French Caribbean Islands: Authorities update COVID-19-related restrictions as of Jan. 20 /update 30

Event

Authorities in the French Caribbean islands have updated international entry requirements for certain travelers as part of their efforts to stem the spread of COVID-19. Authorities have updated the list of countries in the four-tier color-coded system as of Jan. 20; no countries are currently classed as scarlet red, the highest risk level. However, authorities have shortened the pre-arrival testing time frame for all passengers traveling to the French Caribbean islands. All arrivals aged 12 or older must present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 24 hours before departure instead of 48 hours before boarding.

Additionally, the directives concerning travel from the UK have been modified again as of Jan. 20. Fully vaccinated arrivals from the UK no longer need to have a compelling reason for their travel; the requirement remains in place for those who are not fully vaccinated. Before departing for French territory, unvaccinated individuals traveling from the UK must also register the location where they will be staying using an online application. Unvaccinated arrivals must quarantine for 10 days.

Some domestic restrictions have also been updated. Guadeloupe, Saint Barthelemy, and Saint Martin have re-introduced nightly curfews, while Martinique has maintained its curfew hours.

Domestic Measures
Businesses may require that customers present a COVID-19 health pass to enter their establishments. The COVID-19 health pass constitutes documented proof that an individual has been fully vaccinated against the virus, has received a negative result from a PCR or antigen test taken within the previous 72 hours, or tested positive for COVID-19 between 11 days and six months ago but has since recovered.

• Guadeloupe: A nightly curfew is in effect in Guadeloupe 20:00-05:00, and no person may be outside their residence or accommodations without a compelling family, health, or professional reason. Most establishments still require that customers provide a COVID-19 health pass to enter. Businesses subject to COVID-19 health pass requirements include restaurants, casinos, cinemas, theaters, museums, zoos, and certain other establishments.

• Martinique: Martinique maintains the 20:00-05:00 nightly curfew. All individuals who are outside their residences during curfew hours must carry an exceptional travel certificate in addition to proof of the activity in which they have been engaged; no person may be outside their residence or accommodations without a compelling family, health, or professional reason. Businesses may require customers to present a COVID-19 health pass.

• Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy: Authorities have imposed a 23:00-05:00 nightly curfew. All individuals outside their residences during curfew hours must carry an exceptional travel certificate. Individuals generally must wear facemasks in public settings. Those entering establishments may be required to present a COVID-19 health pass. Establishments requiring a health pass may modify COVID-19-related regulations at their discretion, including lifting requirements for individuals to wear a facemask, easing capacity limits, and relaxing social distancing measures.

International Travel Restrictions
France's overseas territories, including the French Caribbean islands, can enforce their own COVID-19-related international entry restrictions based on local epidemiological trends. Some such entry measures, however, apply across each territory. In general, all arriving travelers must complete a sworn statement affirming that they have no COVID-19 symptoms and have not come into contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case. Arrivals may be subject to pandemic-related protocols upon arrival, including being required to take a COVID-19 test.

Authorities now use a four-tier, color-coded system to classify foreign countries and other territories based on local COVID-19 activity and impose travel restrictions accordingly. The four levels are green, orange, red, and scarlet red in order of increasing transmission risk. The restrictions associated with each are as follows:

• Green locations: All arrivals aged 12 or older must present a negative result from a PCR or antigen test taken within 24 hours before departure. Additionally, travelers without a certificate of vaccination or recovery may only travel to the French Caribbean islands for imperative reasons. As of Jan. 20, green locations include most countries in Europe and Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Japan, Kuwait, New Zealand, Qatar, Rwanda, Senegal, Taiwan, Uruguay, and Vanuatu.

• Orange locations: All arrivals aged 12 or older must present a negative result from a PCR or antigen test taken within 24 hours before departure. Travelers without proof of vaccination must prove their journey is essential, undergo a seven-day quarantine period, and take a COVID-19 test before ending their quarantine. Arrivals may also be subject to a COVID-19 test upon arrival. Countries and territories not listed as green, red, or scarlet red locations are subject to these restrictions as of Jan. 20.

• Red locations: International air and sea travel from red locations remains limited. All arrivals aged 12 or older must present a negative result from a PCR or antigen test taken within 24 hours before departure. Travelers without proof of vaccination must prove their trip is essential. Unvaccinated travelers may also be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival, are subject to a quarantine period of up to 10 days, and must take a COVID-19 test before ending their isolation period. Authorities may demand that travelers isolate in government-approved locations. As of Jan. 20, red locations include Afghanistan, South Africa, Belarus, Botswana, Eswatini, the US, Georgia, Mauritius, Lesotho, Malawi, Moldova, Montenegro, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Russia, Serbia, Suriname, Tanzania, Turkey, Ukraine, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

• Scarlet red locations: Travel from scarlet countries is only allowed for French and European nationals, diplomatic personnel, or flight crews. All arrivals aged 12 or older must present a negative result from a PCR or antigen test taken within 24 hours before departure. Travelers must quarantine for 10 days in a government-approved location. As of Jan. 20, no countries are classed scarlet red countries.

Depending on local disease activity, local authorities could reinstate their own stricter and specific measures, including curfews and other travel restrictions. 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. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Government of France - COVID-19 Information For Foreign Nationals
Government of Guadeloupe (French)
Government of Martinique (French)
Governments of Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy (French)