Starting to feel the chill of the post-holiday winter blues? I can say from personal experience that the best cure is an island getaway! Travel is gradually returning, and even though there are restrictions on international travel, there are still some gorgeous tropical islands you can go if you're looking for some sun, sand, and relaxation. Here are some great tropical island destinations that Americans can visit now!
Bahamas
One of the Caribbean's most popular vacation destinations, and the closest to the United States, the Bahamas offer an enticing mix of historical, modern, and natural attractions. Whether you're heading to popular Nassau, home of Paradise Island, or to the incredible blue waters of Great Exuma, the Bahamas provide great opportunities for an island getaway for couples and families.
Requirements:
Negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test (max 5 days prior to travel)
Travel Health Visa form
Jamaica
Whatever you're looking for in an island vacation, you'll find it in Jamaica, whether you're looking for an active adventure or a relaxing getaway - or, maybe a bit of both! You may want to enjoy Negril's legendary seven-mile beach, go tubing and zip-lining near Ocho Rios, up your game with golf opportunities throughout Jamaica, or go snorkeling at Montego Bay.
Requirements:
Negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test (max 10 days prior to travel)
Travel Authorization form completed no more than 5 days prior to arrival
Antigua
Antigua has been and remains one of the Caribbean's premier destinations, and famously has enough beaches that you could visit a different one each day for a whole year! Considered one of the Caribbean's most romantic island, Antigua boasts white sand beaches and calm waters ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Requirements:
Negative COVID-19 PCR test (max 7 days prior to travel)
Complete Health Declaration form during flight
Barbados
Barbados offers a great variety of activities, with everything from sand and surf to land sports and activities to nightlife and entertainment. Barbados is a great destination for surfers and body boarders, as well as seekers of wildlife, especially at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. The capital of Bridgetown is home to colonial-era architecture, and the mostly flat island is known for its beautiful beaches, botanical gardens, and Harrison’s Cave formation.
Requirements:
Negative COVID-19 PCR test (max 72 hours prior to travel or upon arrival)
Immigration and Customs form completed no more than 24 hours before arrival
Saint Lucia
The Eastern Caribbean island of Saint Lucia is home to volcanic beaches and reef-diving sites on its coast, and rainforests, hot springs, and waterfalls on land. The island’s most well-known landmark is the Pitons, beautiful twin tapered peaks, a remnant of an ancient volcanic eruption. The beautiful beaches, lush landscape, and dramatic mountains prompt some to call Saint Lucia the “Hawaii of the Caribbean.”
Requirements:
Negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test (max 7 days prior to travel)
Pre-Arrival Registration form
Grenada
Dubbed the “Spice Isle” due to its production of nutmeg, Grenada is also home to amazing beaches, majestic waterfalls and world’s first underwater sculpture park, making it a great destination for those seeking water sports, scuba diving, and nature experiences. It’s also the site of the capital, St. George’s, which is full of colorful homes, Georgian buildings, and early 18th century Fort George overlooking Carnage Harbour.
Requirements:
Negative COVID-19 PCR test (max 72 hours prior to travel)
Pure Safe Travel Certificate completed prior to departure
Hawaii
Home to the world’s most active volcanoes, the only royal palace in the U.S. and the welcoming aloha spirit—Hawaii is like no place on earth. Discover the glimmering ocean, emerald valleys and golden sands; get lost in the spiritual beauty of the hula and find out how the warmth of Hawaii’s people wonderfully complement the islands’ perfect temperatures.
Requirements:
Negative COVID-19 NAAT from the state of Hawaii’s Trusted Testing and Travel Partners list (max 72 hours prior to final leg of departure)
Travel Health questionnaire on Safe Travels program account 24 hours before arrival
Please note that travel requirements are subject to change at any time, and its recommended to consult with your travel agent and consult the State Department for travel alerts and information. As of January 26, 2021, all travelers arriving in the United States - including United States residents returning from a trip - are required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken 72 hours before travel. Learn more about this here.