Healthy Retirement Found in Caribbean Islands

In the long run, we're all working to retire sooner than later. While everyone has different visions for this scenario, one option shared by many is moving to an island for retirement.

GOBankingRates recently outlined the 15 cheapest countries to retire to on December 9, 2022, but not all are equal regarding gaining citizenship and avoiding disease.

There is one country located in the Caribbean Sea that makes it easy to gain citizenship and live a healthy life.

The Dominican Republic (D.R.) is located in the eastern section of Hispaniola in the Greater Antilles archipelago of the Caribbean.

It is the second largest, most diverse Caribbean country and is a quick two-hour flight from Florida.

According to GOBankingRates, the D.R. has a short wait period to obtain citizenship.

The essential requirement for citizenship comes down to an income of at least $1,500 a month as a retiree, passing a medical exam, then establishing permanent residence in the D.R. for two years.

Furthermore, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly encourages everyone over 65 years of age to boost their immune system to prevent disease in retirement.

One method of achieving this goal is by maximizing vaccine protections.

A clear example for seniors is shingles, also known as herpes zoster.

About one out of every three people in the U.S. will develop shingles during their life. With the risk of shingles increases as you get older.

The good news is shingles can be prevented by vaccination.

The U.S. FDA approved the  Shingrix® vaccine in 2017.

Since then, various clinical studies have confirmed its effectiveness and safety.

The CDC also recommends various basic (measles) and travel (dengue) vaccination for anyone visiting the D.R.

And if you plan to visit Brazil, yellow fever vaccination may be required.

The U.S. Department of State advised travelers on December 5, 2022, if they are a lawful permanent resident (LPR) who has been outside of the U.S. for less than a year but their resident card ("green card") is lost or damaged, you will need to apply for a travel document, also known as a "boarding foil." 

However, if your 10-year LPR card is expired, you do not need a boarding foil.

For in-country assistance, the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic is located at Av. Republica de Colombia #57 in Santo Domingo. The embassy's local telephone number is: (809) 567-7775.

Vax-Before-Travel publishes fact-checked, research-based travel information manually curated for mobile readers.