You're planning a trip to the Caribbean and want to know more about travel formalities. We explain the latest government updates. Depending on the islands you visit, the authorities may require payment of a tourist tax. This may be a tourist tax depending on your accommodation, or a departure tax depending on your means of transport (boat or plane).
Tourist tax for each destination
The Caribbean islands listed below have increased tourist tax charges for the year 2025-2026.
- The Bahamas introduced new departure taxes for cruise passengers in 2025 (from 23 to 30 USD, depending on the port and ship), and increased fees for yachts and private vessels by up to 3,000 USD. In addition, environmental and tourism development taxes have been added.
- Cayman Islands introduced a new USD 42 tax for cruise passengers in 2025 to support infrastructure.
- Jamaica provides for a gradual increase in airport service charges between 2026 and 2030 to finance a $200 million modernization program.
- Barbados is now targeting the sharing economy with a 10 % levy collected directly by platforms like Airbnb from 2025, although it has temporarily reduced fees for regional travel to ease the cost of inter-island travel.
Other destinations, such as Dominican Republic, have increased airport fees to renovate their facilities.
Saint-Martin's next tourist tax
Since August 2025, a proposal to create a tourism tax on Saint-Martin has been under development. This would be a tourist tax, The amount could vary and would be 27 Xcg (15 USD) for adults and 18 Xcg (10 USD) for minors. Implementation was scheduled for January 1, 2026, but the government had indicated that the date could be postponed depending on the process. On November 27, 2025, Marinka Gumbs, Minister of Finance, announced on the the year in review. She addresses the subject following the evolution of the tourist tax system.
14. Tourist tax : Work has progressed on modernizing the tourist tax system to increase revenue and better support national development.
Year in review for Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs
Staying in Saint-Martin
How do I get to Saint-Martin? An entry form is available online and can be completed prior to arrival on the island. In digital e-Arrival Card format, You can register your personal biometric data (passport number, date of birth...) and your travel information (island accommodation and flight). This electronic arrival card replaces the traditional paper boarding/disembarkation card (ED card). It has been designed to simplify your arrival on the territory. The form is free of charge and can be filled in at Official website of the Government of Sint Maarten : entry.sx/.
Who's concerned? All travelers to Saint-Martin (French or Dutch side) for tourism, transit or if they live on the island.
How long does it take? The authorities recommend that you fill in the application form 7 days in advance.
Antigua and Barbuda has digitized its entry forms and now has its own electronic arrival system, ArriveAntigua, available exclusively via a mobile application.
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