Guadeloupe Is Now Open for Tourism

The French Caribbean archipelago of Guadeloupe has officially reopened for tourism from the United States, Caribbean Journal has learned. 

The chain of islands in the Eastern Caribbean is welcoming travelers who show proof of a negative PCR test taken and received within 72 hours before arrival in Guadeloupe. 

Alternatively, travelers can show proof of a negative antigen test received within 48 hours before arrival in Guadeloupe. 

Vaccinated travelers will not need to quarantine and can immediately begin enjoying Guadeloupe; they’ll need to show proof of full vaccination — meaning that it’s been more than two weeks since their final vaccine dose. 

Unvaccinated travelers, however, will need to self-quarantine fro seven days, with all travelers aged 11 years or older presenting a negative PCR test or antigen test taken within 72 hours of travel. 

And yes, the reopening applies to all of Guadeloupe’s islands: Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre, Les Saintes, Marie Galante (a Mecca of Caribbean rum) and La Desirade.

So how do you get there? 

Air France is relaunching its flights from Miami to Pointe-a-Pitre on July 13, with service on Tuesdays and Fridays. 

You can also fly right now through St Martin, with service on Air Caraibes and Air Antilles. 

In November, major carriers JetBlue and American Airlines will resume their service to Guadeloupe. 

JetBlue will relaunch thrice-weekly service (Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays) on Nov. 1. 

American will resume Tuesday and Saturday flights from Miami to Guadeloupe on Nov. 6. 

The opening comes as another French Caribbean destination, Martinique, already opened its doors.

— CJ