Sint Maarten: Robust COVID-19-related international entry requirements remain in force as of March 30 /update 15

Event

As of March 30, authorities in Sint Maarten are continuing to enforce a set of robust international entry restrictions along with a number of domestic measures as part of their efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.

As concerns international travel, nonresidents who have been in a country on the government's "banned countries" list within the previous 14 days are prohibited from entering Sint Maarten. This list contains all countries in South America, as well as Panama and South Africa. Residents of Sint Maarten, Saint Martin, Saba, and St. Eustatius may enter if traveling from a banned country, but must present a negative result from COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test before departure for Sint Maarten.

Apart from the "banned countries," authorities in Sint Maarten have classified foreign nations as being either "high risk" or "low risk" based on their individual levels of COVID-19 activity. Countries designated as low risk for COVID-19 transmission are: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, China, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, New Zealand, Saba, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore, Sint Eustatius, and Thailand. Travelers entering Sint Maarten from these locations are not required to produce a COVID-19 test result.

All other countries and territories are categorized as high risk for disease transmission. Individuals traveling to Sint Maarten from these countries must present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure for the island. For travelers entering from Canada, US or US territories, the test can be taken up to 120 hours prior to departure.

Authorities still perform temperature checks and other screening protocols for all travelers. Some passengers may be subject to mandatory testing at their own expense. Other travel protocols include:

• All air travelers, including transits and regardless of country of origin, must complete a mandatory health authorization application through the Electronic Health Authorization System (EHAS) ahead of travel.

• 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.

• All foreign nationals, except residents, crewmembers, and transit/transfer passengers, are required to have the mandatory SXM Protection Plan health insurance.

• Travelers from high-risk countries must self-monitor for 14 days upon arrival and submit their daily health information to authorities.

Domestically, all persons must wear protective facemasks in all public places, including at the airport, on public transportation, in 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 expand or ease the travel bans with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity in international destinations over the coming weeks.

Advice

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

Resources

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