Caribbean Netherlands: Authorities maintain COVID-19-related international travel protocols as of July 30 /update 21

Event

Authorities in the Caribbean Netherlands islands of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba (BES) are maintaining several travel and business restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19 as of July 30. Measures vary by island.

Bonaire
All travelers must submit a Public Health Declaration between 48 and 72 hours prior to departure for Bonaire. Travelers entering from countries designated as "very low-risk" may enter Bonaire without test or quarantine requirements. "Very low-risk" territories are Saba and Sint Eustatius. Fully vaccinated travelers from "low risk" countries may also enter Bonaire without the need of a pre-travel test; unvaccinated travelers must take a PCR test within 72 hours prior to arrival. "Low-Risk" countries include Aruba, Austria, Australia, Bulgaria, China, Croatia, Curacao, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Romania, Rwanda, San Merino, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, and Vatican City.

Fully vaccinated travelers from "high risk" countries must present a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival; unvaccinated travelers must either have a PCR test taken within 24 hours prior to traveling or within 72 hours, plus an antigen test taken upon arrival. The US, Portugal, Spain, France, Cyprus, Sint Maarten, as well as any other non-mentioned country, is considered high-risk. The requirements are the same for those entering from "very high risk" countries, but additionally, they must take a PCR test five days after arriving in Bonaire. All of South America, plus Bangladesh, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, India, Kuwait, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Namibia, Netherlands, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Seychelles, UK, and South Africa, are considered "very high risk".

Domestically, private gatherings must be limited to 25 people, events at 50 percent of the venue's capacity and a maximum of 50 people, restaurants, cafes, and cinemas must close by midnight, and casinos by 2:00 am.

Sint Eustatius
All travelers must register for entry at least 72 hours before their intended arrival and must fill a health declaration form 48-12 hours before entry. Travelers from "very low-risk countries, regardless of vaccination status, are not required to take a pre-travel test or quarantine upon arrival. As of July 30, very low-risk countries and territories are Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Montserrat, Saba, and Grenada. All persons traveling from "low-risk" countries and territories must take a PCR test within 72 hours prior to departure; additionally, unvaccinated individuals must quarantine for 10 days upon arrival and take a PCR test on day 10. Among the "low-risk" countries are Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Israel, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, China, South Korea, and Switzerland.

Travelers from "high-risk" countries must also take a PCR test within 72 hours prior to arrival; fully vaccinated travelers must monitor their health for five days and take another PCR test on day five, while unvaccinated individuals must quarantine for 10 days upon arrival and take a PCR test on day 10. Bonaire, Curacao, Sint Maarten, Netherlands, US and all other countries and territories not classified are considered high-risk. Travelers from "very-high" risk countries must take a PCR test within 72 hours prior to arrival; fully vaccinated travelers must quarantine for five days and take a PCR test on day five, while unvaccinated individuals must quarantine for 10 days and take a PCR test on day 10. "Very-high risk" countries and territories are all of South America, Aruba, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Cabo Verde, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, India, Maldives, Nepal, Myanmar, Pakistan, South Africa, and the UK.

Saba
All travelers must apply for entry to Saba. They will receive a response within 24 hours of applying. Travelers do not require a pre-travel test or to quarantine upon arrival if entering from a low-risk country or territory, regardless of vaccination status. Sint Eustatius, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Montserrat are considered low risk. Travelers from high-risk countries and territories must present a PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival; additionally, unvaccinated travelers from high-risk countries must quarantine for five days upon arrival and take a PCR test on day five to end the quarantine. Sint Maarten, Curacao, Aruba, Bonaire, US, Canada, Anguilla, St. Vincent, and the Grenadines are considered high-risk. All travelers from very-high risk countries and territories must take a PCR test within 72 hours prior to arrival, quarantine for five days upon arrival, and take a PCR test on day five. All of South America, Bangladesh, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Fiji, India, Kuwait, Maldives, Mongolia, Namibia, Nepal, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Seychelles, South Africa, Tunisia, and the UK are considered very-high risk.

Travel and business disruptions are likely to persist as international flight routes resume. Authorities could reimpose travel bans for all or some countries with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks. Health- and testing-related entry requirements are also subject to amendment with short notice.

Advice

Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Netherlands Worldwide
Caribbean Netherlands - COVID-19
Government of Bonaire
Government of Sint Eustatius
Government of Saba