This document stopped being updated June 2021. Please refer to the country biosecurity section for the latest protocols. Individual biosecurity sections for each country continue to be updated.

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In an effort to give you some idea of where is open and what sort of regulations can be expected, we have compiled this report which covers all the countries in the Caribbean basin. It will be continually updated as and when we are notified of changes. Be sure to check the government websites prior to visiting to check for any changes to protocols we may have missed. The biosecurity section for each country has much more detailed information with links and contacts.

GENERAL OVERVIEW:

• All of the islands in the Caribbean have their own individual protocols for new arrivals and every single island wants one (or more) of the following:
• A negative rt-PCR test less than a certain age (it varies per island) shown upon arrival.
• Testing upon arrival and quarantining on board before receiving the negative results and then being allowed ashore.
• Testing upon arrival and quarantining for longer. Normally in this case a second test will be required before being allowed to clear in.

CREW CHANGES:

When flying out of the Caribbean, all commercial flights will likely want a recent rt-PCR tests before boarding the flight, especially if you are departing from a different island to which you boarded the yacht.

GETTING VACCINATED:

Where it is possible for cruisers to get vaccinated in the Caribbean while visiting, this will be detailed in the Biosecurity section. If in any doubt, go to the nearest health clinic and ask.

CLOSED COUNTRIES (Sea Borders):

British Virgin Islands, Honduras (exception Bay Islands – see below), Jamaica, Montserrat, Trinidad and Tobago and some of the French Islands.

OPEN COUNTRIES:

ANGUILLA
Restricted opening to yachts.
Apply for Travel Authorization – entry not guaranteed.
Negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test taken within 3-5 days of arrival.
Medical Insurance.
Mandatory testing and health screening on arrival in Road Bay.
Minimum 10 day quarantine and further testing on day 10.
Full details at Anguilla Biosecurity
https://ivisitanguilla.com/escape/apply.html
https://beatcovid19.ai/

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA
Open to yachts.
Clearance ports: English Harbour, Nevis Street Pier (St. Johns) and Crabbs Peninsula.
Register with ESeaClear in advance.
Negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test taken within seven (7) days of arrival.
Part of the CARICOM travel bubble.
Possible quarantine at anchor for 14 days if arriving from outside the bubble.
Additional testing may be required.
Full details at Antigua and Barbuda Biosecurity
https://covid19.gov.ag/

ARUBA
Open to yachts.
Entry with booking at authorized marina only (who will provide all required paperwork).
Covid-19 PCR-RT test prior to clearance.
Yachts being at sea for 14 days or more are exempt from the PCR test.
Full details at Aruba Biosecurity. 

BAHAMAS
Open to yachts.
Restricted ports of entry.
Negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test taken within five (5) days of arrival.
Antigen test on day 5.
Health Travel Visa required.
Full details at Bahamas Biosecurity.
https://bahamasmarinas.com/procedures-and-protocols/
https://www.travel.gov.bs/
https://www.bahamas.gov.bs/

BARBADOS
Open to yachts (Bridgetown only for clearance).
Negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test taken within three (3) days prior to arrival.
If at sea for 21 days or more you will not be required to present a PCR test, but will be required to take a test on arrival.
Quarantine and mandatory testing on day 5.
Online travel form to complete in advance.
Full details at Barbados Biosecurity
https://www.visitbarbados.org/covid-19-travel-guidelines-2020#health-protocol
https://www.gov.bb/coronavirus

BELIZE
Open to yachts.
Restricted ports of entry.
Negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test taken up to 72 hours prior to arrival.
Testing on arrival possible.
Proof of vaccination also accepted.
If at sea for 14 days or more, no testing required.
Full details at Belize Biosecurity.

