17 Visa-Free Countries For Caribbean Nationals to Visit in 2017

If you have been a reader long enough you would have realised that I am a small-town Jamaican girl finding joy in travelling and sharing the experiences somewhere online. Whether it be my last 2016 trip to Iceland or that time where I was volunteered at the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil; travelling and sharing have become something I do.

My journey around the globe so far have been an interesting one; one that has already taught me so much, and one that has also given me the opportunity to not only share the experiences but, to help others to achieve the dream of travelling and experiencing something, somewhere new.

I get so much joy from visiting colourful colonial towns in Latin America or things as simple as daydreaming about which visa-free country I should first visit in Asia. Browsing through flight deals from the Caribbean to Africa has also become a new found hobby.

If you are looking to tick a few countries off your bucket-list in 2017, consider adding these 17 visa-free countries to your list of places to visit if you are from the Caribbean.

1. South Africa

Every time I think about South Africa I get so excited about its diversity, its remarkable landscape and it’s history. There is so much to see and know about the most Southern African country.  South Africa has so much to offer, from its ridged coastlines to its exotic safaris. If you are concerned about the language, nothing to worry about here, South Africa has over 10 different official languages with English being one them. Considering giving South Africa a visit! It is currently on my itinerary for 2017.

To visit South Africa from the Caribbean, you would want to consider travelling via Panama as to avoid visa- restrictions.

*If you are a current US visa holder, you could connect in the US which would be a cheaper option.

2. Mexico

I have already visited Mexico twice and will be revisiting again in just a few days. It will be my first country for 2017. Every time I am asked to recommend a country to a friend from the Caribbean, I always make mention of Mexico. It is affordable, the locals are friendly, food is amazing, the country itself is very interesting… I could go on and on about Mexico, but I think you get the idea.

If you are not so keen on your Spanish skills then that is okay. Mexicans are known to speak very clearly and at a moderate pace; making it easy for foreigners to understand and communicate. In case you are wondering, the photo above depicts 1 of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Another great reason to visit!  You can gain access to Mexico via Panama.

*If you are a current US visa holder, you can consider connecting in Miami.
*Citizens of St. Lucia can only access Mexico (visa-free) directly via the USA if you are a current US visa holder.  
*Citizens of Guyana will require a visa.

3. Singapore

This is probably a country most Caribbean nationals haven’t thought about travelling to even though it is visa-free. Here are some facts about Singapore: (i) It is located in Asia, right off Southern Malaysia. (ii) It is predominantly known for its global financial centre. (iii) The current population is a little over 5 million people. (iv) Singapore has 4 official languages including English.

Singapore is a visa-free country for Caribbean nationals, but can still be a challenge to visit as most flights (if not all) have a connection in the USA. Not A US visa holder… applying for a transit visa is an option.

Caribbean Nationals are allotted up to 30 days per visit.

4. Chile  

In a recent post I did, 10 Best Countries To Visit on A Jamaican Passport, I made mention of how I lived in Chile for over 2 years. Chile has become somewhat of a second home to me. But, here’s why you should visit. Chile is one of the most Southern countries in South America, thus attracting travellers from all over the globe who’d like to experience one of its most spectacular destinations: Patagonia. Because of its physical location, Chile has two extremes: The driest non-polar desert in the north & the most southern point (in the south).

*Accessing Chile is a breeze and can be done via Panama. A route I have flown several times. 

5. The Philippines 

Never seen so much turquoise blue waters in one place. If you are up for a little tropical adventure in South-East Asia then the Philippines is a good visa-free country. It’s affordable and English is spoken there.

*You will need to be a US visa holder, or apply for a transit visa for connection purposes. 

6. Peru 

Let’s just say I have visited Peru twice and already looking forward to being back. It is home to the Amazon Rainforest and 1 of the 7 New Wonders of The World: Machu Picchu. Peru is a hot catch and I highly recommend visiting whenever you get the chance.

7. Kenya

For the longest time, I have been dreaming about visiting Kenya. Kenya is said to have one of the best Safaris and also a country with very friendly people. Not to mention, it’s all visa-free.

