Article last updated on February 22, 2021
2020 has been an eventful year for boaters around the world with this unprecedented sanitary crisis. Indeed, closed marinas, country-wide lockdowns and an overall stressful situation have pushed many boaters to shorten or cancel their trip this season.
With the arrival of winter in Europe, a few lucky sailors will travel to the Caribbean where the sailing season is just beginning. To help you plan, we’ve summarized below the COVID-19 situation of the major Caribbean destinations (updated on the 29th of October).
The Caribbean might be a good consolation option to make the best out of an incomplete season!
Noonsite Description
The information presented in this article has mainly been gathered on Noonsite. Noonsite is a community-driven information website for boaters. Their coverage of the rules about the Coronavirus pandemic is very broad and updated very regularly. For more information visit their website here.
CARICOM Description
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has provided parameters for the establishment of a regional Travel Bubble among the OECS countries of Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Dominica, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Montserrat, Anguilla and British Virgin Islands, together with Barbados.
OPEN DESTINATIONS
CLOSED DESTINATIONS
- CLOSED - Cayman Islands
- CLOSED - Jamaica
- CLOSED - Statia
Antigua and Barbuda
Last updated on February 22, 2021
Yacht & Airplane arrival protocol
Updates have been made on the yacht protocole guidelines issued by the government on February 10, 2021.
Here are the main points (Find the full protocol here) :
- There are now just two clearance ports available for inbound traffic (Crabbs Peninsula has now closed): Nevis Street Pier in Deep Water Harbour (St. Johns) and English Harbour.
Stopovers in Antigua and Barbuda
Barbados
Last updated on February 22, 2021
Health Protocol for COVID-19
Here’s what you need to know about the procedures in place at the moment:
- Clearance is only possible in Bridgetown. All yachts must proceed here first.
- If you have been at sea for 21 days or more, or have a negative PCR test with you, you only need to take one test on arrival.
- If you don’t have a negative test, then current protocol is to take two tests: one upon arrival, and another one in 5 days, and you are not allowed to leave Bridgetown until the second test is done.
- As procedures are in a constant evolution it is recommended to contact the Barbados Ministry of Health for updated information: ps-secretary@health.gov.bb; phone: 536-3802.
Stay updated on the anchorage and port situation by visiting the The Barbados Ports official website. Information about opening of mooring areas and boating protocols can be found there.
Stopovers in Barbados
Bermuda
Last updated on February 22, 2021
Check out this website to be updated with the latest information on pre-arrival requirements and other policies impacting mariners.
COVID-19 Protocols and useful information
See Mariner Entry Procedures for full details about the protocols.
In brief, here is what you need to know:
- It is now possible to sail to Bermuda and avoid quarantine if you arrive with a negative Covid-19 PCR test result taken no more than 5 (five) days before arrival in Bermuda from last port.
- If you arrive without a test result, you must undergo 14 days quarantine – starting from the date of departure from previous port – and undergo a Covid-19 PCR test at the end of the 14-day quarantine period.
- All crew must also apply for travel authorization (TA) by completing the TA Form set out on the Ministry of Health website up to 7 days before departing your last port. You must upload your negative test result. A $75 fee is required, $30 for age 9 and younger, which includes the cost of the PCR COVID-19 testing in Bermuda. You will be tested several times during your stay.
- The completed TA form and negative test results must be sent to dutyofficer@marops.bm and porthealth@gov.bm.
- Health Insurance is required to include cover for Covid-19 related illness.
- On arrival there will be an assessment by Port Health at the yacht reporting center in St George’s Harbor where yachts will also clear Customs. Crew arriving with a pre-departure negative result will be tested again on arrival and must quarantine on the yacht until a negative result has been obtained (turnaround time approx. 24 hrs).
Yachts with prior permission from Customs may be permitted to proceed to a marina to clear Customs and get assessed by Port Health. - Further testing will take place on days 4, 8 and 14 if still in Bermuda. Health monitoring is mandatory during your stay.
- An Island-Wide curfew is back in effect for road users and 6pm for Mariners.
Important notice
- If you test positive at any time you shall self-isolate for 14 days at your accommodation, at your cost.
- If you are a close contact of a positive person, you will self-quarantine for 14 days, at your cost.
- By purchasing a Travel Authorisation you agree to comply with Bermuda’s laws designed to protect residents and visitors from COVID-19 spread.
Stopovers in Bermuda
Curaçao
Last updated on February 22, 2021
Traveling from a low risk country
As of January 1, 2021 boaters arriving from Low-Risk countries only need to digitally fill out the Passenger Locator Card (PLC) within 48 hours before departure and have a printed document of proove. Go to dicardcuracao.com to complete your request.
