Our tips for travelling to the West Indies
Ah, the West Indies...white sand, sun, endless beaches and warm, welcoming people. Less than 10 hours by plane from Switzerland, this archipelago bordered by Florida, Yucatan and Colombia is made up of dozens of islands. These little paradises are popular destinations for Europeans looking for a change of scenery and idleness. If you're looking for sun in winter, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Cuba and Puerto Rico are the places to go. Here's all our advice for a successful stay there!
Where to go in the French West Indies
Going to the French West Indies
Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin are the 4 French islands of the Antilles. They're a veritable paradise where you can enjoy lush nature, incredible beaches and a welcoming culture. Not to mention the seabed! You can hike on a volcano, walk through sugarcane plantations, relax on white (or sometimes black!) sandy beaches and, above all, eat excellent Creole specialties. A real change of scenery!
What are the formalities for traveling to the French West Indies?
What papers do I need to travel to Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Barthélemy or Saint Martin?
Swiss nationals will need a valid passport. If you are French, your identity card is sufficient (although if you have a correspondence in a foreign country, you will need your passport, or even a VISA in certain cases).
Other paradise islands to visit in the West Indies
Travel to Cuba
With its magnificent landscapes, colorful houses and authentic culture, Cuba will give you a change of scenery and offer you incredible memories.
Do I need a VISA to visit Cuba?
For Swiss, French or Belgian nationals, all you need is a valid passport (expiry date after the return date), a return ticket and the tourist card, which is compulsory and valid for 1 month, to be shown when you leave the country. You can request it from the Cuban consular services (unless it is included in your trip through an agency). You will also need to fill in a digital D'Viageros form 48 hours before your arrival to facilitate your entry. It is available here: https://dviageros.mitrans.Gob.cu.
Travel to Puerto Rico (USA)
Festivities, gourmet cuisine, natural attractions... Puerto Rico will charm you.
Do I need a VISA to visit Puerto Rico?
The formalities that apply are those of the USA, i.e. an ESTA travel authorization for a maximum stay of 90 days.
Travelling to the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic boasts a number of seaside resorts, the best-known of which, Punta Cana, will delight those who love lounging, beaches and cocktails in the sun.
Do I need a VISA to visit the Dominican Republic?
VISAs are not required for Swiss, French or Belgian nationals for stays of up to 3 months. You'll need a valid passport and to fill in an online form to obtain an e-ticket (QR-Code) to present when entering or leaving the Dominican Republic. You can visit: https://eticket.migracion.gob.do/
Travelling to Barbados
If you're looking to recharge your batteries in the middle of nature and discover magnificent beaches, Barbados is the place to go.
Do I need a VISA to visit Barbados?
VISAs are not required for Swiss, French or Belgian nationals for stays of less than 3 months. You will need a valid passport.
When is the best time to visit the West Indies?
The dry season is the most pleasant time of the year. It runs from December to April, during our European winter. It rains very little (if at all) and temperatures are warm but bearable. If you want to avoid the tourists and get more affordable prices, find out about school vacations and avoid them!
Vaccinations for the West Indies
No vaccinations are required to go there. Check that you are up to date with the usual vaccinations, such as DTP or ROO, and ask your doctor for advice. Depending on your travel conditions, you may also want to consider vaccinations against typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B, rabies and tuberculosis.
When you travel to tropical areas, you're exposed to medical problems and diseases that we don't have in Europe. Discover our recommendations for preventing infectious and tropical diseases.
What type of travel insurance should I take out for the French West Indies?
he European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), generally available behind your compulsory health insurance card (ask your insurance company if you don't have one), will be useful in Martinique or Guadeloupe, which are French. This card gives you the same access to local public medical facilities as those insured locally. However, reimbursements are very limited, and repatriation, for example, is not included.
Whatever your destination in the West Indies, we strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance to cover you in the event of an accident or other unforeseen event: medical repatriation, reimbursement of medical expenses, trip cancellation or interruption coverage, unforeseen expenses, baggage insurance. All included in our Comfort insurance packages, which you can discover here.
>> Calculate your free insurance premium for your trip to the West Indies <<
