurance purchased in Costa Rica. Tourists under 18 years of age or those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and inoculated with Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca or Johnson & Johnson can enter the country without a travel policy. The last dose of the vaccine must have been applied at least 14 days before arrival in Costa Rica. Vaccinated tourists must attach the vaccination certificate to the Health Pass.
Entry form – Travelers are required to fill out an Epidemiological Health Pass Form a maximum of 72 hours before arrival in Costa Rica. An individual form must be completed for every person, including minors.
Masks – Travelers must wear masks in all public spaces and in all indoor settings except when eating, while alone or in a private home. The use of masks is also mandatory at bus stops and on all forms of public transportation.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is about as far as you can get from those bleak winter days. Nevertheless, the nation is famous for outdoor adventures, wildlife, incredible beaches, superb nightlife, majestic diving and excellent colonial architecture. On top of all that there is no quarantine or testing on arrival this winter.
Covid test – Travelers are not required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result before traveling to the Dominican Republic.
Quarantine – No quarantine required however, unvaccinated travelers arriving without negative COVID-19 test results may be required to take a COVID-19 breath test at random on arrival (this requirement does not apply to travelers under the age of 5 and those with proof of vaccination). Travelers with a high temperature or symptoms will be required to take a COVID-19 rapid test. If they test positive, they will be required to quarantine at a designated facility.
Entry Form – Travelers are required to fill out an electronic entry form before arrival, which combines the Traveler’s Health Affidavit, Customs Declaration, and International Embarkation/Disembarkation forms. Once completed, a QR code will be provided that will be scanned by authorities on arrival. The form can be filled out at any time but it is recommended to complete it a maximum of 72 hours before departure to the Dominican Republic.
Masks/Access – Travelers are required to provide an identity document and evidence of COVID-19 vaccination with at least 2 doses, or a negative COVID-19 PCR test, to access public spaces, schools, businesses, restaurants, gyms, public transport, and other public areas (this requirement does not apply to travelers under the age of 12). Travelers must wear masks in public places. There are 2 nationwide curfews in place with various timings depending on your location. Social distancing is in place for a variety of activities and masks are required by law in public spaces.
Locations where TEST IS REQUIRED but QUARANTINE IS NOT REQUIRED
Aruba
Covid test – Travelers are required to have a negative COVID-19 molecular (RT-PCR, PCR, NAAT, AMP PRB, LAMP, or TMA) test. The test must be taken a maximum of 2 days before departure of the last leg of the trip to Aruba. Test results must be uploaded to travel forms, no later than 12 hours before departure. Visitors 12 and older who have tested positive using a molecular Covid-19 test by nasopharyngeal swab between two and 12 weeks prior to travel date to Aruba and do not show any symptoms are exempt from providing a negative Covid-19 test result for entry. As part of the mandatory embarkation-disembarkation card process, these visitors are required to upload proof of their positive Covid-19 test result taken between two and 12 weeks prior to travel date to Aruba.
Insurance – All travelers are required to purchase the Aruba Visitors Insurance. This purchase must be completed a maximum of 3 days, and 4 hours prior to travel to Aruba. Visitors can buy or use their own travel or health insurance to supplement the Aruba Visitors Insurance, but not to replace it.
Entry form – All travelers, including children, are required to complete the online travel declaration form and be approved in order to be allowed to enter Aruba. This must be completed a maximum of 72 hours and 4 hours prior to travel to Aruba. This is not required for transit passengers.
Bahamas
Covid test – Unvaccinated travelers must have a negative COVID-19 PCR result. The test must be taken a maximum of 3 days before arrival in The Bahamas. Travelers must upload the test to their Travel Health Visa application and have proof on arrival (this requirement does not apply to travelers who are fully vaccinated and travelers under the age of 2). Unvaccinated travelers ages 12 and up who are staying more than four days/five nights must take a rapid antigen test on day five (children 2 and under are exempt).
Quarantine – Travelers are not required to quarantine on arrival in the Bahamas.
