Island-specific advice about visas and entry requirements is covered at the beginning of each section, where necessary. As a broad guide, citizens of the US, Canada and Great Britain do not need a visa for stays of less than thirty days; however, nearly every country requires that your passport be valid for at least six months from your date of entry. Some demand proof of onward travel (such as an air ticket) or sufficient funds to buy a ticket. As all visa requirements, prices and processing times are subject to change, it's always worth double-checking with the embassies.

For proof of identity , most islands in the Caribbean have in the past required only a birth certificate as well as a driver's licence or one other form of government-issued photo ID. In the aftermath of September 2001, however, it is advisable to carry a passport and an onward/return ticket, regardless of whether or not they require a visa.