Latest List Of Destinations Open For Business

TORONTO — As the world begins to reopen in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more destinations are welcoming back visitors.

Airlines, hotels, resorts and ground handlers have invested heavily in health and safety protocols and are eager to welcome travellers back.

That said, the federal government’s advisory warning Canadians against non-essential travel to destinations outside of Canada is still in place. That’s an issue for getting travel insurance.

Also, under current federal regulations it is mandatory that all Canadians returning to Canada self-isolate under quarantine for 14 days.

Here are all the latest reopening lists, updated as new information comes in, for when your clients are ready to travel…

 

LATEST UPDATES: July 28 – Bermuda; July 22 – Dominica; July 21 – Bahamas; July 15 – St. Maarten and Grenada; July 14 – Bahamas; July 8 – Belize, Curaçao; July 6 – Dominican Republic, Antigua; July 3 – Saint Lucia, Puerto Vallarta; July 2 – Mazatlán, Barbados

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THE CARIBBEAN

 

ANGUILLA

Updated July 16:

While there is no definitive date for reopening Anguilla’s borders to commercial international travel at this time, the government has outlined its measured approach to reopening, which will take place in phases, and the island looks forward to opening soon. Additional updates on the reopening of Anguilla’s borders and tourism sector will be issued in the coming weeks, once all travel safety protocols have been finalized.

 

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

Updated July 6:

Antigua & Barbuda has updated its entry requirements for travellers to include a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result within seven days of their flight, which comes into effect on July 9 at 11:59 p.m. AST. This also applies to transiting passengers. All arriving passengers must wear a face mask on disembarkation and in all public areas, as well as complete a Health Declaration Form. They’ll also be subjected to screening and temperature checks by Port Health Authorities upon arrival.

All arriving passengers will be monitored for COVID-19 for up to 14 days, and may be required to undergo testing on arrival or at their hotel or place of lodging. Arriving passengers with symptoms of COVID-19 may be isolated as determined by health authorities.

Antigua reopened its airport in early June, with commercial flights resuming on June 4. For more details see https://visitantiguabarbuda.com/travel-advisory/.

 

ARUBA

Aruba has officially reopened its borders and is once again welcoming inbound travellers in a phased-in approach. Starting June 15 Aruba opened its doors to visitors from Bonaire and Curaçao. Visitors from Canada, Europe and the rest of the Caribbean (with the exception of the D.R. and Haiti), will be welcomed back on July 1. Visitors from the U.S. are welcome back starting July 10. Travellers will be required to follow a new embarkation and disembarkation process to enter the country. In addition to social distancing, Aruba is placing temporary capacity limits on some of the more popular tourist destinations to decrease the flow of visitors at peak times in more heavily trafficked areas, without limiting overall access. Plus, a new safety and hygiene program in partnership with key private sector stakeholders has been developed and launched. The ‘Aruba Health & Happiness Code’, which outlines stringent cleaning and hygiene standards, is mandatory for all tourism-related businesses throughout the country. This protocol will ensure tourism businesses adhere to the strict guidelines for health, sanitation, and social distancing protocols. Each business will go through a checklist of new rules and regulations on how to operate in a COVID-19 world. Upon completion, businesses will be inspected by the Department of Public Health and receive a Code Gold Certification once approved. For more details see Aruba.com.

 

BAHAMAS

Updated July 21:

The Bahamas has updated its entry requirements for travellers to include a mandatory Bahamas Health Visa application as well as a negative COVID-19 test result within 10 days of arrival. Effective immediately, all travellers will be required to complete the electronic application at travel.gov.bs prior to departure from their place of embarkation, and upload a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test plus provide contact information. The Government of The Bahamas will accept the negative COVID-19 RT-PRC (swab) test if the same was taken within 10 days of arrival. Tests over 10 days old will not be accepted. An automated response will be provided once the application is completed. The only people approved to travel are those who have received a green colour-coded responses as proof of approval. This confirmation must be presented upon arrival in The Bahamas. Children under two years old are not required to have the test. Children between 3-10 must take a test unless proof is presented upon arrival that their state/county does not administer tests for children in this age range. The Bahamas reopened its borders and tourism sector on July 1, however the destination announced on July 20 that it has closed its borders to U.S. visitors for the time being. A full list of health and safety protocols for accommodations, transportation, excursions, tours, attractions, ferries and restaurants can be found here.

 

BARBADOS

Canadians will be the first visitors to be welcomed back to Barbados when the island resumes commercial flights on July 12. Twice-weekly Air Canada service from Toronto Pearson to Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) will resume on July 12. Intra-regional flights on Caribbean Airlines are expected to resume in mid-July.

At the airport, public health protocols are in place including face masks en route to Barbados, physical distancing of three feet as well as temperature checks. Within 72 hours prior to departure for Barbados, all travellers from high-risk countries are strongly encouraged to take a COVID-19 PCR test from an accredited laboratory (ISO, CAP, UKAS or equivalent). High-risk countries are defined as those with more than 10,000 new cases in the prior seven days and community transmission. Travellers from low-risk countries will have up to one week prior to departure for Barbados to take their tests. These countries are defined as those with less than 100 new cases in the prior seven days and not in the Community Transmission category.

There will be a new online Embarkation/Disembarkation card (ED card) with personal health questions relating to COVID-19 symptoms, which travellers will be required to complete. Once all required steps are completed and supporting documents uploaded, travellers will receive a bar code via email. On arrival in Barbados, travellers will be required to present evidence of a negative result of a PCR COVID-19 test and bar code to clear immigration. Travellers without a documented negative PCR test result from an accredited or recognized laboratory will be required to take a test upon arrival, and will be quarantined at their expense, pending the results. The anticipated wait period for the test results is 48 hours. If travellers fail the test they will be placed in isolation where they will receive care from the Ministry of Health and Wellness. For more information go to https://gisbarbados.gov.bb/covid-19/.

 

BELIZE

Belize will reopen the Philip Goldson International Airport on Aug. 15 as part three of its five-phase reopening plan. On this date, the airport will open entry for chartered flights, private aviation and limited leisure travel with approved hotels only. A list of Gold Standard-approved hotels will be available at www.travelbelize.org in the coming weeks.

Prior to arrival, all passengers must download the Belize Health App and complete the required information. They are also encouraged to take a COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of travel; those  who provide certification of a negative test result will be allowed immediate entry. Passengers who do not provide a negative test result within 72 hours of travel must test upon arrival, at their expense. A negative test result will allow entry, those who test positive at the airport will be placed in mandatory quarantine for a minimum 14 days at their own expense.

For a complete list of health and safety protocols go to https://belizetourismboard.org/belize-covid-19-update-for-travellers/.

 

BERMUDA

After reopening to tourists on July 1, the island of Bermuda is now mandating that in addition to acquiring a negative COVID-19 test result prior to travel, all visitors must now also take a COVID-19 test on days 4, 8 and 14 of their visit. If a traveller tests positive while in destination, or is a close contact of a positive person, or is symptomatic, they will be quarantined or isolated at their accommodation for up to 14 days.

For more information go to https://www.gotobermuda.com/bta/press-release/bermuda-tourism-authority-update.

 

CUBA

The Cuba Tourist Board says Cuba’s travel restrictions will begin to lift on July 1. During its temporary closure to international travellers, the Cuban government took various steps to improve all hotels and its tourism infrastructure. Hygiene and sanitary protocols were put in place to ensure the safety of residents and international visitors.

 

CURACAO

Curaçao reopened its borders on July 1 to a select number of international destinations including Canada, Belgium, China, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain. During the month of July, a maximum of 10,000 passengers will be welcomed in an effort to minimize pressure on the local health system. This limitation will be re-evaluated for the upcoming months.

Visitors from permitted countries must do the following:

• Complete the digital immigration card online prior to departure at https://dicardcuracao.com/portal.