- Crew arriving from elsewhere must carry out the above procedure, and show a negative result from a certified COVID-19 PCR-test and carry a printed document of proof with them.
- The test has to be taken 72 hours prior to departure at an accredited laboratory.
You will be required to upload the negative test results of the COVID-19 PCR-test on dicardcuracao.com before departure for Curacao. - Children 6 years and younger that show no symptoms, and whose parents can show proof of a negative PCR test, are not required to undergo a PCR test. In this case children 6 and younger do not need to complet a PLC.
Stopovers in Curaçao
Dominica
Last updated on February 22, 2021
Entry Protocols revised Jan 8, 2021
Dominica is now open to yachts.
For protocols for air travelers see here.
The Official Protocols for Yachts wishing to travel to Dominica have now been published.
In brief:
- An Agent must be used for all yacht entries and arranged prior to departure from your last port. See Agents.
- All crew must submit a Health Questionnaire online at least 24 hours prior to arrival here.
- Once the online form has been completed, you will receive a letter of approval to enter. Forward this letter to your agent so they can liaise with the authorities and alert them of your arrival at least 5 hours prior. The agent will also need to present the vessel’s clearance documents to customs and immigration.
- Clearance in Portsmouth only. All yachts shall land at Cabrits Cruise Ship Berth in Prince Rupert Bay, or moor or anchor in the quarantine zone.
- 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.
- Everyone in quarantine will be required to wear a wrist band for ID.
- If staying five days or more – testing on day 1 and day 5 at your own cost.
- The PCR test costs US$40.00 or EXCD$100.00 on island.
- If staying less than 5 days – crew must stay on board and will not be permitted to go ashore.
Stopovers in Dominica
Dominican Republic
Last updated on February 22, 2021
Stopovers in the Dominican Republic
Entry of cruisers and tourists into the Dominican Republic from 1st February 2021.
- Prior to arrival a digital form must be completed online. Click here to access the form
- There are still no COVID tests required to enter, just health safety protocols upon arrival. Drop anchor with the yellow flag flying.
- If any of the crew has a fever or cough or any other symptoms the Captain should let the Commandante know and stay on board under quarantine until the Public Health Officers deem it safe to go ashore.
- If none of the crew are exhibiting symptoms, all crew should go ashore in the dinghy to the government dock, wearing facemasks and practicing social distancing.
- A Health check will be carried out and if any crew members have a temperature all crew will have to return to the yacht for quarantine. All crew shall sign a health declaration.
- Yachts that are required to stay under quarantine are expected to strictly observe it. The tourist office will have a list of authorized suppliers who can assist with fuel, water and provisions.
Important Notice
- Not all clearance ports are open (for example Casa de Campo Marina is not operating for international arrivals at this time, but the nearby town of La Romana is). Call ahead to check the port you are heading for is open.
Stopovers in the Dominican Republic
Grenada
Last updated on February 22, 2021
For the latest published yacht entry protocols see details here.
- Register with www.sailclear.com at least 24 hours prior to entry into Grenada.
- Only St George’s (Grenada) and Tyrell Bay (Carriacou) are open for health clearance.
- All travelers must have a Pure Safe Travel Certificate in order to travel to Grenada which must be shown on check-in.
- Arrive with a negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure for Grenada (children 5 years and under are exempt).
- Mandatory quarantine of up to 7 days in designated anchorage.
- PCR test is done on the 4th day after arrival in Grenada. A Ministry of Health Clearance will be required to exit quarantine after receiving a negative test result. Results can take up to 48h to be available.
- Yachts that have been at sea for a minimum of 4 consecutive days, with no land stop, will be permitted to test upon arrival or at the earliest available testing day. Proof of route will be required by providing GPS tracker data.
- Arrival details and procedures with quarantine zone guidance can be found here.
- If arriving by air to join your yacht, follow the airport arrival protocol and quarantine in approved accommodation ashore.
Additional information and ressources
They have clear and updated follow through instructions for arriving in Grenada that you can find here. Finally, you can also visit this informative facebook group or the Granada ministry of health facebook page for more information.
Stopovers in Grenada
Martinique
Last updated on February 22, 2021
COVID-19 update Entry Protocols
- From February 2nd, if anybody wants to disembark in Martinique they must present a compelling reason (health, business, family, with evidence) and a negative COVID test result (PCR). Otherwise you can sail to and anchor in Martinique, but stay on board.
- All yachts must first request to enter by contacting CROSS AG at least 48 hours before arrival to include:
– A declaration of honor of the compelling reason;
– Documents to justify the reason;
– Covid test results (PCR) carried out less than 72 hours before arrival. - Send to DM Martinique/CROSS AG/chef de quart: fortdefrance.mrcc@developpement-durable.gouv.fr for authorization to enter. This ban extends to air travel as well.
