TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO THE CARIBBEAN Since colonial times, the Caribbean has been a favorite place for American visitors. In the past 40 years, tourism to the area has swelled as never before, and today approximately 6 million Americans visit the islands every year. Most visitors have a safe trip without difficulties. To help you have the same experience, the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs has prepared these tips for you. The Bureau of Consular Affairs provides services to Americans who travel or reside abroad. If, in spite of your best precautions, you find yourself in difficulties abroad, please contact the U.S. consul at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. There is a list of U.S. embassies and consulates in the Caribbean near the end of this document. We hope you enjoy this information and find it useful for your visit to the Caribbean. Originally named the West Indies by explorers seeking a sea route to India, the Caribbean is the region of tropical islands in the Caribbean Sea situated between North and South America and east of Central America. The islands extend for nearly 1,700 miles from Cuba in the west to Barbados in the east. Note: There are special conditions relating to travel to Cuba, including U.S. Treasury restrictions. See CUBA section for details. If you plan to visit the most popular islands during high tourist season (from mid-December to mid-April), confirm your hotel reservations two to three months in advance. There are, however, lesser-known islands where you may be able to book first class accommodations on short notice. In addition, you can usually book reservations with ease during the off-season, but be aware of hurricane season which runs from June to November. Most of the islands in the Caribbean belong to one of 13 independent countries. In addition, several islands and groups of islands in the Caribbean are part of or dependent upon France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, or the United States. A directory of the major islands is follows later in this file. CONSULAR INFORMATION SHEETS AND TRAVEL WARNINGS Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings have replaced the old travel advisory system. There is a Consular Information Sheet for every country in the world. They cover entry regulations, health conditions, the crime and security situation, political disturbances, areas of instability, and drug penalties. A Travel Warning advises travelers not to go to a country because of dangerous conditions and/or because the ability to assist a U.S. citizen in distress there is severely limited. Consular Information Sheets for the Caribbean are available at the 13 regional U.S. passport agencies; from U.S. embassies and consulates abroad; or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Overseas Citizens Services, Room 4811, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-4818. On the envelope, write the name of the country or countries needed in the lower left corner. In addition, there are three electronic methods to access Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings 24-hours a day. To listen to a recording of them, call 202-647-5225 from a touchtone phone. To receive them by fax, dial 202-647-3000 from a fax machine and follow the prompts from the machine's telephone receiver. To view or download the documents from a computer and modem, dial the Consular Affairs Bulletin Board (CABB) on 202-647-9225, setting your software to N-8-1. There is no charge to use these systems. As you travel, keep abreast of local news coverage. If you are in an area experiencing civil unrest or a natural disaster, will be staying more than two weeks in an area, or if you are going to a place where communications are poor, you are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Registration takes only a few moments, and it may be invaluable in case of an emergency. Remember to leave a detailed itinerary and the numbers of your passport or other citizenship documents with a friend or relative in the United States. ENTRY AND EXIT REQUIREMENTS Going: Every island in the Caribbean has entry requirements. Most countries allow you to visit for up to two or three months if you show proof of citizenship and a return or onward ticket. Some countries, such as Trinidad and Tobago, require that you have a valid passport. Haiti requires children under 18 to have a valid passport. If you are arriving from an area infected with yellow fever, many Caribbean countries require you to have a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever. Some countries have an airport departure tax of up to $25. For authoritative information on a countrys entry and exit requirements and on its customs and currency regulations, contact its embassy, consulate, or tourist office in the United States. (A list of foreign embassies is available later in this document.) Returning - Caution! Make certain that you can return to the United States with the proof of citizenship that you take with you. Although some Caribbean countries may allow you to enter with only a voter's registration card or a birth certificate to indicate citizenship, U.S. Immigration requires that you document both your U.S. citizenship and identity when you reenter the United States. The best document to prove your U.S. citizenship is a valid U.S. passport. Other documents of U.S. citizenship include an expired U.S. passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship, or a Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States. To prove your identity, either a valid driver's license or a government identification card that includes a photo or a physical description is acceptable. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport overseas should be reported to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. A lost or stolen birth certificate or driver's license cannot be replaced outside of the United States. There are several countries, most notably Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, and Jamaica, where airlines have refused to board American citizens with insufficient proof of U.S. citizenship. The resulting delays can be inconvenient as well as expensive. BRINGING YOUR OWN BOAT OR PLANE If you plan to arrive in the Caribbean in your own boat or plane, contact the embassy, consulate, or tourist office of each country you plan to visit to learn what is required for entry and exit. Besides title of ownership, most ports of entry will require proof of insurance coverage for the country you are entering. Some countries require a temporary import permit for your boat or plane. Authorities in the Caribbean are familiar with U.S. regulations for documentation of air and sea craft. They will detain improperly documented craft that enter their territory. In some countries, authorities will confiscate firearms found on a boat or plane unless the owner or master can show proof that U.S. licensing and export procedures have been followed. In addition, some countries impose stiff prison terms for the importation of illegal firearms. CUSTOMS, FIREARMS, AND CURRENCY REGULATIONS Customs formalities are generally simple in the Caribbean. As a rule, one carton of cigarettes and one quart of liquor are permitted duty free into the islands. Most countries tax additional quantities at a high rate. In general, tourists are permitted to enter with other commodities required for personal use. If you wish to bring firearms into any country, inquire at the country's embassy or consulate about the permit required. As noted above, some countries in the Caribbean impose a stiff prison term for importing illegal firearms. Currency regulations vary. Inquire about them when you check on entry requirements. In some countries, you must declare all currency and are not allowed to take out more money than you brought in. Other countries limit the amount of their own currency that can be brought in or taken out. Check with your travel agent about extra fees and taxes that may be overlooked in the tourist literature. Examples are hotel taxes, obligatory restaurant gratuities, and airport departure taxes. When you convert your money to local currency, retain receipts. You will need to show them if you wish to reconvert money upon departure. It is usually advantageous to reconvert local currency before departure. Although U.S. currency is used along with local currency in some places, such as the Bahamas and Haiti, there may be an advantage to using local currency. HEALTH Information on health precautions for travelers can be obtained from local health departments, private doctors, or travel clinics. You may also call the Centers for Disease Control's 24-hour hotline on (404) 332-4559 for information on immunizations and health risks worldwide. Immunizations are recommended against diphtheria, hepatitis A, polio, and tetanus. Typhoid immunization is also recommended if you go to remote areas of Haiti or Jamaica. Polio is endemic in Haiti and in the Dominican Republic. Malaria is prevalent in Haiti and in the rural, non-tourist areas of the Dominican Republic that border Haiti. If you are going to a malaria area, take a weekly dose of chloroquine, beginning two weeks before your trip. In addition, take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes because malaria can break through any preventative drug. Review your health insurance policy. U.S. medical insurance is often not valid outside the United States. Social Security Medicare does not provide payment for medical services obtained outside the U.S. In addition to medical insurance, consider obtaining insurance to cover evacuation in the event of an accident or serious illness. Air evacuation to the United States can easily cost $15,000 if you are not insured. There are short-term health and emergency assistance policies designed for travelers. Ask your travel agent about them or look for ads in travel publications. If you need medical attention during your trip, your hotel may be able to recommend the nearest clinic, hospital or doctor, or you can obtain a list of local medical services from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. In a medical emergency, a U.S. consul can help you locate medical treatment. The most prevalent health hazard in the Caribbean is one you can avoid -- overexposure to the sun. Use sunscreen and bring a shirt to wear over your bathing suit, especially if you plan to snorkel. Where the quality of drinking water is questionable, bottled water is recommended. Travelers to remote areas should boil or chemically treat drinking water. SAFETY TIPS Crime. The Caribbean has a somewhat slower pace than at home. However, thievery, purse snatching, and pick pocketing do happen, particularly in towns and at beaches. There has also been an increase in violent crimes such as rape and assault against tourists. In some places, U.S. passports and identity documents are especially attractive to thieves. Robbery of yachts is a problem in some marinas. Here are some precautions to keep in mind: - Safety begins when you pack. Leave expensive jewelry, unnecessary credit cards, and anything you would hate to lose at home. - Use a concealed money pouch or belt for passports, cash, and other valuables. - To facilitate replacing a lost or stolen passport, carry two extra passport photos and a photocopy of your passport information page and other identity documents with you in a separate place from those items. - Do not take valuables to the beach. When possible, use the hotel safe when you go to the beach or to town. - When you enter a marina, register with the local government authorities. Water Safety. Make certain that sports equipment, including scuba equipment, that you rent or buy meets international safety standards. If you use a pool or beach without a lifeguard, exercise extreme caution. The surf on the Atlantic side of an island can be rough; the Caribbean side is usually calmer. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for Americans in the Caribbean. Do not dive into unknown bodies of water because hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death. In some places, you may need to wear sneakers in the water for protection against sea urchins. DRUG OFFENSES Most countries in the Caribbean have strict laws against the use, possession, or sale of narcotics. Foreigners arrested for possession of even small amounts of marijuana, cocaine or other illegal drugs are often charged and tried as international traffickers. The penalty for carrying narcotics into or out of the country can be 20 years imprisonment. There are usually expensive fines as well. In some places, there is no bail and there are long judicial delays where you can spend more than two years awaiting trial. Conditions in most Caribbean prisons do not meet even minimum U.S. standards. If you carry prescription drugs, keep them in their original container, clearly labeled with the doctor's name, pharmacy, and contents. JUDICIAL SYSTEMS When you travel abroad, you are subject to the laws of the country you are in. If you find yourself in serious difficulty while abroad, contact a consular officer at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. consuls cannot serve as attorneys or give legal assistance, and they cannot get you out of jail. They can, however, provide lists of local attorneys and advise you of your rights under local law. If you are detained, a consul can monitor your case and make sure you are treated fairly under local law. DRIVING IN THE CARIBBEAN If you plan to rent a car, be aware that most jurisdictions of the Caribbean drive on the left. The only places where you drive on the right are Aruba, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guadaloupe, Haiti, Martinique, and the Netherlands Antillies. In the other places, if you are not used to driving on the left, proceed slowly and with utmost caution. You may wish to ride as a passenger for a while before trying to drive yourself. Driving conditions and local driving patterns are different from the U.S. Many roads are narrow or winding, signs may not be in English, and in some places, domestic animals roam freely. Defensive driving is a must. SHOPPING: AVOID WILDLIFE PRODUCTS Beware of purchasing a live animal or plant or an item made from one. Many such items are prohibited from international