Three Caribbean destinations – the Dominican Republic, Grenada and the Cayman islands – have eased their Covid-19 restrictions.
The Dom Rep has suspended its domestic Covid-19 measures, while Grenada has relaxed its entry rules to allow arrivals to use rapid antigen tests instead of more expensive PCR options.
An update on the UK’s Foreign Office travel advice for the Dom Rep said: “On Wednesday 16 February 2022, Dominican authorities announced that with immediate effect all Covid-19 measures are suspended, including mask wearing, social distancing and proof of vaccination for public spaces and private spaces for public use. We will update this page as more details issue.”
However, passengers arriving from the UK must still present a negative Covid-19 PCR or antigen test taken no more than 72 hours before their arrival, or a vaccination card showing two doses of the Covid vaccine, with the last dose taken at least two weeks before travel.
Meanwhile, the tri-island state of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique has relaxed its entry requirements for vaccinated travellers and now accepts either a 24-hour negative antigen test result taken one day before travel to Grenada or a 72-hour pre-departure PCR test.
Petra Roach, chief executive of Grenada Tourism Authority, said: “We’re delighted to make it even easier for UK travellers to explore Grenada.
“Offering an antigen test means that visitors have extra flexibility, choice and a more cost-effective option to visit our islands.
“Throughout 2021 we saw strong visitor numbers from the UK and we believe the measures announced today will boost numbers further in 2022.”
The Cayman Islands government has announced that from Friday (February 18), fully vaccinated travellers are no longer required to complete on-island antigen testing on days two, five and seven after arrival.
A negative antigen or PCR test conducted the day before arrival is still required for entry and applies to all travellers aged five and over.
Also, fully vaccinated travellers are no longer required to take a Covid-19 test before travelling domestically between Grand Cayman and the sister islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.
Picture of the Dominican Republic by Anna Jedynak/Shutterstock