- See the latest official notice here.
Stopovers in Martinique
St. Lucia
Last updated on February 22, 2021
Entry Protocols for COVID-19
- ALL crew on vessels must complete a Maritime Declaration of Health.
- It is strongly recommended to proceed through an agent to arrive in St. Lucia.
- Register with Sailclear.com before leaving the previous port.
- All vessels must arrive in St. Lucia with negative PCR test results for all crew taken no more than 7 days before arrival.
- All vessels must quarantine for 14 days, although days at sea will be taken into account.
- It is possible to take a COVID-19 rt-PCR test on arrival at your own expense (notify Port Health that this is required).
- Reserve marina space at your port of entry no later than 72hrs before arrival.
- Contact Port Health (see below) 48 hours prior to arrival with the following information:
– Name of Vessel, Arrival Date and ETA
– Passport picture pages of all on board
– Completed Maritime Declaration of Health - A PCR test in St. Lucia (if needed to travel off island) can be done in Gros-Islet Polyclinic (near Rodney Bay) M-F 0800-1600. USD100/test. It takes 3 days to get the results.
Contact information
The Government website recommends that yacht skippers contact the Port Health Authority and/or marina for the latest information before arrival:
- IGY Rodney Bay Marina: rbm@igymarinas.com
- Port Health at IGY Rodney Bay Marina: porthealthigymarina@gmail.com
- Marigot Bay Marina: troy.blanchard@marigotbayresort.com
- Port Health at Marigot Bay Marina: porthealth_mbmarina@outlook.com.
Stopovers in St. Lucia
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Last updated on February 22, 2021
SVG has deactivated the CARICOM travel bubble. Now all travelers must arrive with a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result All travelers will be tested on arrival. See current Protocol for the Entry of Travelers to SVG via Yacht for full details.
One Procedure for all arrivals
- All arriving pleasure craft must request a quarantine form 5 days before arrival by email to svgarrivals@gmail.com.
- Send proof of negative results of a COVID-19 (RTPCR) test done within 72 hours or three (3) days of departure (with direct travel to SVG) for all crew, departure clearance and ETA to svgarrivals@gmail.com at least 24 hours before arrival.
- Also complete a Pre-Arrival Form for each crew member and send a copy of the email reply with the negative PCR test results to coronavirustaskforcesvg@gmail.com.
- Once approved, you will receive a stamped approval form by email confirming risk category and permitting entry to SVG.
- Only if coming from a low risk country (currently just Anguilla, Dominica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis) and having been in one or more of those countries for at least 21 days, will you NOT be required to undertake quarantine.
- All yachts must enter at Young Island Cut Quarantine Area.
- It is possible to get tested on arrival.Note that test results will take at least 48 hours – most likely longer, so be prepared for several days on board waiting.
- IMPORTANT : Do not turn up in SVG without having received a reply from svgarrivals@gmail.com confirming your entry time is ok, there will be someone to meet you and your quarantine mooring is confirmed.
- An agent will take your customs paperwork and passports to the authorities for clearance upon arrival.
- See https://svgarrivals.com/ for more information.
Stopovers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Turk and Caicos
Last updated on February 22, 2021
All travellers to the Turks and Caicos must obtain travel pre-authorization via the TCI Assured Portal.
Listing of documentation requested
The TCI Assured pre-authorization portal will require travellers to submit the following information:
- A negative COVID-19 PCR test result. The test must be taken within 5 days prior to travel to the TCI. Children under the age of 10 are excluded from this requirement.
- Insurance which covers COVID-19 medical costs and full hospitalization, doctors’ visits, prescriptions and air ambulance.
- A completed online health screening questionnaire.
All arriving vessels also have to email kkneely@gov.tc prior to arrival with yacht name and crew list.
Trinidad and Tobago
Last updated on February 22, 2021
Border are still closed for all travellers
Trinidad and Tobago remain closed to visiting yachts. Here is a list of ressources to keep updated on the situation :
Stopovers in Trinidad and Tobago
US Virgin Islands
Last updated on February 22, 2021
Yachting Protocol
The Information for Marine Vessels document has many more rules, details and useful links. Here’s what you need to know :
- Every traveler aged five and older who enters the U.S. Virgin Islands is required to use the USVI Travel Screening Portal and submit a COVID-19 test result within 5 days of travel to the territory.
- It has been confirmed by the Health Department in USVI that a negative PCR test taken within five days of departure for the USVIs is now accepted. Other test options are available (see Information for Marine Vessels for full details).
- All yachts MUST clear Customs and Immigration using ROAM. See Clearance for details.
- Without a documented test within five days of departure, you have to get a test on island and quarantine until test results are received.
