Dreaming of turquoise waters and white sandy beaches? Whether you’re planning to island hop through the Caribbean or explore the vibrant culture of Mexico, preparing for your trip goes beyond booking flights and packing swimming costumes.
From visa requirements to vaccinations, this handy guide covers everything you need to know before you go – so you can spend less time worrying and more time soaking up the sun.
Visa Requirements for Mexico and the Caribbean
Do you need a visa for Mexico?
No, Irish and UK citizens do not need a visa to visit Mexico for tourism purposes. Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay in Mexico, and you’ll need to fill out a Forma Migration Múltiple (FMM) also known as a tourist card. This form is typically available from airlines, however some airlines no longer provide the forms, so it’s recommended you fill out the tourist card online.
If you are travelling via the USA or Canada to Mexico, you will need an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) or Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Do you need a visa for the Dominican Republic?
No, Irish and UK citizens do not need a visa to visit the Dominican Republic for tourism. UK passport holders can stay for up to 30 days, while Irish citizens can stay up to 90 days. For UK citizens, your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay and for Irish citizens, your passport should be valid for at least six months after your intended departure. You must fill in an entry and exit form (also known as an eTicket) before arriving in and leaving the Dominican Republic. You can fill in the form up to 7 days before you arrive in the country. You’ll get a QR code which you may be asked to show at check-in or when you arrive or leave the country.
If you are travelling via the USA or Canada to the Caribbean, you will need an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) or Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Do you need a visa for Jamaica?
No, Irish and UK citizens do not need a visa to visit Jamaica for tourism purposes. Both can stay for up to 90 days visa-free. For UK citizens, your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay and for Irish citizens, your passport should be valid for at least six months after your intended departure. All travellers must complete the digital C5 Immigration and Customs form before arrival.
If you are travelling via the USA or Canada to the Caribbean, you will need an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) or Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Do you need a visa for Barbados?
No, Irish and UK citizens can stay in Barbados for up to 180 days without a visa. You’ll be required to provide a valid passport for the duration of your stay, proof of onward or return travel and evidence of sufficient funds during your stay. Additionally, you must complete an Immigration and Customs form, submitted online within 72 hours before arrival.
If you are travelling via the USA or Canada to the Caribbean, you will need an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) or Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Do you need a visa for St. Lucia?
Both Irish and UK passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 6 weeks in St. Lucia. You will however, have to complete an online immigration form within 72 hours of your arrival. Additionally, you’ll be required to have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay, proof of onward or return travel and evidence of sufficient funds for your stay.
If you are travelling via the USA or Canada to the Caribbean, you will need an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) or Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Do you need a visa for a Caribbean cruise?
Most Caribbean islands do not require visas for European cruise ship passengers. However, if your Caribbean cruise embarks or disembarks in the USA, an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) will be required before travel.
Vaccinations Required for Mexico and the Caribbean
Do you need vaccinations for Mexico?
While no specific vaccinations are required for entry to Mexico, certain vaccinations are recommended. Before you travel you should ensure your Tetanus vaccination is up to date, especially if you engage in any activities that could result in cuts or wounds. Additionally, Hepatitis A and Typhoid is recommended to all travellers, as the virus is transmitted through contaminated food and water.
If you might come into contact with infected animals (for example you’ll be doing lots of outdoor activities such as cycling or running,) it is also recommended that you get a Rabies vaccination.
Do you need vaccinations for the Dominican Republic?
There are no mandatory vaccinations required when visiting the Dominican Republic, however you should ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date, such as MMR (measles, mumps, rubella.) Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Typhoid vaccinations are recommended for those visiting areas with poor sanitation while travelling.
A Rabies vaccination is also recommended if you will be having frequent contact with animals or will be in remote areas with limited access to medical care.
Do you need vaccinations for Jamaica?
There are no mandatory vaccinations required for UK and Irish citizens travelling to Jamaica. If you have arrived from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission or are transiting through such a country for more than 12 hours you will be required to provide a Yellow Fever Certificate. Before travelling you should ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date, and if you’re travelling to more rural areas where sanitation is limited, it’s recommended that you get a Hepatitis A, B and Typhoid vaccination.
If you will have frequent contact with animals or will be staying in a remote area with limited access to medical care, a Rabies vaccine is also recommended.
Do you need vaccinations for Barbados?
UK and Irish citizens are not required to receive any mandatory vaccinations for entry into Barbados. However, if you have arrived from a country at risk of yellow fever transmission or are transiting through such a country for more than 12 hours you will be required to provide a Yellow Fever Certificate. While not mandatory, it is recommended to get your Hepatitis A, B vaccinations in addition to ensuring your Tetanus vaccination is up to date.
Do you need vaccinations for St. Lucia?
No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry to St. Lucia for both UK and Irish citizens. If you’re arriving from a country at risk of yellow fever transmission you may be required to provide a Yellow Fever Certificate. While not compulsory, Hepatitis A and B vaccinations are recommended. Additionally, you should ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date.
Do you need vaccinations for a Caribbean cruise?
Hepatitis B and Tetanus are the two main recommended vaccines for Caribbean cruises; however, these are advisory and not required. Depending on whether you have travelled to dangerous areas, you can also be required to hold a Yellow Fever certificate at specific ports.
Many locations in the Caribbean have specific health criteria or vaccines to assure your safety and well-being while you’re there, be sure to check your government’s travel advice website for the latest updates.
Planning Ahead
It’s recommended that you consult with your GP or a travel health clinic at least 6-8 weeks before your trip to ensure you have adequate time to receive any necessary vaccinations and health advice.
Zika is a mosquito-borne virus found in some parts of Mexico and the Caribbean. While it usually only causes mild symptoms, there’s no vaccine available, so travellers (especially those that are pregnant) are advised to take extra care to avoid mosquito bites.
Additionally, you should check GOV.UK if you are a UK citizen or DFA.ie if you are an Irish citizen, to get the latest travel information and advice regarding entry requirements.
Mexico and the Caribbean, Your Way
Our Personal Travel Planners will create a tailor-made itinerary just for you, with handpicked hotels and tailored recommendations. Sit back, relax and let us take care of the details of your perfect getaway.
