CDC lowers risk warning for Jamaica and the Bahamas
As the omicron variant spreads across the globe, travel is changing by the minute. Countries are adding new restrictions and, in some cases, shutting down — right before the busy holiday season.
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But the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently lowered the warning level for two Caribbean destinations popular with Americans, just in time for the holidays. Jamaica and the Bahamas, which were at “Level 3: High Level of COVID-19,” have been lowered to "Level 2: Moderate Level of COVID-19." Under Level 3, the CDC advises that travelers be fully vaccinated and that unvaccinated travelers should avoid nonessential travel to the destination.
The CDC’s guidance doesn’t change much under Level 2, saying that unvaccinated travelers “who are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should avoid nonessential travel to this destination. If you must travel and have concerns, talk to your doctor.”
This ranking is determined based on the number of cumulative new cases per 100,000 people over the past 28 days and new case trajectory (if the new cases rate is going up, down or remaining stable). Level 3 notices indicate an area with at least 100 to 500 new cases per 100,000 people. Level 2 indicates an area with between 50 and 99 cases per 100,000 people. You can read more about how each level is defined on the CDC website.
The U.S. Department of State also has a list of travel advisories related to COVID-19, and both countries are currently at “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution.”
If you’re considering a trip to Jamaica or the Bahamas in light of the CDC advisory, here’s what you need to know.
Fully vaccinated travelers staying outside the "resilient corridors" with a negative PCR test taken within three days of departure to Jamaica will not be required to quarantine on arrival. All travelers age 12 and older must show a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within three days before arrival. Travelers must also submit a travel authorization form. For the latest updates on requirements for travel to Jamaica, check here.
Americans are also allowed to travel to the Bahamas, but all visitors over the age of 2 must show results of a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test taken within five days of arrival, even if you’re vaccinated.
A PCR test is required for unvaccinated travelers 12 and older, even those ages 2 to 11, as the government announced on Dec. 23 that only RT-PCR tests would be accepted, not antigen. (Children under 2 are exempt from the testing rule.) Negative test results must be uploaded when applying for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa. For the latest updates on requirements for travel to the Bahamas, check here.
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Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.Pros
- Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
- Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
- First checked bag free
Cons
- Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
- SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
- Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
- New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees