Aruba Joins St Lucia, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, And More In Embracing Canada’s Efficient Visa Policies, Steering Clear Of Lengthy US Travel Restrictions And Complicated Processes

Published on February 26, 2026

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Aruba joins St Lucia, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and more in ditching US travel restrictions as Canada introduces simplified visa policies for applicants due to tightening US entry bans, security concerns in Mexico, and Canada’s streamlined visa system offering an easier and faster process. As Caribbean nations face increasing barriers to travel, particularly with the US’s expanded travel restrictions and Mexico’s rising violence, Canada is positioning itself as the safest and most accessible destination for FIFA World Cup 2026 fans, making it the go-to choice for Caribbean travellers looking for hassle-free access.

As the excitement builds for the FIFA World Cup 2026, a game-changing shift in travel dynamics is unfolding in the Caribbean. Several nations in the region, including Aruba, St Lucia, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic, are finding a strategic path to international travel, bypassing complex US and Mexico entry barriers by opting for Canada’s simplified visa process.

In response to a range of challenges, including stringent US entry bans, Mexico’s security concerns, and the allure of Canada’s increasingly accessible visa systems, these Caribbean nations are making a decisive move towards the north. Let’s explore why Caribbean travellers are increasingly choosing Canada over the US and Mexico and how Canada’s new entry system is reshaping tourism patterns in the region.

A New Era of Caribbean Travel: Why Aruba and Neighbours Are Ditching US and Mexico Travel Barriers

Tightened US Travel Restrictions: A Key Factor in the Shift

In recent years, the US has become known for its tough entry policies. Starting January 2026, Donald Trump’s presidential proclamations have expanded the travel bans to include 39 countries, focusing heavily on nations from Africa and Asia due to security concerns, high visa overstay rates, and poor repatriation cooperation. These restrictions include tourist and business visa suspensions, making it incredibly challenging for potential World Cup fans from several nations to access the US.

For Caribbean nations like Aruba, Bahamas, Dominica, and others, many nationals would find it virtually impossible to attend the FIFA World Cup matches hosted in US cities like Los Angeles, Miami, and New York due to the rigorous entry bans. As these travel barriers tighten, Caribbean nations are finding alternative routes—namely, Canada.

Canada’s Simplified Visa Policies: A Gateway for Caribbean Nationals

How Canada Is Changing the Game for Caribbean Visitors

In direct contrast to the tightening of US entry restrictions, Canada has made impressive strides in streamlining its visa policies for Caribbean nationals. The Canadian government has expanded its Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) program to include citizens from key Caribbean nations such as Aruba, St Lucia, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and more. This simplified system has been a game changer for Caribbean travellers who previously faced complicated paperwork and long waiting periods for traditional visas.

The eTA process is simple and quick, with most applications approved within minutes to a few days, making it a far more convenient option for travellers wishing to attend events like the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Toronto and Vancouver. By skipping the need for extensive visa interviews and documentation, these nations are seizing a unique opportunity to avoid US travel restrictions and instead, opt for Canada’s flexible and welcoming entry policies.

Aruba Leads the Charge: Streamlined Access to Canada

Aruba’s Strategic Shift to Canada’s Visa System

Aruba has been a leading player in adopting Canada’s new travel policies. While the US continues to impose travel bans on nationals from numerous countries, Aruba’s citizens now enjoy a much more accessible travel route to Canada via the eTA system. The eTA is designed to be both cost-effective and time-efficient, eliminating the need for long processing times associated with traditional tourist visas.

Aruba’s decision to adopt this system underscores a key trend: Caribbean nations are increasingly steering clear of US and Mexico to avoid the complexity and risk associated with entry restrictions. The shift allows Aruba’s nationals to attend World Cup 2026 matches and enjoy the broader Canadian experience, while bypassing the uncertainty of US travel policies.

St Lucia and the Bahamas: Expanding Visa-Free Travel Opportunities

St Lucia Joins the Movement: Streamlined Travel for FIFA Fans

St Lucia is another Caribbean nation that is embracing Canada’s visa simplification. With Canada’s eTA program now including St Lucia, St Lucian nationals can now visit Canada with minimal bureaucracy and fast approvals. This is an attractive prospect, especially for football fans planning to travel for World Cup 2026 matches in Vancouver or Toronto, where fans can enjoy the festivities without having to deal with the uncertainty of US visa processes.

St Lucia’s move to Canada’s visa-free options reflects a broader trend across the Caribbean. As nations like St Lucia choose Canada over the US and Mexico, it becomes evident that Caribbean tourism is shifting towards destinations with more predictable entry systems.

The Bahamas: A Simplified Path for Visitors

Meanwhile, the Bahamas, already a popular destination for US tourists, has joined the ranks of Caribbean nations benefiting from the Canadian eTA system. Bahamians can now travel to Canada more easily, bypassing the bureaucratic challenges posed by US entry regulations. This decision comes at a time when the US’s visa bans are making it difficult for nationals from the Bahamas to attend World Cup matches in US cities.

Barbados, Dominica, and Jamaica: Embracing Canada’s Efficient Visa Process

Barbados’s Visa-Exempt Status: A Boon for World Cup Fans

Barbados is among the Caribbean nations that have fully embraced Canada’s eTA program, making it easier for its citizens to attend events in Canada during the FIFA World Cup 2026. By bypassing the cumbersome US visa process, Barbados continues to make travel more accessible and efficient for its citizens, especially those wishing to attend the World Cup matches in Toronto.

Barbados’s participation in the visa-free program is a key moment in the broader trend of Caribbean nations opting for Canada instead of facing the US travel ban complexities. Fans from Barbados can now focus on the excitement of the World Cup, knowing that entry into Canada is a much simplified process.

Dominica and Jamaica: Increasing Accessibility for Visitors

Both Dominica and Jamaica have joined the Caribbean shift towards Canada’s easier visa policies, creating more opportunities for travel to major events like the FIFA World Cup. Dominica, a nation known for its natural beauty, is now part of the growing number of Caribbean nations benefiting from the eTA system.

For Jamaica, long a key player in tourism, the simplification of Canada’s visa access makes it easier for Jamaican nationals to travel north and experience the World Cup’s Canadian matches. As Jamaica takes advantage of Canada’s simplified entry process, the benefits for fans, families, and tourists are clear.

Mexico’s Struggles: Why Caribbean Nations Are Seeking Alternatives

Security Concerns Push Caribbean Nationals Away from Mexico

The security issues arising from Mexico’s cartel violence have only added to the sense of unease among Caribbean nationals considering travel to Mexico for World Cup 2026 matches. The killing of cartel leader “El Mencho” in February 2026, which sparked retaliatory violence in Jalisco, Michoacán, and other states, has raised serious concerns about safety in some of the host cities.

Many Caribbean nationals are now avoiding Mexico as a host country due to the rise in violence and uncertainty about the security situation. With cities like Guadalajara, which is slated to host matches, being directly impacted by violence, Caribbean nationals are steering clear of potential risks.

Canada: The Go-To Destination for Caribbean Fans in 2026

Canada’s Welcoming Atmosphere and Streamlined Visa Process

Canada’s simplified visa process, coupled with its reputation for safety and hospitality, has positioned it as the ideal World Cup destination for Caribbean nationals. By offering an eTA or TRV (Temporary Resident Visa) depending on nationality, Canada allows for faster and more predictable entry into the country, helping fans focus on the event instead of navigating complex visa processes.

While US and Mexico face growing barriers for Caribbean travellers, Canada’s flexibility in terms of visa applications makes it the clear winner for those looking for a hassle-free travel experience.

The Future of Caribbean Tourism: Canada as a New Hub for Sports Fans

A Growing Trend: Caribbean Nations Turning to Canada for Major Events

As Canada’s simplified visa system grows in popularity, it is evident that Caribbean nations are embracing this shift. The FIFA World Cup 2026 will serve as a key moment in this transition, with hundreds of thousands of Caribbean fans likely to flock to Canada’s World Cup cities.

For countries like Aruba, St Lucia, Bahamas, Barbados, and others, the growing appeal of Canada’s visa policies is set to create a long-lasting impact on the way Caribbean nationals travel to North America. Canada’s clear immigration rules and relatively safe environment will continue to attract Caribbean visitors, while the US and Mexico grapple with visa issues and security concerns.

As Aruba, St Lucia, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic join forces with Canada’s simplified travel policies, they are setting a new precedent in Caribbean tourism. With the US and Mexico facing growing barriers, Canada emerges as the preferred gateway for World Cup 2026 fans looking for a hassle-free and secure entry process.

Aruba joins St Lucia, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and more in ditching US travel restrictions as Canada introduces simplified visa policies for applicants due to the US’s expanding travel bans and Mexico’s security concerns, making Canada a more accessible and safer option for Caribbean fans heading to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

As the tournament approaches, we can expect to see an increased flow of Caribbean visitors to Canada, marking a new era of tourism and international connection.