Insurance – All travelers are required to opt-in for mandatory COVID-19 health insurance when submitting their Bahamas Travel Health Visa application. The insurance covers travelers for the duration of their stay in The Bahamas.
Entry form – Travelers must fill out the Bahamas Travel Health Visa application and receive confirmation before travel. Travelers under 18 years of age must be added to the parent or guardian account. Applications take up to 48 hours to process. Travel Health Visa is not required for inter-island travel within The Bahamas.
Access/Masks – Travelers are allowed to move about and explore the destination beyond the confines of their hotel or other accommodations. You are required to wear a mask in all public places, except at the beach.
Puerto Rico
Covid test – Travelers arriving on domestic flights (from the U.S. mainland) must show a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of arrival. Travelers arriving without a test must upload a PCR molecular or antigen test within 48 hours or be subject to a fine.
Quarantine – Unvaccinated travelers must quarantine for seven days after arrival.
Entry Form – Travelers are required to complete a travel declaration form before departure to Puerto Rico. Travelers will need an Airport Exit Confirmation number and QR Code, which travelers will automatically receive when uploading either their test results or official vaccination card.
Masks/access – All travelers staying 1 night or more at any accommodation, as well as travelers wanting to enjoy indoor establishments where food and beverages are prepared and served, are required to have proof of being fully vaccinated or a valid COVID-19 test result. Vaccinated travelers must be fully vaccinated with vaccines authorized by the FDA. Travelers staying longer than 1 week must continue to present negative COVID-19 PCR test results on a weekly basis. All travelers aged 2 years and older must wear masks at the airport and in all indoor spaces. Unvaccinated travelers and travelers between the ages of 2 and 11 must also wear masks in public areas when unable to social distance.
Curaçao
Covid test – Travelers must have a certified digital negative COVID-19 PCR test result. The test must be taken a maximum of 48 hours before departure to Curacao. Only deep pharyngeal nose and throat COVID-19 PCR and antigen tests are accepted. Travelers arriving from the United States are also required to take an additional antigen test on the 3rd day in Curaçao. Travelers must book and pay online for the 3rd day COVID-19 test before departure to Curacao.This requirement does not apply to travelers under the age of 12 who are asymptomatic.
Insurance – Travelers are required to have valid health insurance with COVID-19 coverage.
Entry Form – All travelers need to fill out the Digital Immigration Card online before departure to Curacao. A Digital Immigration Card is required per person and per trip. Parents or guardians are asked to fill out their own email addresses for the children traveling with them. All travelers need to fill out and upload the Passenger Locator Card (PLC) a maximum of 48 hours before departure to Curacao and carry a printed document with them.
Masks – Travelers are required to wear masks while in enclosed places such as on public transportation, in stores, in markets and in public buildings.
Jamaica
Covid test – Travelers must have a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR, antigen, molecular, or nucleic acid test result. The test must be taken a maximum of 3 days before departure. This requirement does not apply to travelers under the age of 12. Tourists will be subject to testing if they are assessed as high risk as a result of coming from countries designated as high risk for COVID-19 transmission.
Quarantine – All travelers will be screened via thermal temperature checks and symptom observation. If a traveler’s temperature is elevated, the visitor will be subject to additional screening, including testing if needed. Any visitor who exhibits symptoms or is ill will be subject to quarantine.
Entry Form – All travelers including Jamaican citizens and residents are required to complete a travel authorization form online a maximum of 7 days prior to departure to Jamaica. A Travel Authorization is a requirement for check-in and boarding and the airlines will not allow passengers to board without it.
Masks – Travelers must wear masks in public places.
St. Lucia
Covid test – Travelers must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result. The test must be taken within 5 days before arrival in Saint Lucia. Travelers may be required to submit to a random PCR test upon arrival at UVF airport. This testing requirement does not apply to travelers under the age of 5.