BERMUDA
Open to yachts.
Apply for Travel Authorization.
Negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test taken no more than 5 (five) days before arrival in Bermuda from last port.
Alternatively quarantine and tested on day 3.
Further testing on arrival and during your stay in Bermuda.
Full details at Bermuda Biosecurity. 
http://www.marops.bm/sailbda.aspx
https://www.gov.bm/coronavirus

BONAIRE
Open to yachts.
Entry with marina reservation only.
Two testing options possible prior to arrival.
Health Declaration Form 48 hrs prior to departure for Bonaire.
Mandatory 10 days quarantine if arriving from South America and Santa Domingo.
Full details at Bonaire Biosecurity.
https://www.bonairecrisis.com/en

CAYMAN ISLANDS
Open to yachts.
Obtain approval to enter via the Cayman Islands Government Travel Branch.
14-day quarantine on board mandatory.
Testing on arrival and on day 15.
Full details at Cayman Biosecurity.
https://www.exploregov.ky

COLOMBIA
Open to yachts.
COVID-19 rt-PCR test 96 hours or less prior to arriving.
No quarantine required unless there is a case of Covid19 aboard the vessel.
Test on arrival allowed when the travel exceeds the 96hr window.
Register with agent in advance of leaving last port.
Full details at Colombia Biosecurity.

COSTA RICA
Open to yachts.
Register with agent at least 8 days in advance to handle arrival protocols.
Complete online Health Pass prior to departure.
Have appropriate medical insurance.
Dock in authorized marina.
Full details at Costa Rica Biosecurity.
https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/planning-your-trip/entry-requirements

CUBA
Open to yachts but restricted number of ports of entry.
A pre-departure Covid test is not required for sailors coming to Cuba.
COVID-19 rt-PCR test on arrival.
Some ports require 5 days quarantine and a 2nd test still.
Full details at Cuba Biosecurity.
https://salud.msp.gob.cu/

CURACAO
Open to yachts.
Completion of Passenger Locator Card (PLC) within 48 hours before departure.
COVID-19 PCR-test on arrival.
Full details at Curacao Biosecurity. 

DOMINICA
Open to yachts.
Mandatory use of an Agent 
Clearance in Portsmouth only 
Submit Health Questionnaire 24 hours prior to arrival.
Mandatory five (5) days of quarantine on arrival (if coming from low, medium or high risk country). Other countries dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
If staying five days or more – testing on day 1 and day 5 at your own cost. 
If staying less than 5 days – crew must stay on board.
Full details at Dominican Biosecurity.
https://domcovid19.dominica.gov.dm/
http://dominica.gov.dm/corona

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Open to yachts.
No testing required.
Health and safety protocols on arrival.
Full details at DR Biosecurity.
https://www.godominicanrepublic.com/newsroom/coronavirus/

EL SALVADOR
Bahia del Sol open to yachts.
Negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test – must arrive within 72 hours of obtaining results.
Full details at El Salvador Biosecurity.

FRENCH GUIANA
Open to yachts.
Free COVID-19 rt-PCR test on arrival. 
Positive result – 14 days quarantine on board at own expense.
Full details at French Guiana biosecurity.

GRENADA
Open to yachts.
Restricted ports of entry.
Register with www.sailclear.com at least 24 hours prior to entry into Grenada.
Boats under 40ft LOA must pre-book quarantine buoy.
Negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test within 72 hours of departure for Grenada.
Vessels and crew who have not precleared with the online system or who cannot show proof of a PCR test are being turned away and refused entry into Grenada.
Mandatory quarantine of up to 7 days in designated anchorage.
PCR test on day 4 – if negative, clearance permitted.
Sea time (if more than 4 days) will permit crew to test on arrival.
Full details at Grenada Biosecurity –
https://covid19.gov.gd/travel/
December 04 Revised Protocols

GUADELOUPE
CLOSED
To disembark in Guadeloupe you must present a compelling reason (with evidence) and in most cases a negative COVID test result (PCR). There are restrictions on where yachts can come from.
Prior authorization required via CROSS AG.
Full details at Guadeloupe Biosecurity

