Sint Maarten: Authorities to ease COVID-19 entry restrictions Oct. 15 /update 29

Event

Authorities in Sint Maarten will ease COVID-19-related entry restrictions from Oct. 15. Unvaccinated residents will no longer be required to test before arrival, although they still must complete an Electronic Health Authorization System (EHAS) form before arriving. Day trip passengers arriving by boat will be exempted from completing an EHAS before arriving. Travel insurance will no longer be mandatory for visitors.

Domestic Measures
All persons must wear protective facemasks in public places, including at the airport, on public transportation, and in areas where social distancing is impossible. Individuals must stay at least 1.5-2 meters (5-6 feet) away from each other at all times. Special enhanced sanitization, social distancing, and other protocols are in effect at lodging facilities and tourism businesses.

International Travel Restrictions
All arriving individuals, including residents, are required to submit a mandatory EHAS prior to their travel. Day trip passengers arriving via boat are exempt from Oct. 15.

Arrivals aged five or over who have been fully vaccinated are exempt from pre-travel testing requirements. Non-resident travelers who are not fully vaccinated must present a negative result from an RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to departure, or an antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to departure. Children aged four or younger are exempt from testing requirements.

Travelers who can prove that they have tested positive for COVID-19 within the nine months prior to their travel and are fully recovered will also be exempt from pre-travel test requirements. However, these travelers must show government-issued proof of recovery from COVID-19, a positive test taken within the previous nine months, and a letter issued by a physician.

Passengers are considered to be fully vaccinated if they have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine or a single dose of the Janssen vaccine at least 14 days prior to departure and less than one year prior to travel.

Authorities could expand or ease measures with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity 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