Beginning on January 26th, the CDC is requiring that anyone flying into the U.S. over the age of 2, have a negative COVID test (NAAT or antigen.) This rule does apply to U.S. citizens coming back to the U.S. from a vacation.
According to the CDC, air passengers entering the U.S. will be required to present documentation of a negative COVID-19 viral test (called a Qualifying Test) conducted within 3 days before their flight departs to the U.S. The new regulation currently does not apply to travelers returning from Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, but of course, that is subject to change.
- Documentation should be for a viral test (NAAT or antigen) as approved or authorized by the relevant national authority.
- Test results must state: Negative, SARS-CoV2 RNA Not Detected, SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Not Detected, or COVID-19 Not Detected. Invalid will not be accepted.
- Documentation may be paper or electronic copy and must include the name and contact information of the laboratory or healthcare personnel who performed the test.
- Test results may be required to be shown again upon landing.
Here are the Caribbean Destinations we broke down for you…
- Mexico Hotel Vacations and hotels offering Covid Testing
- Jamaica Hotel Vacations and hotels offering Covid Testing
- Bahamas Hotel Vacations and hotels offering Covid Testing
- Dominican Republic Hotel Vacations and hotels offering Covid Testing
Various hotel chains through the Caribbean and Mexico offering testing
Many are ready for the increased testing demands. Many are offering the COVID antigen tests for free, with a minimum 3-night stay. Here are some of the ones we know about so far
- AIC Hotel Group
Hard Rock Hotels in Mexico and Punta Cana, including UNICO 20 87 Hotel Riviera Maya and Nobu Hotel Los Cabos are offering free COVID-19 testing and free medical assistance for all U.S. residents who book three or more nights. You have to book by February 28, 2021, and travel between January 26 and December 31, 2021, or until requirements are lifted. They include 2 complimentary COVID tests per room. You can purchase additional tests for $50. - Sandals & Beaches Resorts
Through March 31st, 2021 COVID tests will be given at all Sandals & Beaches resorts free of charge by medical professionals. Negative test results should be no older than 3 days from the date of departure and results will be available within 24-48 hours. Should a guest test positive for COVID-19 prior to resort departure, Sandals® and Beaches® Resorts are ready to offer onsite support in line with all CDC and WHO best practices. Guests are covered through the Travel Protection Insurance that the brand has purchased on their behalf that affords coverage for up to a 14-night stay at no cost and coverage of medical expenses. Maximum benefits of up to $100,000 per person.
- AMR Resorts
This hotel group includes Zoetry, Secrets, Breathless, Dreams, AmResorts, NOW Resorts, Reflect Resorts & Spas, Sunscape Resorts & Spas & ALUA. “On-site property testing will be administered by Hospiten, an international private hospital network committed to providing a first-rate health care service for travelers, across the majority of our destinations.” Test results will be received the same day in written format as required by the CDC. Guests should contact the concierge at each resort upon arrival to schedule departure testing. If a guest receives a positive test while on the property that prevents departure, the cost of quarantine at the property will be covered for up to 14 days. Extended stay due to quarantine includes the guest plus one travel companion sharing the same room. This program is valid for travel through March 31, 2021. - Karisma Resorts
All Karisma Hotels & Resorts in the Riviera Maya region of MX, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica will offer a complimentary, on-site covid-19 antigen test for guests who are traveling to the U.S, as per CDC guidelines. The first antigen test will be available free of charge at the hotels for guests departing as of January 26. If a guest’s test results are positive, Karisma will provide quarantine accommodations until a doctor certifies clearance for travel with a negative test result for a period not to exceed 14 nights. This applies to guests traveling through March 31, 2021. Policies are subject to be reviewed and changed according to Covid-19 protocol updates. - Playa Hotel & Resorts
Playa’s portfolio includes Hyatt Ziva, Hyatt Zilara, Panama Jack, Hilton, Jewel resorts & Sanctuary brands. Complimentary antigen tests will be available to guests returning to the U.S. from any of their 17 resorts across Mexico and throughout the Caribbean. The complimentary test offer is for up to 2 guests in the room staying a minimum of 3 nights in Mexico & the Dominican Republic, and a minimum of 5 nights in Jamaica through April 30, 2021. If you are staying less than 5 nights in Jamaica, the cost of the antigen test is $49 pp. If you test positive you must quarantine for 14 days. The resort will offer up to a 50% discount on accommodations. PCR tests will be available at an additional charge. - Palladium Hotel Group
Palladium Hotel Group is offering COVID testing for their resorts in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica & Mexico. Tests will be free through April 4, 2021 for those traveling back to the U.S. If you are traveling to Canada, prices for the test range from $177 to $443 Canadian dollars. If a guest receives a positive COVID-19 test while on property that prevents departure, their Stay Safe Plus FREE Health Insurance™ will enter into effect. The cost of quarantine at the property will be covered for up to 10 days. Extended stay due to quarantine includes the guest, who will be isolated; plus up to 3 (three) travel companions sharing the same room. So many amazing Jamaica Vacation Packages for under $999 are available. - Iberostar Hotels & Resorts
Iberostar hotels in Mexico, the Dominican Republic & Jamaica will offer free COVID-19 antigen tests on-site by an accredited, CDC compliant lab through March 31st, 2021. Results are typically available within 30 minutes. PCR tests will be available at a cost of $135 in Mexico and $150 to $200 in Jamaica & the Dominican Republic. Guests testing positive for COVID-19 receive a stay extension of up to 10 days. Valid for travel 01/26/2021 – 03/31/2021. Start planning your Dominican Republic Vacation. - Couples Resorts
All 4 properties in Jamaica – Couples Tower Isle, Couples Swept Away, Couples Negril, and Couples Sans Souci will offer free rapid antigen testing. All tests will be administered by a contracted medical partner within three days of a guest’s departure date. Results take 48 hours. - Melia Hotels International
Melia offers free travel insurance on all reservations which includes medical coverage, as well as up to a 15-day stay should you test positive and need to quarantine at the property. Most of their properties throughout Mexico and the Caribbean are offering free, onsite antigen tests. In Mexico, the following properties have the test: Paradisus Playa Del Carmen, Paradisus Cancun, Paradisus Los Cabos, ME Cabo, Melia Cozumel and Melia Puerto Vallarta. In the Dominican Republic, Grand Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real, Paradisus Palma Real, Melia Caribe Beach Resort and Melia Punta Cana Beach Resort all have it available. Ready to start planning your Mexico Vacation Package? - Marriott International
All Marriott hotels in the Caribbean will provide testing. The testing sites and costs differ by location, with some properties offering transportation to an off-site testing facility and others arranging on-site appointments for guests. - RIU Hotels
All Riu properties in Mexico, Jamaica & Punta Cana will offer a COVID-19 antigen test at no additional cost for all adults & children. Testing will be done by an accredited medical testing lab that is compliant with all CDC requirements. Test results will be received within 72 hours prior to departure in written and/or electronic format. If a guest tests positive for COVID-19 during the stay, Riu Hotels will provide an extension at no cost for up to 10 days. Extended stay due to quarantine includes the guest plus travel companions sharing the same room.
Helpful Tip:
Ask the front desk at the time of check-in if you can schedule your test for 3 days prior to your departure.
What if you have already had COVID?
Passengers may provide documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 with documentation of test results conducted during the 3 months preceding the flight’s departure from a foreign country.
- Test results must state: Positive, SARS-CoV2 RNA Detected, SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Detected, or COVID-19 Detected. Invalid will not be accepted.
- Additionally, a letter from a licensed health professional stating that the passenger has been cleared for travel (called Documentation of Recovery) is required.
Please keep in mind that all of this information is subject to change. We recommend checking the CDC’s website as well as each tourist board to confirm that their latest COVID travel requirements are. For example, Jamaica and the Bahamas are currently requiring negative COVID tests, where Mexico and the Dominican Republic are not. Bahamas and Costa Rica require that you purchase travel insurance. Make sure yo check out our Caribbean Vacation packages.