Though, visiting Kenya to experience one of it’s safaris can be a little pricey, you might want to consider having a larger budget for this one.

8. Colombia

Never been to a place where the locals where to friendly and where the country’s landscape is so diverse. This time last year, I was on my second visit to Colombia. I am so happy to see how far this country has come. After travelling around the South American continent, it’s the closest resemblance to the Caribbean islands or Jamaica in particular. Colombia is high up on my “favourites’ list”. 

9. Belize

There are many places that have been a dream for me to visit, like Belize. In terms of physical location, it is so close to the Caribbean and last year March I purchased a spontaneous one-way ticket to Belize City. With the Caribbean and Central American influence, Belize is worth a visit. I have recently posted a travel guide about Belize here: Island Hopping & Mayan Ruins: My Guide to Belize.

10. Indonesia 

Indonesia is one of those places I am happy is visa-free for Caribbean Nationals. So much to explore and another kind of Island life to experience. Consider visiting Indonesia on that Caribbean passport.

*You will need to be a US visa holder, or apply for a transit visa for connection purposes. 

11. Cuba

From all my travel experiences around the Caribbean, Cuba is probably one of the most exotic places I’ve been. From the architecture to the people to the history and to the shiny vintage looking cars, visiting Cuba is a win-win situation. I am excited to re-visit soon and longer than just 13 days this time.

However, you will need to visit a Cuban Consulate for a visa card. Don’t worry, it is not an actual visa, just a card with your personal details to enter the country along with your passport.

In the past, I purchased mine for only $15. Prices might vary depending on your current location.

12. Ecuador

If you are wondering where and when did I began travelling then Ecuador 2012 is the answer. Ecuador was my first country in South America and also my very solo trip aboard. I ended up spending 3 months learning Spanish and travelling around the country. I also did some volunteer work during my time there. I have so much love for Ecuador, mainly because I basically started out there and have had such a pleasant experience. This is enough reason for me to recommend Ecuador along with it being visa-free South American country.

13. Brazil

Nothing but love for Brazil. I recently completed my second visit to Brazil last summer when I was a Volunteer for Rio 2016 Olympics. The locals are friendly and the landscape is stunning. Brazil is a pretty big country and will take a couple visits for you to get a good feel of the country, which is why I am already planning on visiting again pretty soon. I just simply can’t get enough. I personally recommend giving Brazil a visit. 

Also, in case you haven’t realised South America has 3 of the 7 New Wonders of the World. 1 of them is also in Brazil: Christ the Redeemer. 

Though Portuguese is widely spoken in Brazil, the locals will make an effort to communicate with foreigners.

*Citizens of Saint Lucia will require a visa for Brazil

14.  Argentina

Argentina is so remarkable on so many levels and not many people realise that. Apart from it being a football nation, Argentina’s south region encloses the most southern tip of South America (sharing it with Chile) making it one of it’s largest tourist attractions. It is also home to of the Natural Wonders of the World: Iguazu Falls. I have already visited Argentina about 5 times, and with Caribbean Nationals being allotted 30 days per visit, the 6th time is already in the making.

Accessing Argentina via Panama is also the way to do it.

15. South Korea

One of the very few countries in Asia that Caribbean Nationals can visit visa-free. For me personally, I am always up for a challenge and open to experiencing something new. I speak no words of Korean, but for me, the experience gained would beat that. If you are looking to try something new and to experience a different culture, South Korea is a good pick. Also, if you are interested to know, the 2018 Winter Olympics is scheduled to be in Pyeong Chang, South Korea.

16. Panama

This is probably the most visited country by Caribbean Nationals from this list. Although a Spanish-speaking country, Panama manages to have the influence from the surrounding Caribbean Islands making it very easy and flexible to visit. If you have never been on a solo trip or have never travelled outside of your country, then I really recommend Panama as a first go. As previously mentioned in a blog post, I have passed through Panama a number of times, but never long enough to give a full feedback. Though, I have a few Panamanian friends and have met a few Panamanian travellers who have filled me in on some details.

