St Maarten Covid Travel : What’s Happening?
Traveling to your favorite island can be so very confusing with many restrictions, regulations and weekly updates. While St. Maarten is on the level 3 high risk list (based on the CDC), the island is, what locals would still consider to be, open for business. This article sets the record straight for tourists interested in visiting St. Maarten and on what to expect when traveling here.
What You Need To Visit.
(Low risk countries as per the CDC - in picture)
Coming from the United States or Canada, you will require either a rt-PCR test 72 hours prior to departure OR an Antigen test performed within 48 hours prior to departure to Sint Maarten. If you are from a country found on the low-risk list, you are not required to show proof of any kind of test.
If you are coming from a country on the high risk list: you will receive an automated daily email alert providing a link for submitting the required information online. You will have to submit the information for the time you are on the island. Temperature measuring possibilities will also be offered in the lobby in most hotels and other lodging facilities.
Unless you arrive and leave on the same day, it is mandatory for every visitor to have an extra Covid-19 medical insurance (even if you have regular travel insurance). This special Covid insurance is valid for 180 consecutive days and only covers Covid-19 related expenses. The insurance costs USD$30 for ages 15-over. You can apply for your entry to St. Maarten and Covid-19 insurance by clicking here.
While on St. Maarten.
Vaccination on the island started in February 2021 and as of today (May 26th, 2021), the Dutch side of St. Maarten has provided vaccines to 30,000 people with a projection of rolling out the vaccine to 70% of the population by the end of June. The French side is currently at 20% of the current population having been vaccinated. Is it to be noted that the provided vaccine on the island is from Pfizer and is administered in 2 doses within 21 days. To follow the current situation of cases on either sides, please follow the following links:
The island has seen some restrictions but not as drastic as the US or Canada. Wearing a mask is still mandatory when going into businesses, grocery stores, etc. Restaurants and bars are open but be sure to check the daily newspapers for the latest curfew hours (anywhere between 11PM to 2AM).
Sonesta Maho Ocean Point in Sint Maarten - Relaxing Poolside
if you’re staying at an AirBnB, guesthouse or private rental, you already know what to expect. As far as hotels go, they are all ready to welcome guests with new sanitary regulations already in place since 2020. We did stay at Sonesta Maho Ocean Point a few times since the pandemic started and highly commend them for their continued efforts battling this crisis. The staff wears masks indoors and out, the rooms are sanitized and restaurants/bars also go through a highly scrutinized process. It was also just announced that, for the safety of their guests, Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa will be testing their employees twice a week unless they have been fully vaccinated. Now that’s an incentive! Learn more about their PureCare program here.
Many of our visitors, like us, love to island hop and explore St. Maarten’s neighboring islands. The Covid situation has made this a little harder but by following the rules below, you can prepare accordingly.
What About Anguilla?
Cuisinart Golf Resort & Spa in Anguilla - Enjoying the view.
Since May 25th 2021, the island’s borders are open once again to visitors
The government is introducing the bubble concept, which allows properties to safely offer their guests access to a variety of approved amenities, services, and activities while they stay in place.
Up to July 1st, all travelers to Anguilla, including returning resident are required to:
Obtain travel authorization by applying online at ivisitanguilla.com
Provide a negative COVID-19 RT PCR NASOPHARYNGEAL test conducted within 3-5 days prior to arrival date.
Be insured for COVID-19 medical costs and full hospitalization, doctors’ visits, prescriptions and air ambulance.
Upon arrival, all travelers will be tested. A second test is administered to be medically cleared from quarantine (or the ‘Bubble’) after 14 days.
Non-vaccinated visitors are required to stay in place for 10 -14 days at a Safe Environment Approved accommodation or private home.
Travelers also need to pay a fee (payable only on approval of the travel application), to cover the re-entry protocols and procedures (2 tests per person, surveillance and costs associated with the additional public health presence). Fees for visitors are $300 for individual + $200 for any additional person(s) on application.
During the quarantine period, visitors are allowed to use Safe Environment Approved ground transportation to visit Safe Environment Certified restaurants and Safe Environment Approved Activities on island.
From July 1st, all travelers to Anguilla, including returning resident are required to:
Obtain travel authorization by applying online at ivisitanguilla.com
All visitors to Anguilla who are eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19 are required to be fully vaccinated at least three weeks before arrival.
Travelers with evidence of full COVID-19 vaccination will not be required to quarantine (if the final vaccine dose is administered at least three weeks before the date of arrival).
All travelers will be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test administered 3-5 days prior to arrival.
Fully vaccinated persons will not be tested upon arrival.
No proof of health insurance is required.
No fees for entry.
Multi-generational families and/or groups with a mix of individuals who are not eligible for the vaccine (i.e. children), will not need to quarantine, but they will need a negative PCR test administered 3-5 days ahead of arrival, and may be tested on arrival and subsequently during their stay. Said tests may be subject to a fee.
What About St Barthelemy?
Nikki Beach in St. Barth - Beachside lunch.
From the French St Martin:
No test is needed (Covid test recommended if you stay more than 3 days).
From the Dutch Sint Maarten:
No restrictions for residents.
No restrictions for non-residents who have been on the island more than 4 Days.
A PCR test (no older than 72 hours) is required for non-residents who have been on the island less than 4 days.