GUATEMALA
Open to yachts.
Negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure from last port. The exit zarpe will establish your date of departure so the test should be conducted no more than 72 hours before the date of the zarpe.
Yachts coming from the US (where zarpes are not routinely issued) should get verification of date of departure from the USCG or other source (marina receipt).
Test on arrival is possible – alternatively 15 days quarantine.
Full details at Guatemala biosecurity.
https://www.mspas.gob.gt/

GUYANA
Open to yachts.
Negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test taken within 7 days of arrival.
Complete the Passenger Locator Form at least 24 hours prior to arrival and upload your PCR Test result.
If PCR test is more than 72 hours old, a second test will be required on arrival.
Full details at Guyana Biosecurity.
https://health.gov.gy/index.php/component/k2/item/304-travel-guidelines
https://guyanatravel.gy/

HAITI
Open to yachts.
No specific protocols, although you may be asked to complete a health declaration and submit to temperature screening.
Full details at Haiti biosecurity.
https://www.mspp.gouv.ht/

HONDURAS
Sea borders throughout Honduras are NOT open to recreational craft or cruise ships, only merchant ships at this time. However, with pre-application, it may be possible to gain entry into the Bay Islands.
Full details at Honduras Biosecurity.

MARTINIQUE
CLOSED
To disembark in Martinique you must present a compelling reason (with evidence) and in most cases a negative COVID test result (PCR). There are restrictions on where yachts can come from.
Prior authorization required via CROSS AG.
Full details at Martinique Biosecurity.

MEXICO
Open to yachts.
No COVID test required for entry and none taken after you arrive.
Full details at Mexico Biosecurity.

NICARAGUA
Open to yachts.
Negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test from your last port.
Full details at Nicaragua Biosecurity.
http://www.minsa.gob.ni/

PANAMA
Open to yachts.
Pacific Islands open but San Blas closed to international yachts.
Panama Canal open as normal.
Antigen test on arrival – not available at all ports of entry.
14 day quarantine if test is positive.
Full details at Panama Biosecurity.
https://yomeinformopma.org/

PUERTO RICO
Open to yachts.
Entry must be made through CBP / Customs.
Negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test less than 72 hour old.
Testing on arrival as well.
Full details at Puerto Rico Biosecurity.
https://www.estado.pr.gov/en/executive-orders/https://www.travelsafe.pr.gov/

SABA
Open to yachts.
Apply to enter online.
If coming from a high risk country a negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test result is necessary taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival on Saba and 5 days quarantine.
Full details at Saba Biosecurity.
http://www.sabatourism.com/entry-saba

ST. EUSTATIUS (STATIA)
Open to yachts.
Must have pre-approval from the Statia Government before arriving.
Yachts coming from low risk countries don’t need test results or quarantine.
Yachts coming from most high risk countries (except St. Maarten) must have negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test result, Antigen test 24 hrs prior to departure and quarantine for 14 days.
Full details at Statia Biosecurity.

ST. BARTS
Open to a restricted list of countries.
Prior authorization required 24 hrs before arrival via CROSS AG.
Negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test taken less than 72 hrs before arrival.
Full details at St. Barts Biosecurity.

ST. KITTS AND NEVIS
Open to yachts.
Register with https://www.sailclear.com/ before leaving the previous port.
Apply for Travel Authorization.
Include negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test results taken 72 hours prior to departure from last port, or prior to departure if at sea longer than 3 days.
Restricted ports of entry.
Quarantine determined on a case-by-case basis.
Designated quarantine anchorages.
Full details at St. Kitts and Nevis Biosecurity.
https://www.stkittstourism.kn/travel-requirements
https://covid19.gov.kn/

ST. LUCIA
Open to yachts.
Complete Travel Registration Form.
Register with SailClear before leaving the previous port.
All yacht crew must arrive with a negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test taken within 5 days of arrival.
If coming from bubble country with at least 21 days in bubble, no quarantine required.
All other yachts must undertake 14 days quarantine (days at sea are counted). 
Testing is possible on arrival.
Full details at St. Lucia Biosecurity.
https://www.stlucia.org/en/covid-19/marine-protocols/
https://www.covid19response.lc/