traffic. You risk confiscation and a possible fine by U.S. Customs if you attempt to import certain wildlife or wildlife products. In particular, watch out for and avoid: - All products made from sea turtles, including turtle leather boots, tortoise-shell jewelry, and sea turtle oil cosmetics. - Fur from spotted cats. - Feathers and feather products from wild birds. - Birds, stuffed or alive, such as parrots or parakeets. - Crocodile and caiman leather. - Black coral and most other coral, whether in chunks or in jewelry. RESIDENCE OR INVESTMENTS IN THE CARIBBEAN You will need a passport and visas to reside in or go into business in the Caribbean. Although some Caribbean countries welcome retirees or others of independent means as long-term residents, requests for work permits are rarely granted. Before you travel, apply to a country's embassy or consulate in the United States to obtain a visa if you wish to reside, go into business, or work in the country. U.S. citizens who wish to invest in the Caribbean, such as in real estate or a business, should first thoroughly investigate the company making the offer and, in addition, learn about the investment climate in the country. A good resource is the Trade Information Center of the U.S. Department of Commerce, telephone 1-800-USA-TRADE. The Center can tell you how to access the National Trade Data Bank. Among the things you can learn, are how to find out if the company is registered with local authorities and how to get in touch with local trade associations. Additional Country Information BAHAMAS Criminal penalties for possession of or trafficking in drugs in the Bahamas are severe. The Bahamian court system has a heavy volume of pending cases, and U.S. citizens arrested for drugs or other offenses are often held in prison for months while awaiting trial. In the Bahamas, be sure to budget for a hotel room tax, an energy surtax, a 15% obligatory gratuity in restaurants, and a departure tax of up to $15. CAYMAN ISLANDS Persons wearing their hair in dreadlocks have occasionally been refused entry to the Cayman Islands. Cayman authorities say they may "refuse entry to any person whose mode of dress or behavior, or unkempt appearance, may cause offense to the Caymanian community." The authorities emphasize that "this policy does not automatically exclude from entry persons wearing their hair in any particular manner. However, if such persons are also unkempt and slovenly in their attire and behavior, it is possible they could then be refused entry." CUBA Financial Restrictions. The Cuban Assets Control Regulations of the U.S. Department of the Treasury require that transactions incident to the travel to and within Cuba of U.S. citizens or residents be licensed. A general license needs no application. Transactions under a general license are authorized only for the following categories of travelers: - U.S. and foreign government officials, including representatives of international organizations of which the U.S. is a member, traveling on official business; - persons gathering news or making news or documentary films; - persons visiting close relatives who reside in Cuba; - and full-time professionals engaging in full-time research in their professional areas, where the research is specifically related to Cuba, is largely academic in nature, and there is substantial likelihood the product of research will be disseminated. U.S. persons whose transactions are not authorized by general or specific license may not buy goods (a meal at a hotel or restaurant, for example) or services (an airline ticket or hotel room) related to Cuban travel. WARNINGTransactions relating to travel to Cuba for tourism or business purposes are not authorized by a general license, nor would they be authorized in response to an application for a specific license. This restriction includes transactions related to tourist and business travel from or through a third country such as Canada or Mexico. Under U.S. Treasury regulations, authorized travelers may spend no more than $100 per day for living expenses in Cuba, and, except for informational materials which are not limited, may bring back to the U.S. no more than $100 total worth of Cuban goods. Failure to comply with U.S. Treasury regulations could result in prosecution upon return to the United States. Dual Nationals. For all practical purposes, the government of Cuba considers Cuban-born U.S. citizens to be solely Cuban citizens. The Cuban government does not recognize the right or obligation of the U.S. government to protect dual U.S.-Cuban citizens. Cuban authorities have consistently denied U.S. consular officers the right to visit incarcerated dual nationals and to ascertain their welfare and proper treatment under Cuban law. Dual U.S.