French Caribbean Islands: Authorities ease certain COVID-19-related restrictions as of March 15 /update 32

Event

Authorities in the French Caribbean islands have updated some COVID-19-related restrictions as of March 15. Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy have lifted most COVID-19-related domestic restrictions but health pass requirements remain in place and Guadeloupe has shortened its curfew hours to 23:00-05:00. However, Martinique has maintained most measures, including the nightly curfew, unchanged. French authorities have also updated the list of countries in the four-tier color-coded system used to apply international travel restrictions; no locations are currently classed as red or scarlet red as of March 15.

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 curfew is in effect 23:00-05:00, 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.

• Martinique: Martinique's nightly curfew remains in effect 22:00-05:00. 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: Most COVID-19-related restrictions have been lifted; however, those entering certain establishments or attending large events may be required to present a COVID-19 health pass.

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 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 use a four-tier, color-coded system to classify 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 ages 12 and 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 and may be required to isolate for up to 7 days. As of March 15, most countries are classed as green locations including all European member states, South Africa, Angola, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Green, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, South Korea, Ivory Coast, Cuba, Djibouti, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Ecuador, Eswatini, the US, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Honduras, Hong Kong, Mauritius, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Laos, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Morocco, Mauritania, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, New Zealand, Oman, Uganda, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, DRC, Dominican Republic, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, El Salvador, Samoa, Senegal, Seychelles, Sudan, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tanzania, Chad, East Timor, Togo, Tunisia, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

• Orange locations: All arrivals ages 12 and 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. Countries and territories not listed as green, red, or scarlet red locations are subject to these restrictions as of March 15, including Mexico, Chile, Uruguay, Australia, and multiple Asian countries.

• Red locations: International air and sea travel from red locations remains limited. All arrivals ages 12 and 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 March 15, no locations are classed under this level.

• Scarlet red locations: Travel from scarlet countries is only allowed for French and European nationals, diplomatic personnel, or flight crews. All arrivals ages 12 and 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 March 15, no countries are classed as scarlet red locations.

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)