Need to Know: Pre-travel testing requirements by country

See also: Gov’t: Outgoing travellers must pay for their own PCR tests

The rules for international travelling are changing rapidly, especially now following the emergence of the Omicron variant.

Some countries require PCR tests, some require lateral flow tests, also known as antigen tests. In other places, vaccinated travellers are not required to provide any test at all.

One thing anyone travelling needs to know these days is to check the rules and regulations for entry into whatever country they’re visiting, right up to the day before travel, as things can change so fast.

Here are the requirements, as of 17 Dec., for vaccinated travellers heading to some of the destinations to which there are direct flights from Cayman.

United States

Test required: PCR or LFT

Timeframe: No more than one day before departure

For who: Travellers aged 2 or over

More information: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website

United Kingdom

Test required: PCR or LFT

Timeframe: No more than two days before departure

For who: Travellers aged 11 or over

More information: UK government website

Canada

Test required: PCR

Timeframe: Within 72 hours of departure

For who: Travellers aged 5 and over

Note: Even with a negative pre-arrival test, fully vaccinated incoming travellers who have been in any country other than the US in the 14 days prior to entering Canada may be selected for arrival testing, and quarantine until they receive a negative test result.

More information: Government of Canada website

Jamaica

Test required: PCR or LFT

Timeframe: Within three days of departure

For who: Travellers aged 12 and above

More information: Jamaica Tourism Board website

Note: Jamaica requires an approved Travel Authorisation form prior to boarding a flight to Jamaica.

Honduras

Test required: No test for vaccinated travellers. PCR or LFT for unvaccinated travellers.

Timeframe: Within 72 hours of arrival

For who: All unvaccinated travellers

Note: All travellers entering or exiting Honduras must complete the immigration precheck form at https://prechequeo.inm.gob.hn.

Bahamas

Test required: PCR or LFT

Timeframe: Within five days of arrival

For who: Travellers over the age of 5

Note: Incoming visitors are required to register for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa and upload their negative COVID test results.

More information: Bahamas Travel Health website

Cuba

Test required: None for vaccinated travellers. PCR test for unvaccinated travellers over the age of 12.

Timeframe: Within 72 hours of arrival

Note: Travellers are subject to random testing upon arrival

More information: Cuban Ministry of Tourism (Spanish)