-Cuban nationals may be subject to a range of restrictions and obligations, including military service. Other Information for Authorized Visitors. Street crime, including purse snatching, is a growing problem in Havana. Authorized visitors should exercise caution and keep a close eye on personal belongings while in tourist areas. Credit cards issued by U.S. financial institutions are not valid in Cuba. Hotels will not accept American Express and other U.S. travelers checks regardless of where they are issued. U.S. Interests Section. U.S. travelers in Cuba should register in person, in writing, or by telephone during business hours at the U.S. Interests Section which is part of the Embassy of Switzerland. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Drug laws are severe and strictly enforced in the Dominican Republic. Penalties for possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana or 20 milligrams of cocaine range from six months to two years imprisonment, plus fines. For quantities of narcotic substances that meet the definition of trafficker, the penalty is a five to 20-year prison term, plus fines. No more than $5000 may be taken from the Dominican Republic upon departure. The peso is the only legal currency in the Dominican Republic, and it should be purchased only at authorized hotels and banks. In crackdowns on black market activity, U.S. tourists have sometimes been arrested for even minor illegal currency transactions. The Dominican Republic is among the places where U.S. passports and other identity documents are frequently stolen. There may be restrictions on minor children being allowed to leave the Dominican Republic without their parent(s). A child without a U.S. passport may be particularly vulnerable to being denied permission to travel alone or with only one parent. If this applies to you, check with the Embassy of the Dominican Republic about their requirements for the travel of unaccompanied children. HAITI Visitors to Haiti should exercise caution. Although, at time of publication, there does not appear to be a specific threat to American citizens, the potential exists for civil disturbances and isolated serious criminal acts. Avoid crowds and areas of unrest. Although U.S. dollars can be used as currency in Haiti, it is usually to the traveler's advantage to use Haitian dollars. Haiti's $25 airport departure tax must be paid in cash in U.S. currency. It cannot be paid as part of the airline ticket. JAMAICA Crime is a serious problem in and around Kingston, Jamaica's capital. Visitors should exercise prudence, not walk around at night, and should use licensed taxis or hotel-recommended transportation. In the north coast tourist areas, care should be taken at isolated villas and small establishments. TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Drug laws are severe and strictly enforced in Trinidad and Tobago. Possession of even small amounts of narcotics can result in lengthy jail sentences and expensive fines. The penalty for carrying narcotics into or out of the country is five to 15 years with no possibility of parole. FOREIGN EMBASSIES IN THE UNITED STATES In addition to embassies, some Caribbean countries have consulates or tourist offices in large cities in the United States. Look for them in your telephone book. Embassy of ANTIGUA & BARBUDA Intelstat Building Suite 4M 3400 International Drive, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 362-5122 or 5166 Embassy of the BAHAMAS 2220 Massachusetts Ave., NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 319-2660 Embassy of BARBADOS 2144 Wyoming Ave., NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 939-9200 CUBAN Interests Section Embassy of Switzerland 2639 16th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 797-8518 or 8609 Consulate General of DOMINICA 820 2nd Ave. Suite 900B New York, NY 10017 (212) 599-8478 Embassy of the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 1715 22nd Street, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 332-6280 Embassy of FRANCE 4101 Reservoir Road, NW Washington, DC 20007-2172 (202) 944-6200 Embassy of GRENADA 1701 New Hampshire Ave., NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 265-2561 Embassy of HAITI 2311 Massachusetts Ave., NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 332-4090 Embassy of JAMAICA 1850 K Street, NW Suite 355 Washington, DC 20006 (202) 452-0660 Embassy of the NETHERLANDS 4200 Linnean Ave., NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 244-5300 Embassy of ST. KITTS & NEVIS 2100 M Street, NW Suite 608 Washington, DC 20037 (202) 833-3550 Embassy of ST. LUCIA 2100 M Street, NW Suite 309 Washington, DC 20037 (202) 463-7378 Embassy of ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES 1717 Massachusetts Ave., NW Suite 102 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 