Caribbean Netherlands: Authorities continue to update COVID-19-related measures as of Aug. 23 /update 22

Event

Authorities in the Caribbean Netherlands islands of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba (BES) continue to update travel and domestic restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19 as of Aug. 23. Measures vary by island. Authorities updated testing requirements for travelers arriving in Bonaire and Saba; domestic restrictions were also eased in Bonaire.

Bonaire
All travelers must submit a Public Health Declaration 48-72 hours prior to departure for Bonaire. The restrictions vary depending on the risk rating of the country of origin and travelers' vaccination status:

• Very low risk: Travelers entering from territories designated as "very low-risk" may enter Bonaire without test or quarantine requirements. "Very low-risk" territories include Saba and Sint Eustatius.

• Low risk: Fully vaccinated travelers may enter without the need of a pre-travel test; unvaccinated travelers must take a PCR test within 48 hours prior to travel. "Low risk" territories include Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, China, Curacao, Corsica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, Rwanda, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, and Vatican City.

• High risk: Fully vaccinated travelers must present a PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival. Unvaccinated travelers must either have a PCR test taken within 24 hours prior to traveling or have a PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to travel plus an antigen test taken upon arrival at the airport. Any territories not classified in the other risk levels are considered "high risk", including the US, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, France, and Cyprus, and Sint Maarten.

• Very high risk: Fully vaccinated travelers must present a PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival. Unvaccinated travelers must either have a PCR test taken within 24 hours prior to traveling or have a PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to travel plus an antigen test taken upon arrival. Additionally, travelers must take a PCR test five days after arrival, regardless of their vaccination status. "Very high risk" territories include Argentina, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, French Guiana, India, Kuwait, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Seychelles, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela, the UK, and South Africa.

Domestically, private gatherings must not exceed 50 people, events must be limited at 50 percent of the venue's capacity, to a maximum of 100 people. Restaurants and cafes must close by 23:59, and casinos by 02:00.

Sint Eustatius
All travelers must request entry within least 72 hours before travel. Other requirements vary depending on the risk rating of the country of origin and travelers' vaccination status:

• Very low risk: Regardless of vaccination status, travelers are not subject to additional restrictions. "Very low risk" locations include Anguilla, Grenada, Montserrat, Saba, and Grenada.

• Low risk: All persons must take a PCR test within 72 hours prior to arrival. Unvaccinated individuals must quarantine for 10 days and take an additional PCR test to end the quarantine. "Low-risk" locations include Albania, Antigua, Australia, Austria, Canada, Czechia, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Israel, Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Macau, Malta, New Zealand, China, Poland, Romania, Rwanda, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, and Switzerland.

• High risk: All passengers must 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, Dominican Republic, France, the Netherlands, the US, and all other countries and territories not classified are considered "high risk".

• Very high risk: All travelers must take a PCR test within 72 hours prior to arrival. Fully vaccinated travelers must quarantine for five days and undergo 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" locations include most of South America, Aruba, Bangladesh, Botswana, Curacao, British Virgin Islands, Cuba, Fiji, Georgia, Guadeloupe, Haiti, India, Indonesia Kuwait, Malaysia, Maldives, Martinique, Mongolia, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Seychelles, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Maarten, Thailand, Tunisia, and the UK.

Saba
All travelers must apply for entry to Saba. They will receive a response within 24 hours of applying. Other requirements vary depending on the risk rating of the country of origin and travelers' vaccination status:

• Low risk: Travelers do not require a pre-travel test or to quarantine upon arrival, regardless of their vaccination status. Anguilla, Grenada, Montserrat and Sint Eustatius are considered "low risk".

• High risk: Travelers must present a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival or an antigen test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival; additionally, unvaccinated travelers must quarantine for five days upon arrival and take a PCR test on day five to end the quarantine. Bonaire, the Netherlands, United States of America, Canada, Anguilla and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are considered high-risk.

• Very high risk: All passengers must take a PCR test within 72 hours prior to arrival, quarantine for five days, and take a PCR test on day five, regardless of their vaccination status. Most of South America, Bangladesh, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Fiji, India, Mongolia, Namibia, Nepal, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Seychelles, South Africa, and the UK, among others, are considered "very high risk".

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