Sint Maarten: Officials revise travel protocols according to COVID-19 country risk categories as of Jan. 4 /update 12

Event

As of Jan. 4, officials in Sint Maarten have amended the risk classification system for countries, which forms part of the territory's coronavirus disease (COVID-19) recovery plan for international travel. There are now only two categories for COVID-19 transmission risk: high and low. Nonetheless, the requirements for entry remain mostly the same under these categories, though officials intend to amend some requirements. Travelers to Sint Maarten are already required to have health insurance coverage; however, effective Jan. 10, officials will roll out the SXM Protection Plan; this health insurance will be mandatory for all foreign nationals except residents, crewmembers, and transit/transfer passengers.

Officials will continue to conduct temperature checks and other screening protocols for all travelers; some passengers may be subject to mandatory testing at their own expense. Other standard travel protocols are:

• Regardless of country of origin, all air travelers, including transits, must complete a mandatory health authorization application through an Electronic Health Authorization System (EHAS) ahead of travel.

• Travelers from high-risk countries and territories aged 10 and over must present proof of a valid negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, taken up to 120 hours before departure, or an approved antigen test performed within 48 hours prior to departure.

• Travelers from low-risk countries and territories do not need to present a negative COVID-19 test provided they have remained in a low-risk country for 14 consecutive days before departure.

• Maritime crews and passengers must complete the EHAS application within 36 hours of arrival, during which time a PCR test must also be taken. All crew and passengers must quarantine on board until health authorization approval is received.

• Travelers from high-risk countries must complete 14 days of self-monitoring for health symptoms.

As of Jan. 4, only the following locations are considered low-risk: Anguilla, Antiqua and Barbuda, Aruba, Australia, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, China, Curacao, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, New Zealand, Saba, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore, Sint Eustatius, and Thailand. All other countries and territories as classified as high-risk.

Within Sint Maarten, wearing a facemask is mandatory in all public places, including the airport, public transportation, supermarkets, and in all areas where social distancing is not possible. Individuals must stay at least 1.5-2 meters (5-6 feet) away from each other at all times.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by local health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements.

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

WHO Coronavirus Knowledge Base
Sint Maarten EHAS Information
Sint Maarten Country Risk Classifications