French Caribbean Islands: Officials in Martinique and Guadeloupe to increase traveler entry restrictions effective Jan. 13 /update 10

Event

Authorities in the French Caribbean islands are increasing travel restrictions, some from the French national government, to combat the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Effective Jan. 13, authorities will require all travelers aged 11 and above entering Martinique and Guadeloupe from French Guiana or Metropolitan France to provide a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) taken no more than 72 hours before departure. Travelers must also provide a Passenger Locator Form, completed no later than 24 hours before travel, to enable contact tracing.

As of Jan. 8, officials continue to enforce the following measures in Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Barthelemy, and Saint Martin until further notice:

• Gatherings of more than six people are generally banned in public places and private homes.

• Social distancing and facemask requirements are in effect in public places; the use of facemasks is encouraged during private home gatherings.

• Employers are encouraged to allow employees to work from home whenever possible.

Other travel and business restrictions vary depending on the island:

Guadeloupe
Travelers must take a PCR test 72 hours before their departure from Metropolitan France or French Guiana. Individuals from Saint Martin may only enter Guadeloupe for essential reasons; they must provide a negative PCR test result taken 72 hours before travel or an antigen test taken 48 hours before departure. Travelers from Martinique may enter without taking any COVID-19 test. Individuals from Dominica and Saint Lucia may enter Guadeloupe with a negative PCR test taken within 72 before departure, as long as they are French citizens or citizens of a country within the European Union. All passengers entering Guadeloupe must wear facemasks at the planes and in the airport.

Ships from Martinique, Saint Martin, Saint Barthelemy, French Guiana, Dominica, and Saint Lucia may enter Guadeloupe if they have not stopped in any other territory. Passengers 11 years or older must have a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival.

Additionally, bars, casinos, and nightclubs must remain closed. Restaurants must close nightly at 2359 and allow a maximum of six people per table. All residents age 11 and above must use protective face coverings in gatherings of more than six people, busy streets, and any establishment open to the public.

Access to beaches is allowed between 0500-1900, but consumption of food or alcohol is banned. Outdoor stadiums may open for up to 600 people; there must be at least one empty seat between those in attendance, and everyone must wear protective face coverings. Gyms and fitness centers may open, but participants must wear facemasks. Sporting practices and competitions are allowed.

Martinique
Air travel from Guadeloupe and Saint Barthelemy is allowed without the need for a COVID-19 test. Individuals from Saint Martin can only travel to Martinique for essential reasons; all travelers 11 years or older must show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure.

Passenger ships arriving from Guadeloupe, Dominica, and Saint Lucia are allowed to enter Martinique; travelers from Dominica and Saint Lucia must present a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before departure. Those permitted to travel must submit a declaration stating they do not have COVID-19 symptoms and that they have not been in contact with someone with COVID-19 in the previous 14 days.

Access to beaches is allowed daily between 0500-1900. Restaurants must close nightly by 2359; bars and nightclubs must remain closed. Retail shops and other businesses open for in-person services must limit the number of people within their establishments to one per every eight square meters.

Local governments could reinstate their own stricter measures, including curfews and other movement controls, depending on local disease activity. All restrictions are subject to amendment at short notice.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Government of France - COVID-19 Information
Government of Guadeloupe
Government of Martinique
Governments of Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy
Passenger Locator Form