Quarantine – Fully vaccinated travelers must submit proof of vaccination and do not have to quarantine; they will be issued a wristband that must be worn at all times. Unvaccinated children 5 to 17 traveling with vaccinated adults must be retested upon arrival at the airport (the traveler pays the cost of the test) and they must remain in quarantine until test result received, usually within 24 to 48 hours. If negative, they are no longer required to quarantine. Unvaccinated travelers must be transferred by certified taxi to an approved Covid-19 accommodation and remain on property for 14 days or the duration of their stay except to transfer to another Covid-certified property to continue their stay or to participate in certified activities, tours and excursions
Entry Form – Travelers are required to upload their negative COVID-19 test results when completing the Travel Registration Form online. A printed copy of the travel authorization is a requirement for travel. Travelers are also required to take and print a health screening form they must complete on the day of travel and must show it in paper form on arrival in Saint Lucia at the health screening desk. These requirements do not apply to travelers under the age of 18.
Masks/access – Travelers are required to have confirmed reservations at a COVID-19 certified accommodation for the duration of their stay. Travelers must wear masks in-flight, in the airport, and in all public places in Saint Lucia.
Sint Maarten
Covid test – Travelers 18 years and over must produce proof of a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival; vaccinated travelers may also produce a 24-hour rapid antigen test result. Travelers 18 and older who have had a booster shot can enter without a Covid-19 test; travelers 17 and under who are eligible to get a Covid-19 vaccine can enter once they are fully vaccinated.
Quarantine – All incoming passengers are subjected to temperature checks and other screening protocols and may be subjected to mandatory testing at their own expense. If re-tested upon arrival, travelers will be expected to self-quarantine at their place of lodging or residence until the test results are known.
Insurance – The St. Maarten SXM Protection Plan is mandatory health coverage for all visitors. The plan covers hospital costs, ICU costs, doctor consultations, Covid-19 tests and, if necessary, medical evacuation. For those 15 and up, the cost is $15 for visits up to 180 days; it is $10 for those under 15 years of age.
Entry Form – Travelers including citizens, residents, and transit travelers are required to complete health authorization applications through the Electronic Health Authorization System in order to enter Sint Maarten and St. Martin through Princess Juliana International Airport. Travelers are encouraged to complete the application as soon as they receive their COVID-19 RT-PCR test results. Once completed and approved, travelers will receive a printable authorization by email. Processing of this application can take up to 12 hours.
Masks – Travelers must wear masks in all public places where physical distancing is not possible.
US Virgin Islands
Covid test – Travelers arriving from the United States must have a negative COVID-19 antigen (rapid) or molecular (RT-PCR, viral, NAAT) test. The test must be taken a maximum of 5 days before departure to the US Virgin Islands. Travelers are required to use the USVI Travel Screening Portal and submit the result before arrival and they will receive a travel certification. Travelers are not able to board their flights without the certification. Results from COVID-19 antibody tests are no longer acceptable for entry or submission to the USVI Travel Screening Portal.
Quarantine – Travelers are not required to quarantine on arrival in USVI. However, Travelers unable to produce the required test results are subject to a 10-day quarantine with testing until a negative result is achieved.
Entry Form – All travelers, including travelers in transit and children, are required to complete the online Travel Screening Portal a maximum of 5 days before departure to USVI and present a paper copy or digital version on arrival.
Masks – Travelers aged 2 years and older must wear masks on public transportation. Masks must cover the wearer’s mouth and nose, and must not contain any vents. This requirement is enforced by a fine.
In conclusion, even though rules for entering different countries and islands may vary, the rules regarding return to the United States are very clear and apply regardless of where you’re returning from. Effective January 26, 2021 all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of travel. Alternatively, travelers to the U.S. may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel. Many hotels and resorts are offering free testing on site. I strongly suggest booking locations with this offer to save yourself money and valuable vacation time.
Due to the pandemic, travel guidelines are constantly changing. You’ll want to check your destination’s official tourism website periodically before your trip. Also, even if not required, I strongly advise purchasing travel insurance to protect you in the event of sickness or last minute travel changes. You may need to do a little more research and preparation, but if you love to travel then it’s worth it! Take vacations, go as many places as you can. You can always make money, you can’t always make memories.