462-7806 or 7846 Embassy of TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 1708 Massachusetts Ave., NW Washington, DC 20036 (202) 467-6490 UNITED KINGDOM British Embassy Consular Section 19 Observatory Circle, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 896-0205 U.S. EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES ABROAD Note that the Bahamas, Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica are on Eastern Time. All other areas are one hour ahead. ANTIGUA & BARBUDA* U.S. Embassy St. John's, ANTIGUA (809) 462-3505 BAHAMAS U.S. Embassy Mosmar Bldg. Queen Street Nassau, BAHAMAS (809) 322-1181 BARBADOS U.S. Embassy Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Building Broad Street Bridgetown, BARBADOS (809) 436-4950 BERMUDA U.S. Consulate General Crown Hill 16 Middle Rd. Devonshire, Hamilton HMBX, BERMUDA (809) 295-1342 CUBA Swiss Embassy (USINT) Calzada between L and M Vedado Havana, CUBA 33-3551/9 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC U.S. Embassy Calle Cesar Nicolas Penson & Calle Leopoldo Navarro Santo Domingo DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (809) 541-2171 GRENADA U.S. Embassy Point Salines St. George's, GRENADA (809) 444-1173/8 HAITI U.S. Embassy Harry Truman Boulevard Port-au-Prince, HAITI (509) 22-0354, 22-0368 JAMAICA U.S. Embassy Jamaica Mutual Life Center 2 Oxford Road, 3rd Fl. Kingston, JAMAICA (809) 929-4850/9 NETHERLANDS ANTILLES* U.S. Consulate General St. Anna Boulevard 19 Curacao NETHERLANDS ANTILLES (599-9) 61-3066 TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO U.S. Embassy 15 Queen's Park West Port of Spain TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO (809) 622-6371 or 6176 * It is anticipated that the U.S. Embassy in Antigua and the U.S. Consulate General in Curacao may close. Please check with Overseas Citizens Services, Department of State, (202) 647-5225, for current information. U.S. CONSULAR AGENTS To supplement the consular services available to American citizens at U.S. embassies and consulates, resident consular agents have been designated in two locations in the Caribbean. You may contact the consular agent directly or through the U.S. embassy in the country where he or she is located. U.S. Consular Agent 51 Beller Street Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic (809) 586-4204 U.S. Consular Agent St. James Place, Second Floor Glocester Avenue Montego Bay, Jamaica (809) 952-0160 Note: As we go to press, it is expected that consular agents will be designated in the Cayman Islands and in Martinique in the near future. To learn the addresses, contact the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica or the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados, respectively. Directory of Islands Political Status U.S. Embassy With Consular Jurisdiction Anguilla UK St. John's, Antigua Antigua and Barbuda I St. John's, Antigua Aruba N Curacao, Netherlands Antilles* Bahamas I Nassau, Bahamas Barbados I Bridgetown, Barbados Barbuda part of Antigua and Barbuda Bermuda UK Hamilton, Bermuda* Bimini part of Bahamas Bonaire part of Netherlands Antilles British Virgin Islands UK St. John's, Antigua Caicos part of Turks and Caicos Cayman Islands UK Kingston, Jamaica Cuba I U.S. Interests Section, Swiss Embassy, Havana, Cuba Curacao part of Netherlands Antilles Dominica I Bridgetown, Barbados Dominican Republic I Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Eleuthera; Exuma parts of Bahamas Grenada I St. George's, Grenada Grenadines part of St. Vincent/Grenadines Guadeloupe F Bridgetown, Barbados Haiti I Port-au-Prince, Haiti Jamaica I Kingston, Jamaica Marie-Galante part of Guadeloupe Martinique F Bridgetown, Barbados Montserrat UK St. John's, Antigua Netherlands Antilles N Curacao, Netherlands Antilles* Nevis part of St. Kitts and Nevis Puerto Rico US (not applicable, U.S. commonwealth) Saba part of Netherlands Antilles St. Barthelemy (St. Barts) part of Guadeloupe St. Croix part of U.S. Virgin Is. St. Eustatius (Statia) part of Netherlands Antilles St. John part of U.S. Virgin Is. St. Kitts and Nevis I St. John's, Antigua St. Lucia I Bridgetown, Barbados St. Maarten part of Netherlands Antilles St. Martin part of Guadeloupe St. Thomas part of U.S. Virgin Is. St. Vincent and the I Bridgetown, Barbados Grenadines San Salvador part of Bahamas Tortola part of British Virgin Is. Trinidad and Tobago I Port of Spain, Trinidad Turks and Caicos UK Nassau, Bahamas U.S. Virgin Islands US (not applicable, U.S. territory) Virgin Gorda part of British Virgin Is. Code: F overseas department of France; I independent country; N commonwealth of the Netherlands; UK dependency of the United Kingdom; US commonwealth or territory of the United States * U.S. Consulate General Back to VacationParadise.com Travel Tips
