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.

CLOSED COUNTRIES (Sea Borders):

Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Honduras, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Eustatius (Statia), Trinidad and Tobago.

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 and Nevis Street Pier.
Register with ESeaClear and upload health delcarations in advance.
Negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test taken within seven (7) days of arrival.
Possible quarantine at anchor for 14 days.
Additional testing may be required.
Part of the CARICOM travel bubble.
Full details at Antigua and Barbuda Biosecurity
https://covid19.gov.ag/

ARUBA
Open to yachts.
Restricted access from corridor countries.
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.
https://www.visitaruba.com/traveling-to-aruba/entry-requirements-and-visas/aruba-travel-restrictions-covid-19/

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.
Negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test taken within three (3) days of departure if coming from a high or medium risk country.
If at sea for 21 days or more you will not be required to present a PCR test.
Online travel form to complete in advance.
Additional testing may be required on arrival.
PCR test can be carried out on arrival by Port Health Officials.
Full details at Barbados Biosecurity
https://www.visitbarbados.org/covid-19-travel-guidelines-2020#health-protocol
https://www.gov.bb/coronavirus

BERMUDA
Open to yachts.
Apply for Travel Authorization.
Negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test within seven (7) days of departure for Bermuda.
Full details at Bermuda Biosecurity.
http://www.marops.bm/sailbda.aspx
https://www.gov.bm/coronavirus

BONAIRE
Open to yachts.
Restricted access from corridor countries.
Entry with booking at authorized marina or boatyard only.
Prior clearance from the Port Authority.
Negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure for Bonaire.
Health Declaration Form 48 hrs prior to departure for Bonaire.
If arrive with no test result – 10 days quarantine on board.
Full details at Bonaire Biosecurity.
https://www.bonairecrisis.com/en

COLOMBIA
Ports open to yachts since 1 December, 2020.
No specific additional procedures or protocols announced – yet – for private boats and yachts.
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
Four ports open to international yachts [Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Cienfuegos, Varadero].
COVID-19 rt-PCR test on arrival.
Full details at Cuba Biosecurity.
https://salud.msp.gob.cu/

CURACAO
Open to yachts.
If coming from a low-risk country – no quarantine.
If coming from a medium or high-risk country – Negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test carried out within 72 hours of departure for Curacao.
If coming from a high-risk country – no entry without prior authorization and 14 days quarantine.
Request permission to enter prior to departure with copies of paperwork and proof of ability to pay medical expenses etc.
On arrival, comply with tracing requirements.
Full details at Curacao Biosecurity.
https://gobiernu.cw/corona-travel-to-curacao/

DOMINICA
Open to yachts.
Negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test taken within 24-72 hours of arrival (unless coming from Barbados).
A Health Questionnaire and test results must be submitted in advance.
Depending on country of departure, health monitoring and subsequent testing may be required.
Full details at Dominican Biosecurity.
https://domcovid19.dominica.gov.dm/images/20201029121648-travelprotocols-portrait-rv7a-oct27.pdf
http://dominica.gov.dm/corona

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Open to yachts.
Health questionnaire and travelers’ health affidavit 48 hrs prior to arrival.
Random testing on arrival.
Full details at DR Biosecurity.
https://www.godominicanrepublic.com/newsroom/coronavirus/

FRENCH GUIANA
Yacht entry is dealt with on a case-by-case basis but all flags welcome.
Prior authorization necessary.
Arrive with negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure from last port, or quarantine, or get tested at city hospital within 24 hrs of arrival.
Full details at French Guiana biosecurity.

GRENADA
Open to yachts.
Restricted ports of entry: St. Georges and Tyrell Bay, Carriacou
Register with www.sailclear.com before departing the last country.
COVID-19 rt-PCR test within 7 days of travel.
Minimum of 5 days quarantine in designated anchorage.
PCR test on day 4 – if negative, clearance permitted.
Full details at Grenada Biosecurity –
https://covid19.gov.gd/travel/
https://covid19.gov.gd/grenada-yacht-entry-protocol-october-2020/

