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