g Need to Know g Contents
Forward planning is essential for any successful trip. Prepare yourself for any eventuality by brushing up on the following points before you set off.
Entry requirements vary widely among the island nations, so always check before you travel.
For most countries, visitors need to have a valid passport and a return ticket, as well as a tourist visa (typically good for 30- to 90-day stays).
Refer to the Practical Information pages in each island chapter for more details.
Visitors can get up-to date travel safety information from the Foreign and Common-wealth Office in the UK, the State Department in the US and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Australia.
AUS
UK
∑ gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
US
Besides personal belongings, tourists are allowed to carry up to 2 liters (68 fl.oz) of alcohol and two cigarette cartons to most Caribbean islands. Certain drugs require a prescription. Local and Caribbean customs are on guard for drug trafficking. US Customs allows $800 of goods duty-free, including 2 liters (68 fl.oz) of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and 100 non-Cuban cigars, plus an unlimited amount of original art. Visitors who travel to the US Virgin Islands plus another Caribbean island may bring back $1,600 of goods duty-free. No Customs declaration is required when traveling between Puerto Rico and the US. The UK permits £390 of goods, plus 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, plus 2 liters (68 fl.oz) of wine, and 1 liter (34 fl.oz) of spirits.
Avoid buying items made from endangered species such as tortoise shell, black coral, or reptile skin. These are covered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and anyone found in possession of such items can be fined.
It is wise to take out an insurance policy before you go covering theft, loss of belongings, medical problems, cancellation and delays.
Malaria is prevalent on some islands, and the region has experienced an epidemic of dengue
fever in recent years; check Fit for Travel (UK)and CDC Travelers' Health (US) for for advice and guidance on recommended inoculations before traveling.
Fit for Travel
CDC Travelers' Health
A wide variety of currencies are in use throughout the Caribbean – refer to the Practical Information pages within each island chapter for specific details. However, the US dollar is accepted almost everywhere and many businesses also accept euros. Banks are ubiquitous, although ATMs often run out of cash. Most hotels are also happy to change foreign currency.
Facilities vary across the islands. Many historic buildings do not have wheelchair access or lifts, but most modern and renovated hotels provide toilets and other amenities for wheelchair-users, and many pavements now have wheelchair ramps. The following tour operator makes specialist arrangements:
Accessible Caribbean Vacations