GUADELOUPE
Restricted opening to yachts.
Open to vessels coming from Martinique, Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Martin, Guyana or a port located in the European Union or the European Economic Area, as long as they have not called in a third country since departure.
Vessels coming from Martinique must get authorization from CROSS/AG.
Vessels coming from other destinations must also get authorization and include negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test results.
Full details at Guadeloupe Biosecurity
http://www.guadeloupe.gouv.fr/Politiques-publiques/Risques-naturels-technologiques-et-sanitaires/Securite-sanitaire/Informations-coronavirus/Infos-pratiques/COVID-19-Les-mesures-en-vigueur-en-Guadeloupe

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/

MARTINIQUE
Open to yachts.
Prior authorization required to enter via DM Martinique/CROSS AG.
If no negative Antigen test 72 hrs prior to arrival – testing carried out on entry with quarantine.
Full details at Martinique 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.
Panama Canal open as normal.
COVID-19 rt-PCR 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
Lockdown 07 Dec. – 07 Jan.
Recreational boat traffic will be allowed only in emergency situations, and with the proper authorization of the DNER. The authorization request for these purposes should be channeled through the email eperez@drna.pr.gov.
Entry must be made through CBP / Customs.
Negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test less than 72 hour old.
Testing on arrival as well.
Two week quarantine if arriving without a test result.
In some ports it is possible to get tested on arrival – contact your marina for further information.
Full details at Puerto Rico Biosecurity.
https://www.estado.pr.gov/en/executive-orders/https://www.travelsafe.pr.gov/

SABA
Open to yachts.
Apply for an exemption to enter online.
If coming from medium and high-risk countries 10 days quarantine will be required.
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.
Specific diving protocols in place.
Full details at Saba Biosecurity.
http://www.sabatourism.com/entry-saba

ST. BARTS
Open to yachts.
Use of an agent mandatory.
Open to all vessels – negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test results taken within 72 hrs of arrival required.
Vessels coming from Martinique must get authorization from CROSS/AG.
Test possible on arrival and quarantine until results obtained.
Vessels with more than 14 days at sea and no stopovers en-route to St. Barts, may request no testing via their agent.
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-advisory-update
https://covid19.gov.kn/

ST. LUCIA
Open to yachts.
Complete Travel Registration Form.
Register with https://www.sailclear.com/ before leaving the previous port.
If coming from bubble country [Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis or St. Vincent and the Grenadines], with at least 21 days in bubble, no quarantine or testing required.
All other yachts must take a COVID-19 rt-PCR test on arrival at their own expense.
Days at sea will count towards the 14 day quarantine required on arrival, but entry will in any event not be granted until results of the PCR arrival test have been obtained.
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.
Coming from low-risk country – no testing required.
Coming from medium or high risk country – yachting agent must be used.
Negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test taken within 120 hrs of departure from last port.
Yachts arriving with no test result will be quarantined and tested within 24 hrs of arrival.
48hr transit possible but vessel will be quarantined.
Full details at Sint Maarten Biosecurity.
https://www.yachtingstmaarten.com/
https://stmaartenehas.com/travel-requirements/

ST. MARTIN (French Side)
Open to yachts.
Pre-arrival declaration of honour.
Pre-authorization to enter via CROSS A-G 24 hrs before arrival.
Open to vessels coming from Martinique, Saint-Barthélemy, Guadeloupe, Guyana or a port located in the European Union or the European Economic Area, as long as they have not called in a third country since departure.
Vessels coming from other destinations must get authorization and include negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test results made no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in the territory.
Full details at St Martin Biosecurity.
http://www.saint-barth-saint-martin.gouv.fr/Actualites/LA-UNE/Actualites/Covid-19-Conditions-d-entree-par-voie-aerienne-et-maritime

ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES
Open to yachts.
Restricted ports of entry.
Request permission to enter in advance by email and complete online forms.
24 hours before arrival complete a Pre – Arrival Form.
24 hours before arrival send negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test results taken no more than five (5) days prior to arrival, plus ETA, plus last port clearance.
Re-testing on arrival depending on what country you have sailed from.
Mandatory quarantine of varying lengths depending again on origin.
Full details at SVG Biosecurity.
https://www.gov.vc/index.php/visitors/covid-19-protocols
http://health.gov.vc/health/index.php/c

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.
Yachts will be required to quarantine for a maximum of 11 (eleven) 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: kkneely@gov.tc – 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 (for test options see https://usvitravelportal.com/).
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/
https://usviupdate.com/category/corona-virus/