• Digitally fill out the Passenger Locator Card (PLC) at https://dicardcuracao.com/portal within 48 hours before departure and carry a printed document of proof

• Show a negative result from a certified COVID-19 PCR test and carry a printed document of proof; the test must be taken a maximum of 72 hours prior to departure at an accredited laboratory; visitors will be required to upload the negative test results on https://dicardcuracao.com/portal before departure

All travellers to Curaçao must also state that they have not travelled to a high-risk country or have been in contact with a person who tested positively for COVID-19 within 14 days prior to arrival. If this is the case they will be placed in mandatory quarantine at their own expense. All visitors must also be adequately insured for medical care and are responsible for any additional costs if they are quarantined or become ill during their stay.

Cruise passengers are currently not permitted to enter the country.

 

DOMINICA

All travellers, including non-nationals, will be permitted to travel to Dominica beginning Aug. 7 as the island begins phase 2 of its reopening plan. Pre-arrival protocols include submitting a health questionnaire online at least 24 hours prior to arrival, showing notification of clearance to travel, and submitting a negative PCR COVID-19 test result recorded within 24-72 hours prior to arrival.

Upon disembarkation, travellers must undergo a health assessment to include a temperature check, provide confirmation of the health questionnaire and negative PCR test results, and undergo rapid test screening (children under five years old are exempt). Travellers who report a high temperature, high risk alert from their questionnaire or positive rapid test will be given a PCR test and be transported to mandatory quarantine at a government-approved facility or hotel at their expense to await results. If the test result is positive, the traveller may be quarantined until released by an authorized health professional.

 

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Updated July 6:

Phase 5 of the Dominican Republic’s reopening plans commenced on July 1, with most hotels, airports, gyms and restaurants reopening with social distancing and safety protocols in place. At airports, temperature checks have been implemented; those registering a temperature above 38 C degrees or presenting any other symptoms will also undergo a rapid COVID-19 test. Use of face masks is mandatory for all employees and passengers, while a Traveller’s Health Affidavit must also be filled out and submitted by all travellers.

For a full list of safety protocols at hotels, restaurants and tourism activities go to https://www.godominicanrepublic.com/newsroom/coronavirus/.

 

GRENADA

Updated July 15:

Initially scheduled to reopen July 1, Grenada has remained closed following a June 28 address from Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell, who called for a more cautious approach to reopening the country’s borders. Now Grenada will reopen to international travellers on Aug. 1. The reopening date for regional visitors is July 15. Protocols include a mandatory certified copy of a negative PCR test dated no more than 7 days prior to departure. All passengers must also undergo a rapid test on arrival at the airport. If the rapid test is positive, the traveller will then be tested using swab/PCR and placed in quarantine at an approved accommodation at their expense, for 2 – 4 days, pending the PCR result. If that subsequent test is positive they will remain in quarantine for up to 14 days, or until they have tested negative on PCR. All travellers must also complete, sign and submit a Health Declaration Form, and download and register on Grenada’s contact tracing app. Both can be found at covid19.gov.gd.

 

JAMAICA

Jamaica reopened its borders to international travellers on June 15 with new health and safety protocols in place. All visitors will be screened via thermal temperature checks and symptom observation; those with elevated temperatures will be subject to additional screening and testing, if needed. Any visitor who exhibits symptoms or is ill will be subject to quarantine. Phase 1 of the reopening is set for June 15-30, 2020, during which time a COVID-19 Resilient Corridor, which includes the coastline from Negril to Port Antonio, has been introduced. Only businesses within the corridor that have been trained and cleared for opening are permitted to open to tourists during Phase 1. All ground transportation for tourists must be arranged by a business that has been cleared to open. For a full list of safety protocols for hotels, cruise ships, attractions, beaches and transportation, click here.

 

PUERTO RICO

Puerto Rico will be ready to welcome back travellers on July 15 as part of its third phase of economic reopening. Hotels throughout the destinations have remained open throughout to island residents. Starting July 15, all commercial spaces such as pools, bars, restaurants and shops within hotels will operate at 50% capacity in order to promote social distancing. Tourist attractions and popular sites are also open during this phase, while tour operators and businesses that rent equipment used for tourist activities are also authorized to resume operations.

