Laos

Cyprus

Ireland

Latvia

Netherlands

Switzerland

St Lucia

United States

Lithuania

Sweden

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ahhh, the Caribbean; a chain of islands nestled perfectly between the Americas. A collection of tropical islands sprinkled through warm azure seas with white sand beaches, palm tree-fringed shores, and cultures you won't find anywhere else. It's no wonder many Americans choose the archipelago for their family vacation each year.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Caribbean is a dream destination, atop the bucket list of many travelers. However, the chain of islands comes with its fair share of challenges. Between the tropical climate and beautiful beaches, many islands have high crime rates and can be dangerous for tourists. In addition, there are some cultural differences that, as Americans, can be tricky to navigate. So before you book your ticket and embark on a Caribbean dream trip, here's everything you need to know to keep safe while holidaying in the islands.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Store Money &amp; Valuables Safely&nbsp;</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Like many destinations inside, taking extra care when storing valuables is essential throughout all the Caribbean islands. It's common for many all-inclusive hotels and luxury resorts to have places to store things securely. Always double-check you've locked your hotel and store your most valuable possessions in a safe.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Valuables should never be left in your car while driving around the island. Breaking into cars for items on show is all too familiar in the Caribbean, so always take possessions with you. It's also a great idea to only walk around with a small bit of cash on your person. While muggings are relatively uncommon for tourists, it's not unheard of for tourists to be robbed after using ATMs in some locations.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Be Aware of Natural Disasters&nbsp;</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tropical hurricanes and earthquakes are commonplace in this part of the world. And you only need to look at the devastation of the </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/01/1109632"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Haiti earthquake</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> in 2010 to know how dangerous these events can be. While natural disasters of this scale don't happen often, the Caribbean is susceptible to hurricanes, earthquakes, and extreme temperatures.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the Caribbean, hurricane season runs from June to November, leading to flooding, landslides, high winds, damage to property, and danger to life. So whenever you're planning a vacation to the Caribbean, monitor the weather consistently and follow any hurricane alert advice.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Keep Safe During Activities&nbsp;</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Through the archipelago, there are excellent activities in abundance. From horse-riding on the beach to kayaking, scuba diving, and ziplining, there's fun to be had. Despite this, health and safety standards differ significantly from the states. With relaxed, laid-back attitudes to health and safety, always make sure any company you choose to book excursions with is reputable and has trained, experienced coaches and all the proper measures to keep you and your loved ones safe.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Stay Alert for Crime&nbsp;</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Generally speaking, most Caribbean islands are safe for tourists. However, petty crimes, such as pick-pocketing, car break-ins, and muggings, happen in some major towns. Ensure you're constantly aware of your surroundings and stick to the main tourist areas and busier streets. You should be fine if you keep your wits about you and don't wander down dark alleys at night. Even if you're staying at a top </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.beaches.com/resorts/turks-caicos/"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Turks and Caicos resort</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, always check with hotel staff for safe areas and places to avoid.</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Eyes on the Road&nbsp;</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Across all the Caribbean islands, there is a super relaxed attitude to rules and regulations, which can be shocking coming from Europe or the </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://canitravel.net/countries/united-states?from=spain&amp;passport=spain&amp;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">United States</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. While this laid-back lifestyle is one of the reasons the islands draw so many visitors, you need to consider this when driving.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is much more common than at home, and rules are enforced less strictly. Combine this with the slow pace of life, and you have a frustrating driving experience. In addition, different islands drive on different sides of the road. For example, Jamaica and Barbados drive on the left, like many other former British colony islands, whereas Honduras drives on the right. Always check before booking your rental car.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Travel Safety in the Caribbean</span></h2>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It's no secret how incredible and enjoyable a family trip to the Caribbean is. It's a paradisical island chain that will likely give you one of the best trips of your life and create lifelong memories full of love, laughter, and time spent with the ones you love.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We hope these tips have shed light on some things you must be careful of when vacationing in the Caribbean. Being aware of what's happening around you, sticking to the main tourist areas, being extra cautious on the road, and keeping your valuables safe are all super simple but highly effective methods of creating a safe and stress-free trip to the Caribbean. </span></p>

The Caribbean is a dream destination, atop the bucket list of many travelers. However, the chain of islands comes with its fair share of challenges.

