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The Caribbean destinations most likely to make the holiday 'green list'

Antigua - Getty
Antigua - Getty

Could the Caribbean be the saviour of summer? While Europe wrestles with yet another pandemic wave, horizons are far brighter across the Atlantic – with white sands and rum cocktails to boot.

Let’s start with the good news. In many Caribbean nations, the data is looking positive – raising hopes that they could be added to the UK’s green (or at least amber) list. Case rates are falling, and vaccination numbers are rising – and that’s just the start. These island nations depend heavily on tourism, ensuring that tourism workers are being prioritised for inoculation, and border policies are (for the most-part) generous.

Indeed, before the UK Government pulled all travel corridors in January 2021, the region had arguably provided Britons’ most reliable holiday options, with eight Caribbean islands welcoming holidaymakers. The likes of Barbados, St Lucia and Antigua were open for business – albeit with testing requirements, and/or minimal quarantine rules.

However, time is running out for sunseekers: June brings hurricane season, with the potential for high winds, rain and travel disruption. Some islands are naturally more sheltered than others, such as Grenada and Barbados – but if the weather is a deal-breaker, you may need to temper your expectations for a summertime break.

Below, we crunch the numbers to see which Caribbean destinations could be first on the UK Government’s green list, when it is finally published on May 10. Of course, there are no guarantees – but here’s what the data, and experts, are saying.

Antigua

Chance of making the green list: 8/10

Arrival restrictions: Simple

Antigua is one of the world’s more accessible paradise islands - Getty
Antigua is one of the world’s more accessible paradise islands - Getty

Antigua’s vaccination programme is continuing apace, with around 27 per cent of the population having received their first jab. For context, France, Germany and Spain have administered first doses to around 15 per cent, while Britain has reached 50 per cent. In Antigua, tourism staff are among those prioritised for the jab.

Even during the first wave, the island has never closed its borders to international travellers, and yet its case rate has remained low. At present, all the island asks Britons for is a pre-arrival negative test result (taken within seven days of arrival), a health check and form upon landing, and adherence to social distancing regulations throughout your holiday. However, you will need to check that your accommodation is on the ‘approved’ list, and some visitors may be instructed to take a PCR test on arrival (costing $100/£72).

The signs for summer look positive. British Airways has announced nine new flights between the UK and Antigua (starting July 9), while the country’s tourism board is stepping up with various campaigns and initiatives – including the launch of month-long ‘workcation’ visas to encourage longer stays. Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority, predicts a “strong tourism rebound when travel restrictions ease within the next few months,” and has praised the “enthusiasm” of tourism workers for receiving the inoculation. Hopefully, that enthusiasm – and the nation’s initiative – will pay off.

Piqued your interest? Read Telegraph Travel's full guide to Antigua here, and the best hotels in Antigua.

Barbados

Chance of making the green list: 8/10

Arrival restrictions: Tough

Colourful houses on the tropical island of Barbados in the Caribbean - Getty
Colourful houses on the tropical island of Barbados in the Caribbean - Getty

Also making strides in the vaccine race, Barbados has administered first doses of Oxford AstraZeneca to 22.9 per cent of its population. The island has kept strict protocols for international travel throughout the pandemic, and cases are low – indeed, there have fewer than 4,000 to date.

On May 8, Barbados will update its entry requirements for international travellers – signalling, perhaps, that it hopes to make the UK’s green list from May 17. But don’t expect a fuss-free arrival: even if you’ve received two doses of vaccine, you will be expected to quarantine for 1-2 days in ‘approved accommodation’, in addition to:

  • Providing proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken three days prior to travel.

  • Providing a vaccination certificate on arrival to Barbados (further details of approved certification are yet to be announced).

  • Taking a standard or rapid COVID-19 PCR test at the airport or accommodation.

  • Using designated transportation providers for transport to your accommodation.

Those who have not been vaccinated must adhere to all of the above, as well as quarantining in their accommodation for five to seven days, staying within their rooms/suites before receiving a second negative PCR test result (taken on day five). As the FCDO advises, “You may be required to wear an electronic tracking bracelet until you receive the results of your second test.”

Planning a trip to Barbados? Find out what to do on the island here. For inspiration on where to stay, see our guide to the best hotels in Barbados.

Saint Lucia

Chance of making the green list: 6/10

Arrival restrictions: Medium

You'll want to head to St Lucia for the scenery as much as to flop on the beach  - Getty
You'll want to head to St Lucia for the scenery as much as to flop on the beach - Getty

Saint Lucia’s tourism ministry is hopeful of green list inclusion, with plans to lure long-term visitors with a new visa extension programme – allowing us sun-starved Britons to stay for up to a year. And the signs are positive: 11 per cent of Saint Lucia’s population has been vaccinated so far, and cases are low – with just 4,300 infections recorded to date.

Social distancing and face-covering protocols are in place throughout St Lucia, and you’ll need to jump through some hoops to get there: every traveller must show a negative test certificate (taken within five days of arrival), and book into government-approved accommodation for 14 days – but the list includes all of the main resorts, hotels and rentals.

There’s mandatory screening and temperature checks at the airport, and you will need to complete a Travel Registration Form (detailing your holiday plans). However, day trips arranged by your hotel are permitted, so it shouldn’t feel too much like ‘resort-arrest’.

Find our full guide to Saint Lucia here. Read more: a complete guide to the best hotels in Saint Lucia.

Dominican Republic

Chance of making the green list: 3/10

Arrival restrictions: Easy

The Santo Domingo Cathedral at sunset - Getty
The Santo Domingo Cathedral at sunset - Getty

The Dominican Republic has been hit hard by the pandemic: so far, it has recorded 260,100 cases of Covid (among the highest in the Caribbean), while just 8.4 per cent of the population have received their first inoculation. That said, its entry requirements are among the region’s most relaxed – all you need is a negative PCR test result, taken within 72 hours before travelling.

“No vaccination is required,” clarifies David Collado, DR’s Minister of Tourism. “The country... will only require a negative PCR test (taken within 72 hours of travel) to be presented on arrival.” You will need to fill out an entry form, consent to a health screening at the airport – but excursions are permitted, attractions are open, and there’s no need to quarantine unless you display symptoms or arrive without a PCR test result.

Jamaica

Chance of making the green list: 3/10

Arrival restrictions: Tough

Jamaica waterfall - Getty
Jamaica waterfall - Getty

Jamaica has introduced ‘Resilient Corridors’, two areas of the island where tourists are permitted to stay – either on the north coast, or south-west coast. ‘Within the resilient corridor, the tourism service delivery operators permitted to accept guests have been inspected and are compliant with the required standards of training, protective equipment and processes,’ explains the tourism board website.

The island is right to be cautious: just 4.6 per cent of its population have received their first vaccine doses, and the case rate has been relatively high. A total of 43,240 infections have been recorded so far. Until 30 April, Jamaica has banned travellers from the UK (unless they are Jamaican nationals) – though the restrictions are set to lift after this date.

However, the prospect of Jamaica gaining ‘green list’ status for UK travellers looks unlikely. As it stands, all arrivals must gain ‘Travel Authorization’ before travelling, present a negative PCR test result, stay in government-approved accommodation, and remain within the ‘Resilient Corridor’ areas. Happy holidays indeed.

Read more: The best hotels in Jamaica and the best hotels in the Dominican Republic, as recommended by our experts.

Will you be planning a holiday to the Caribbean this year? Tell us in the comments below.