The island’s main airport, Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, is using advanced technology to automatically gauge incoming travellers’ temperature and has staff on site to administer a quick health check-up to arriving passengers.

The government of Puerto Rico is working on exception to the mandatory 14-day quarantine that remains in effect, for passengers arriving on or after July 15 who provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Further details will be coming in upcoming days.

 

SAINT LUCIA

Updated July 3:

Pre-travel testing for COVID-19 is now mandatory for all travellers heading to Saint Lucia, effective July 9. Travellers are required to obtain a negative PCR test within seven days of travel unless arriving from designated ‘Travel Bubble’ countries in the Caribbean. Those with proof of a negative PCR test may be exempt from on-island testing and advance through to their COVID-19 certified hotel.

All arriving passengers will be screened, including temperature checks, at the airport. Those with symptoms will be isolated and tested and must remain in quarantine at their hotel or Government Operated Quarantine Facility until test results are obtained. If positive, they will be transferred to a treatment facility until they receive two negative test results.

Anyone arriving without proof of a negative PCR test within seven days will be subject to immediate isolation and testing with possible quarantine or treatment in the event they test positive, at the traveller’s expense.

During Phase One, visitors can stay only at hotels that are COVID-19 certified. Phase Two will commence on Aug. 1. For more see https://www.stlucia.org/en/covid-19/.

 

ST. MAARTEN

Updated July 15:

The Dutch Caribbean destination of St. Maarten has pushed back its reopening date for U.S. travellers from July 15 to Aug. 1. As for Canadian travellers, St. Maarten’s Minister of Tourism Ludmila de Weever says Canada is in St. Maarten’s lower-risk bracket, “and it’s really about when [Canadians] are ready to fly. We’re ready to accept them.” The destination reopened to select markets from Europe and the Caribbean on July 1. Anyone coming to St. Maarten must upload the results of their negative PCR test (taken within 72 hours of arrival) and complete a health questionnaire. St. Maarten’s Health Declaration Platform, with all these details and more, is at stmaartenentry.com. Another helpful site is stmaartenupdates.com.

 

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

St. Vincent and the Grenadines has announced new entry requirements for travellers just in time for Air Canada Rouge flights starting in July. A list of requirements fort phase 1 1ravellers, from July 1-30, 2020, can be found here. In phase 2, which begins on Aug. 1, 2020 and based on the data gained during phase 1 and the current epidemiology of the COVID-19 pandemic, travellers arriving will be subjected to PCR COVID-19 testing, depending on their country of origin. For more details go to http://health.gov.vc/health/index.php/c and https://www.facebook.com/SVGHEALTH/.

 

TURKS & CAICOS

Turks and Caicos plans to reopen its borders and begin welcoming visitors starting July 22. The destination’s airline partners have confirmed flight service will resume from within the U.S., Canada, and Europe as soon as the destination is ready. Private jet terminals will open on July 22 as well in conjunction with the reopening of Providenciales International Airport. The Grand Turk Cruise Center will remain closed until Aug. 31. The Islands’ hotels and resorts, private villas, restaurants and bars, and tour operators are simultaneously finalizing protocols and gearing up to accept bookings. See www.turksandcaicostourism.com.

 

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

The U.S. Virgin Islands reopened on June 1 to all travellers. Travellers are asked to travel with PPE include masks, wipes, sanitizers, etc. Health screening protocols are in place for all arrivals and symptomatic travellers will be referred to the Dept. of Health. Seating capacity will be 50% in vans and safari vehicles. See https://www.visitusvi.com.

 

MEXICO

Los Cabos

On June 1 Los Cabos launched Phase I of a five-phase approach that applies to all travel sectors and service operators. Upon completion, hotels, timeshares and some travel operators will be able to resume activities. The Los Cabos Tourism Board also confirmed that 62% of the destination’s hotel inventory will resume operations, while airlines including AS, AA, WN and DL have announced their return. Los Cabos is projecting the return of Canadian travellers as part of Phase IV, between October and December 2020. See https://www.visitloscabos.travel/industry/health-safety-standards/.