17. Fiji

Over the Christmas break, I was randomly going through flights to see where I could fly to in 2017 on my Jamaican Passport. Fiji came to mind as it is a country that doesn’t require a visa, and as a person who travels for a living, I tend to make use of the countries like those. A few months ago I was talking to a friend who visited Fiji. The experiences shared were… let’s just say got me thinking and ever so often I search for flight deals. It’s visa-free and promises to be a very interesting country, so why not take the chance to visit.

A few months ago I was talking to a friend who visited Fiji. The experiences shared were… let’s just say it got me thinking and ever so often I would search for flight deals to Fiji. Fiji 2017 anyone? It’s visa-free and promises to be a very interesting country, so why not take the chance to visit.

*You will need to be a US visa holder, or apply for a transit visa for connection purposes. 

Bonus:

18. Grenada

I decided to slip in number 18 as a bonus to show Grenada some love. Thinking about travelling in 2017, you can also start with a Caribbean Island. It is easier and closer in proximity, making it more feasible and possible. Grenada is untouched and hidden and sure would appreciate a few more visits from the other Caribbean nationals.

You can find my travels live in action on my Instagram Account.

Happy travels in 2017 everyone!

Read Next:

10 Best Countries To Visit On A Jamaica Passport

Travelling the World With a Jamaica Passport 

5 Cheapest Countries to Visit From Jamaica 

 

  • Sharon Brown-Roberts
    May 31, 2018

    Would love to take my girls on a trip to one of these countries that does not requires visa

  • shaundrice foster
    May 12, 2018

    what about barbados any reviews on there am heading over there soon its also visa free

    • Kashema
      shaundrice foster
      August 13, 2020

      Yes this the right choice

  • Nadia Morrison
    December 19, 2017

    I have never traveled,I need to starting 2018,how do I go about none visa travelling where do I visit for info.

  • simonetara
    November 29, 2017

    How does one afford to do to all this travelling with a regular job and family like myself? I love exploring and going on adventures but since becoming a wife and mother, it’s been hard to do so. Here wishing for a way to make good money from home.

    • Shea Powell
      simonetara
      November 29, 2017

      Hi Simone,

      Just to answer this question for you and for others asking..Travelling is my full-time job. 🙂

  • Shana
    October 13, 2017

    Hey Shea, i just bookes my flight to Grenada for a 9 day stay. Im looking forwars to it. Im in the procrss of finding a hostel to stay.

    • Shea Powell
      Shana
      October 21, 2017

      This sounds so exciting! Check out hostelworld.com for some options.

      • Elizabeth Geddes
        Shea Powell
        February 9, 2018

        What about Bhamas can you go there without a visa?

  • Sade Dunn
    September 8, 2017

    Hi Shea, would love a group trip PPPLLLLEEEAAAASEEE.LOL

    • Shea Powell
      Sade Dunn
      October 28, 2017

      Hahaha. Have any specific region in mind? Link! haha.

  • pink
    September 1, 2017

    thinking of travelling to panama any pointers

  • adventuresfromelle
    February 8, 2017

    Happy to see you include African countries! 🙂 Awesome list. 2 places I’d add are Marrakech, Morocco and Guyana actually. A Guyanese classmate of mine shared a post about how Guyana is one of those gorgeous but off-the-beaten-path countries, which really got me looking. They have the world’s most powerful waterfall, even more so than the Niagara falls, and so many other beauties. Do consider here

    • Shea Powell
      adventuresfromelle
      February 8, 2017

      I’m currently looking to visit Guyana soon. I can’t wait to explore that country!

  • Sandra
    January 10, 2017

    Thanks for this list! I do enjoy traveling solo. I don’t allow anyone to deter me!

    • nicole stewart
      Sandra
      June 27, 2018

      planning to go to nassau can i ave some pointers please can where can i stay for seven days

  • Shellon
    January 10, 2017

    Hi Shea…thanks a lot for this list. I think you need to double check Chile though. I was in there last September and I had to get a visa to enter the country. The visa is issued from out of Trinidad.

    • Shea Powell
      Shellon
      January 10, 2017

      If you are there for less than 3 months a visa is not needed. How long were you there for?