Travel Safety For Families In The Caribbean

<p>Since the pandemic, an increasing number of countries have made <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance/?referenceID=canitravel&amp;utm_source=canitravel&amp;utm_medium=Ambassador">travel insurance</a></strong></span> a mandatory health requirement for visitors, while others have been requesting insurance plans for years due to diplomatic relationships or agreements. Here&rsquo;s a complete list of the countries that require mandatory travel insurance as of August 2022.</p>
<h3>Schengen Area</h3>
<p>Comprising 26 European states, including Italy, Spain, Greece and the Netherlands, anyone applying for a Schengen visa must provide proof of travel insurance. It must cover emergency medical, hospitalization and repatriations, be valid for your entire stay and have a minimum coverage of &euro;30,000.</p>
<h3>Europe</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Ukraine: </strong>All foreign visitors must have proof of travel insurance and cover costs related to COVID-19.</li>
<li><strong>Moldova: </strong>Most Moldovian visas require proof of travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of &euro;30,000.</li>
<li><strong>Romania: </strong>Every visitor will need proof of travel medical insurance, and it must cover a minimum of &euro;30,000 in expenses.</li>
<li><strong>Belarus: </strong>You will need proof of medical insurance on arrival that covers the entirety of your stay, with a minimum coverage of &euro;10,000.</li>
</ul>
<h3>South America&nbsp;</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Brazil: </strong>There are no minimum requirements, but all travellers must be covered by a medical insurance policy.&nbsp;</li>
<li><strong>Aruba: </strong>All foreign travellers have to purchase the country-sponsored COVID-19 health insurance before they fly, as well as have proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival.</li>
<li><strong>Suriname: </strong>Entry is still highly restrictive, but those who are allowed to visit must have travel insurance that covers COVID-19 and take a negative PCR test 72-120 hours before departure.</li>
<li><strong>Chile: </strong>All travellers must have a medical policy that covers COVID-19 in place before they travel.</li>
<li><strong>Uruguay: </strong>As well as being covered by health insurance, all travellers must show proof of COVID-19 vaccinations or a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours before travel.</li>
<li><strong>Paraguay: </strong>Travel insurance must cover suspected or proven COVID-19, and all travellers must prove they are fully vaccinated or have taken a negative PCR test within 72 hours of travel.</li>
<li><strong>Argentina: </strong>All travellers must have comprehensive medical cover for COVID-19.</li>
</ul>
<h3>North America&nbsp;</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Cuba: </strong>Travellers must have proof of valid medical insurance (this cannot be U.S medical insurance, but a supplementary add-on)</li>
<li><strong>Sint Marten: </strong>All visitors need to provide proof of travel insurance if this is their final destination.</li>
<li><strong>The Bahamas: </strong>As part of the Travel Health Visa, all applicants must choose to opt into the mandatory COVID-19 insurance plan that covers medical expenses, trip interruption and medical evacuation.</li>
<li><strong>Jamaica: </strong>All visitors must opt in for the country&rsquo;s mandatory medical insurance, which covers $50,000 for medical emergencies and $100,000 while travelling to and from the country.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Africa</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Seychelles: </strong>There are no minimum requirements for travel insurance, but travellers must have a policy that covers the entire trip.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Asia</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Russia: </strong>All those travelling on a visa will need to be able to prove sufficient medical insurance for the duration of their trip.</li>
<li><strong>Nepal: </strong>Travel insurance policies must cover health, immediate crisis or rescue for the duration of your stay.</li>
<li><strong>Jordan: </strong>All non-nationals must have a medical travel insurance policy in place that also covers COVID-19-related care.</li>
<li><strong>Singapore: </strong>Travellers who are not fully vaccinated may be required to have travel insurance covering COVID-19.</li>
<li><strong>Oman: </strong>All non-visa travellers must have health insurance for the duration of their time there.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Oceania</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>French Polynesia: </strong>Along with travel insurance, visitors must produce proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours of travelling.&nbsp;</li>
<li><strong>Fiji: </strong>All foreigners must have medical travel insurance that covers any incidents related to COVID-19.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Where can you get travel insurance?</h3>
<p>There are hundreds of travel insurance providers out there, but not all of them will offer a policy that covers countries that require mandatory insurance or coverage for COVID-19. SafetyWing&rsquo;s <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance/?referenceID=canitravel&amp;utm_source=canitravel&amp;utm_medium=Ambassador">Nomad Insurance</a></strong></span> now offers COVID-19 and unexpected quarantine coverage worldwide (with the exception of Cuba, Iran, Syria, and North Korea). It&rsquo;s easy to sign up for their coverage, either on a rolling subscription model or for fixed dates.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you&rsquo;re not sure whether their coverage meets the requirements for your destination, send their customer service team a message to double check! It&rsquo;s also great to check if you already have existing coverage through your credit card.&nbsp;</p>
<p>While international travel is getting easier every day, it&rsquo;s good to be aware of the restrictions in place for each destination you&rsquo;re traveling to. As travelers, we are responsible for keeping ourselves, and the local communities worldwide, safe.&nbsp;</p>

Since the pandemic, an increasing number of countries have made travel insurance a mandatory health requirement for visitors, while others have been requesting insurance plans for years due to diplomatic relationships or agreements. Here’s a complete list of the countries that require mandatory travel insurance as of August 2022.

Mandatory travel insurance needed for 30+ countries, including Singapore, Brazil and the Schengen Area [Updated 2022]

The European Union Digital Covid Certificate is a tool that is going to facilitate your travel in Europe. Find out more information about it in this article.

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