 

Mazatlán

Mazatlán’s beaches and hotels reopened to tourists on July 1 following 90 days of safety protocols training. During the three-month closure, the destination established and implemented strict safety measures in partnership with Preverisk, an international certification company. AS such, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has awarded Mazatlán with the Safe Travels stamp, recognizing its commitment to travellers’ safety.

All local services that are part of the Responsible Tourism Chain will participate in ‘the new normal’, including the airport, transportation services, hotels, restaurants and tours.

 

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta began reopening its beaches and hotels at the end of June, with hotel capacity at a maximum 30%. For the list of current hotels that have reopened go to visitpuertovallarta.com/covid19.php.

While hotels have begun to gradually reopen, the iconic Malecon waterfront promenade has yet to fully open to the public, with only access points to restaurants and shops. Bars remain closed until the destination completes its current phase of the reopening process.

Safety measures at Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport include social distancing practiced by airport workers, thermal video cameras, electronic documentation, and disinfectant mats at all entrances and exits.

Canadian airlines are awaiting approvals from the Canadian government to resume service to Puerto Vallarta. Service is tentatively scheduled to resume with the following airlines: Air Canada (September 2020); Air Transat (fall-winter 2020); Sunwing (fall-winter 2020), and WestJet (fall-winter 2020).

 

Quintana Roo

The Quintana Roo Tourism Board, which represents 12 destinations in the Mexican Caribbean including Cancun, Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen, started its gradual reopening on June 8 with 30% of hotels in operation. By July 1, 75% are expected to be open. Cancun and Cozumel International Airports have introduced several safety protocols, including: permanent temperature checks for all passengers; social distancing measures; the installation of protective screens; sanitization and deep cleaning; and a travel questionnaire to identify risk factors. According to the Tourism Board’s Director, Dario Flota, the Mexican government does not plan to enforce mandatory quarantines for visitors – only for those presenting symptoms and who test positive for COVID-19. For more information go to www.mexicancaribbean.travel.

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Riviera Nayarit

June 15 marked the official reopening of Riviera Nayarit, with some hotels, restaurants and businesses in the tourism sector welcoming back international travellers. To ensure safe social distancing on property, all reopened businesses are operating at just 30% capacity. Other businesses will gradually reopen in the upcoming weeks. Riviera Nayarit joins the growing list of global destinations to earn the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Safe Travel Stamp, granted to destinations and hotels that have adopted WTTC-approved health and hygiene protocols. All travellers arriving at Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) will undergo temperature screenings via thermal imaging cameras upon arrival and departure. For more information go to https://www.aeropuertosgap.com.mx/en/ and https://www.travelweek.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/English-PROTOCOLO-DE-REFORZAMIENTO-EN-LOS-PUNTOS-DE-ENTRADA-INTERNACIONAL-APTO-PVR.pdf.

 

EUROPE

On June 15 select European countries began opening their borders to travellers from other European countries. However, while the European Commission has recommended that all Schengen area and EU countries reopen their internal borders to get tourism started again, the final decision is up to each individual country. Also Europe’s external borders, to travellers from outside of Europe, remain closed and will remain closed until at least early July.

In the meantime, a new website from the EU, ‘Re-open EU’, is an interactive tool which aims to support a safe relaunch of travelling and tourism across Europe. The platform provides real-time information on borders and available means of transport and tourism services, as well as health and safety measures and restrictions across all EU Member States (27 countries). It is available in all 24 languages of the EU.

On July 3 government officials in the UK have released an official list of low-risk countries whose residents will be allowed to travel to the UK starting July 10 without having to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. So far Canada is not on the list, however officials have indicated that countries may be added to the list over the coming weeks following further discussions between the UK and international partners. The UK’s list can be seen here.