SINT MAARTEN (Dutch Side)
Open to yachts – agent must be used.
Coming from low-risk country – no testing required.
Coming from high risk country – negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test taken within 120 hrs of departure from last port.
There is a list of banned countries.
Yachts arriving with no test result will be quarantined and tested within 24 hrs of arrival.
48hr transit possible but vessel will be quarantined.
Mandatory health authorization application and health insurance.
Full details at Sint Maarten Biosecurity.
https://www.yachtingstmaarten.com/
https://stmaartenehas.com/travel-requirements/

ST. MARTIN (French Side)
Open to a restricted list of countries.
Prior authorization required 24 hrs before arrival via CROSS AG.
Negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test taken less than 72 hrs before arrival.
Full details at St Martin Biosecurity.

ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES
Open to yachts.
Restricted ports of entry.
Request permission to enter at least 5 days in advance by email and complete online forms.
24 hours before arrival complete a Pre-Arrival Form, send negative test results, ETA, plus last port clearance.
Arrive with a negative PCR test less than 72 hours old, or be tested on arrival.
Quarantine mandatory unless coming from a low-risk country.
Full details at SVG Biosecurity.
Protocol for the Entry of Travelers to SVG via Yacht

SURINAME
Open to yachts.
Only with marina reservation.
Complete Notice of Arrival form at least 48 hours in advance.
Show a negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test result, taken within 48 hours of departure from last port (not for children under 12). 
Yachts will be required to quarantine for a maximum of 7 (seven) days. The passage time can be deducted from these days.
Full details at Suriname Biosecurity.
http://health.gov.sr/

TURKS & CAICOS
Open to yachts.
Travel pre-authorization via the TCI Assured Portal.
Submit a negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test result, taken within 5 days prior to travel to the TCI.
Obtain insurance which covers COVID-19 medical costs etc.
Complete online health screening questionnaire.
Authorization takes between 15 minutes and 24 hours.
E-mail: [email protected] – prior to arrival with yacht name and crew list.
Full details at T&C Biosecurity.
https://www.gov.tc/moh/coronavirus/

US VIRGIN ISLANDS
Open to yachts.
Use Travel Screening Portal within 5 days of travel to submit COVID test result.
Contact Customs/Immigration via the ROAM app when approaching territorial waters.
If arriving with no test result, mandatory 14 days quarantine until a negative test result can be achieved.
Full details at USVI Biosecurity.
https://usvitravelportal.com/ (for test options)
https://usviupdate.com/category/corona-virus/

NOTES:

• The French Island bubble has collapsed.
• The CARICOM bubble has collapsed in most islands, although Barbados does have some travel corridors with other islands and St. Lucia as well.
• Border closures include the coastal waters. Be sure to avoid transiting through waters of any countries that are closed to avoid fines.
• Most islands offer rt-PCR testing locally, but keep in mind that on public holidays and all Sundays, labs will be closed for rt-PCR testing. Make your appointments well in advance.
• It is every skipper’s responsibility to alert the port authorities on arrival in a foreign port should any crew member on board be showing symptoms of COVID-19. 

USEFUL LINKS:

• Medical Insurance for Caribbean Cruisers (March 2021)
• SSCA Free Cruising Webinars: Update on COVID in the Caribbean (07 Jan, 2021)
• CARICOM: Check for Curfews and other Measures in Member States
  https://today.caricom.org/covid19/regional/
  
• Caribbean Tourism Association: Country Protocols
  https://www.onecaribbean.org/resources/coronavirus/
  
• All Countries Worldwide – Covid-19 Protocols
  
• Covid-19: Example Protocol for Passage Preparation and Quarantine Aboard
• Noonsite Covid-19 Resource Page

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Help keep this report useful by letting us know if you experience different protocols to those outlined above. Contact [email protected] with your experience.

It is every skipper’s responsibility to review all official websites and contact the authorities in the next port of call prior to departing the previous port of call to confirm entry protocols.