      • Shellon
        Shea Powell
        January 13, 2017

        I was there just about 1 week.

  • Istra
    January 10, 2017

    This is an awesome list. I think i’ll be doing more traveling now :). Thank you! Oh and you left best for last! Grenada is truly a gem. That’s where i’m from lol

    • howard levy
      Istra
      March 4, 2018

      I am so excited and ready

  • Geneve
    January 9, 2017

    Love this! Could you also add more countries that we could travel to also as you go along. Also cheap ways to travel and tips. I’m so glad I clicked the link to read this. It’s awesome!

  • Derek Godette
    January 9, 2017

    Thanks Shea for letting us know more of what life has to offer. I have traveled to several of those countries and will continue to travel. Mexico, Belize, Brazil, and many more south american countries, and Dubai and Abu dhabi, Jordan, Netherlands, Germany and the big boys up north. My next will be south pacific. Didnt know there was so many visa free countries to visit. Dont let no one put you down or try to belittle you. You, enjoy your life travelling. Its nobody’s business how you finance your trips. Many people dont know how to travel and think is sooo expensive when many times it is a breeze to travel cheaply. eg: I went from Minneapolis to Germany roundtrip, via New York and Boston for FREE. I also went to UAE via Amsterdam and Jordan. for $700 round trip and stayed at the Continental Hotel. So I now what you know. I stayed at two big time hotels on the strip in Las Vegas for 3 nites and didnt spend $50 and got a free lunch. Have fun sis

    • BROWN PAT
      Derek Godette
      May 20, 2017

      That’s such a ridiculous statement that it’s nobody’s business how she finances your trip. Shea is doing sharing her wonderful experiences and I’m assuming her goal is not just to have her readers ooh and aah about her experiences but rather to enjoy the same.

      Traveling is considered a luxury for many and if someone who appears to be encouraging others to go traipsing across the globe has found a way to do so for little money, why would she not want to share that along with the details of her travels?….

    • Jodi-Ann West
      Derek Godette
      April 2, 2018

      You should share some of your tips with me. I would love to be pointed in the right direction

  • Annalise Bayney
    January 9, 2017

    5 down, 12 to go!! Awesome list! Thanks!

  • Purdy salim lett
    January 8, 2017

    Shea love what u do…i myself love to travel and i am planning Panama in a couple of months….question though…how do you finance these trips…any pointers i would love to hear them

  • Frederick Granger
    January 8, 2017

    Quote: As someone who travels for a living…”….. .i am curious. Hw is such travel financed? Are you employed by travel consultants or an agency?

    • Primrose
      Frederick Granger
      October 22, 2017

      Let me plug you into a travel club.

  • Cleopatra Grant
    January 8, 2017

    This is very interesting, would need company thou.. Singapore sounds nice! Who wanna come with me?

    • Sade Dunn
      Cleopatra Grant
      September 8, 2017

      I was thinking the same thing…Maybe a group trip could be formed among us.

      • Shea Powell
        Sade Dunn
        September 10, 2017

        Do you girls have a country in mind? 🙂

  • Lorri Ann Nicholas
    January 7, 2017

    Shea you are living one of my dreams. How do you finance this?

    • Teedans
      Lorri Ann Nicholas
      January 8, 2017

      Yes Shea, great going indeed but how do you finance this?

  • Wilson Lerns
    January 7, 2017

    Thanks so much. .. been to Cuba last year with some students and I will be exploring your list for our next experience!

  • Beatrice
    January 5, 2017

    As a girl from St. Luica, thank you for this!!!

    • Shea Powell
      Beatrice
      January 5, 2017

      Beatrice, you are so very welcome! 🙂

  • Nicola Henry
    January 5, 2017

    I read the one you did for Jamaicans. Happy to see this extended list. Brazil sounds so good to me right now! 😀

  • Gina Wright
    January 5, 2017

    OMG! Shea! Where have you been all my life!!! I am so happy to have found your blog. I have always wanted to travel and happy to see a Jamaican doing it and putting the idea to life. You are an inspiration girl!

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