Caribbean islands are a no-brainer for Americans looking for some relaxation this winter. Not only are they known for their nature, turquoise seas, and world-class resorts, but they are also easily accessible: many of them are a short 2—to 3-hour flight away!
As close to the States as these tropical havens may be, as foreign countries, they have different rules in place for American visitors, and in some cases, simply bringing a valid passport to your airport check-in desk does not suffice.
Here are 5 hugely-popular Caribbean destinations that require U.S. citizens to fill out a mandatory online form to enter––because who doesn’t love a bit of a bureaucracy?
Jamaica
Be it for its vibrant, colorful carnival, the lush rainforests or the luxurious five-star hotels clustered on the shoreline of Montego Bay, Jamaica is a well-loved destination for Americans dreaming of some winter sun, but ahead of flying, there’s one important step to take.
Jamaica requires all international travelers––and this includes those coming from the United States––to fill out a customs form, called Electronic C5, before their trip: you’ll be asked personal and security questions, as well as to provide information on your travel plans.
It’s pretty straightforward and it takes only a few minutes to complete, but it is mandatory, so don’t leave it until the very last minute; as authorities have stated, it must be submitted up to 30 days prior to the intended date of arrival.
Dominican Republic
Home to Punta Cana, a leisure hotspot fringed by a crystal-clear sea, and an underrated colonial gem in Santo Domingo, the oldest European settlement on this side of the pond––the Dominican Republic is our top pick for both beach and culture in the Caribbean.
Before you start fantasizing about all the mimosas you’re gonna have by the poolside at the landmark Meliá Caribe Beach Resort, where overnight stays start from $245, you better have your Dominican e-Ticket ready to be produced at the airport:
It’s a form including individual passenger details, such as name and passport number, as well as their purpose of travel, and it is free of charge––once submitted, all it takes is downloading the PDF with the QR code and showing it when entering and leaving the country.
Bahamas
Famous for the pinkish sands, otherworldly shades of oceanic blue, and iconic Atlantis Paradise Island, comprising a resort, an ‘Aquaventure Waterpark’ with thrilling water slides, and even marine reserves, the Bahamas is so much more than just a port of call for cruises.
If you’re flying to the archipelagic country as a stand-alone destination, however, and not as part of a cruise itinerary, you should know presenting a Disembarkation/Embarkation Card is required of most airside arrivals, including Americans.
The form must be completed before proceeding to border control, and most airlines will hand out copies to passengers in-flight, as they are individually barcoded and numbered; in the rare case this does not happen, you can get one for free in the Immigration Hall upon arrival.
Curaçao
Curaçao is probably the only Caribbean island where you get traditional Dutch townscapes, with Northern Mannerist facades that look very much Northern European, except for their vibrant colors, and pearly sands wedged between tall palm trees and teal waters.
Those would be completely unruffled if it were not for the pink flamingos that wander about the shoreline, but it’s not like we’re personally mad at them when they make for such great pictures! Anyways, we digress: in terms of pre-arrival bureaucracy, Curaçao is no exception.
Traveling to the Dutch-administered island, you must fill out the so-called Digital Immigration Card, within 7 days prior to departure, with required data ranging from basic travel information to more personal questions––the good news is, like the Dominican, it doesn’t cost a thing!
Dominica
Not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, Dominica is a much-smaller island state characterized by its tropical rainforests, volcanic territory, and therapeutic, steam-covered hot springs: it is often considered the ‘quieter’ side of the Caribbean, as it hosts fewer tourists.
Up until this year, all Americans had to present at the border, landing at Douglas-Charles Airport, their passport, and any other documentation pertaining to their stay; as of this year, they must now present a completed online immigration form.
It’s free and it’s truly no biggie, but unless they have submitted their details online, and received confirmation the form was processed, and issued a QR code, they might not be allowed to enter Dominica upon landing on the island.
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