- Under the current state of emergency due to COVID-19 all vessels wishing to anchor in the USVI are required to apply for a long term anchoring permit. Application form can be found here. For anchoring, contact is Department Of Natural Resources (DPNR). This number: 340-774-0603 has an answering system.
- IMPORTANT : Boats are not permitted to “raft” (boats tying up together) in any bays or anchorages of the Territory and all vessels must be 12 feet apart at all times, except in the case of a medical emergency.
- No vessels are allowed to anchor in any designated swimming area. Violations of these boating restrictions can result in a fine of up to $10,000 per incident and possible seizure by the Government of the Virgin Island
Stopovers in the US Virgin Islands
Aruba
Last updated on February 22, 2021
The Dutch government is introducing extra measures to prevent new variants of the virus being imported via travelers and to further restrict the number of travel movements.
These measures also apply to people travelling to the Caribbean parts of the Netherlands and take effect on Saturday 23 January 2021 at 00.01. In brief all arrivals, whether by air or sea, will be required to arrive with a negative test result (plus a rapid test result shortly before departure if coming from a high risk area) and undertake 10 days quarantine. Full details on the Netherlands page.
Arriving conditions and protocols
- COVID yacht protocols are constantly being updated. Marinas will be kept informed by the government as the rules change.
- Yachts entering Aruba can only do so through an authorized Marina which are Varadero Aruba Marina and Wind Creek Marina.
- Only after approval from these marinas, will yachts be authorized to enter Aruba’s water and they will have to clear at Barcadera harbor for medical screening.
- Visit Aruba.com for the latest information and travel advisory update from the Aruba Tourism Authority.
British Virgin Islands
Last updated on February 22, 2021
Sea entries are still forbidden
- Sea borders are still not open to private recreational craft. A useful BVI Facebook page that has a variety of information pertaining to the BVI reopening protocols can be found here.
- For foreign yachts currently in the BVI that want to leave, the process is complicated. Read this OCC yacht’s report on how to do it.
- All persons who arrive in the Territory by plane must have proof of a negative test taken 5 days prior to departure for BVIs, proof of medical insurance that covers COVID and observe a 4 day quarantine.
- Persons quarantining on an approved vessel must anchor or dock at the approved mooring sites throughout the duration of the mandatory four day quarantine.
- Boats must remain at the dock until guests have received an Arrival Day/Day 0 negative PCR test result.
- The vessel and crew (or guests) constitute your “mobile bubble.” This “mobile bubble” means you can swim and enjoy the Territory within the specified 30 foot radius of the vessel.
- Vessels can also visit the list of marine approved sites in the Territory, however vessels are to be anchored or docked by 6:00 p.m. daily at an approved mooring site until 5:00 a.m. the next day.
- See BVITraveller.com for details.
St Kitts & Nevis
Last updated on February 22, 2021
- All vessels should register with SailClear prior to arrival to assist with documentation and proof of transit time.
- Vessels wishing to visit must complete a Travel Authorization form prior to arrival and upload proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken 72 hours prior to departure from last port for all crew members, or prior to departure if at sea longer than 3 days.
- Forms must be submitted no later than 24 hours prior to travel.
- Have all original documentation and test results available on arrival.
- The boats will be required to dock at one of six ports, submit the Maritime Declaration of Health to the port health officer and interact with other border agencies. The six ports are: The Deepwater Port, Port Zante, Christophe Harbour, New Guinea (St. Kitts Marine Works), Charlestown Pier and Long Point Port.
- The quarantine time (14 days minus the transit time) will be determined by the vessels or ships transit time from the last port of call to their arrival to the Federation. Transit time must be supported by official documentation and Sail Clear.
- Yachts and pleasure crafts over 80 feet must quarantine at Christophe Harbor in St. Kitts. Yachts and pleasure crafts less than 80 feet must quarantine at the following locations: Ballast Bay in St. Kitts, Pinney’s Beach and Gallows in Nevis.
See full details at the Tourist Board Website.
Anguilla
Last updated on February 22, 2021
Sea entry protocol
- Anguilla is open for pre-approved visitors – a travel authorization is required by completing an online passenger information and health screening questionnaire.
- Everyone arriving must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test conducted within 3-5 days prior to arrival date.
- All visitors are required to provide proof of insurance which covers COVID-19 medical costs and full hospitalization, doctors’ visits, prescriptions and air ambulance.
- Visitors must take a COVID-19 PCR test and health screening on arrival in Road Bay and remain quarantined on board for at least 10 days, with a second test on day 10. If a negative result is returned following the 2nd test, yacht crew are free to explore the Island.
- Find out more at https://ivisitanguilla.com/escape/apply.html
Guadeloupe
Last updated on February 22, 2021
Sea entry protocol
Same protocole as Martinique.
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