The U.S. Has Issued ‘Do Not Travel’ Advisories For 15 Caribbean Countries
The United States State Department has currently issued 15 Level 4 “Do Not Travel” travel advisories to countries in the Caribbean. Whilst they may not be a legal hurdle that will prevent many from travelling, it could have repercussions for tourists looking to purchase insurance before heading to one of these destinations, with many providers not offering coverage to those planning to visit a Level 4 country.
As well as the 15 Level 4 travel advisory warnings, several other Caribbean nations have been handed the slightly level severe Level 3 warnings, while others the low Level 2 travel advisory notice. Here’s a look at which Caribbean destinations have been assigned with warning levels, the impact that it could have on travellers, and why travellers shouldn’t go cancelling their travel plans just yet.
The Caribbean is a region that is home to many countries that have been deemed to be Level 4. These countries are:
Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Curacao, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Sint Maarten, Saint Kitts, and Nevis, and Saint Lucia.
The Caribbean is also home to several Level 3 countries, such as Anguilla, Cayman Islands, Saint Vincent, and the Grenadines, Turks and Caicos. While the Dominican Republic is the only 2 Level country, Trinidad and Tobago, Those heading to Level 3 countries are told to “reconsider travel,” whilst Level 2 destinations come with an “exercise increased caution” warning.
Travel advisory warning levels are determined by taking into consideration several factors that could place travellers in danger. Such factors include crime, terrorist activity, civil unrest, health, natural disaster, serious weather concerns, and current events.
At present, Covid-19 is a significant factor in deciding the warning level of a country, with Level 4 countries typically having a large number of cases or a lack of adequate facilities and infrastructure to deal with a significant outbreak. Whilst warnings cannot legally prevent a travelling from booking a flight and heading to a location; they can pose other problems.
Level 4 travel warnings are bad news for travellers who’ve already booked pre-planned and prebooked winter vacations to some of these Caribbean destinations. This is because many American-based travel insurance companies will not cover travel to countries currently under a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory. Thankfully, some insurance providers still offer beefy insurance policies that cover countries with a Level 4 warning, with policies that also ensure you’re covered for both cruising and Covid-19.
Global travel insurance provider HeyMondo a range of policies that cover medical expenses to due illness resulting from a Covid-19 infection. They even cover accommodation costs if the policyholder is ordered to quarantine. Not only that, but they also offer Covid-19 coverage for medical care on board a cruise ship – which is a widespread request for many Caribbean travellers this year, given that so many ships are departing from Caribbean ports once more.
Whilst visiting a Level 4 country is bound to have its risks, following good hygiene and health and safety practices can help mitigate these risks and having a solid travel insurance plan can take the stress out of it and allow travellers to enjoy their vacation with one less thing to worry about. Travellers should ensure they read the travel advisory pages for each destination before they visit in order to be aware of the situation in the country.
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