A total of 25 teams entered the qualification process for the 2012 Caribbean Cup, competing for a total of 8 spots in the final tournament. Jamaica, as the holders, and Antigua and Barbuda, as hosts, qualified automatically, leaving 6 spots open for competition.
Although the qualifying tournament is also part of 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifying process, the tournament has not been included by FIFA on the FIFA International Match Calendar meaning that the participating nations' first choice players may not be available to play due to club commitments. FIFA allocated 7–11 September and 12–16 October on the FIFA event calendar.
Although a draw was originally made in March 2012, the Caribbean Football Union partner Digicel made changes to the original draw allowing only nations where Digicel services were available to host group games. At the time of the changes, the CFU's contract with Digicel had expired.
Originally, three positions in the final stage were available to teams who finish in second-place at the group stage. They were to be given to the team that finishes in a higher ranked position between the second-placed teams. The highest ranked second-placed teams between Group 1 and Group 2, Group 3 and Group 4, and Group 5 and Group 6 were to proceed to the final tournament.
However, due to the withdrawals of several nations the qualifying format was revised. Only the runners-up from Group 4 and Group 5 were ranked by the second-placed team format to decide which team progresses to the second round. Runners-up from Groups 1,2 and 3 automatically progressed to the second-round.
Cuba (third place), Grenada (fourth place) and Guadeloupe (runner-up) have all received byes to the second round for their final position in the 2010 Caribbean Cup.
