French Caribbean Islands: Martinique imposes nightly curfew starting March 26; COVID-19 travel restrictions remain in effect on all islands /update 13

Event

As of March 26, restrictions in effect in most of the French Caribbean islands to combat the spread of COVID-19 remain largely unchanged as compared with those in place during the first week of the month. The only notable exception is Martinique, where, effective March 26, authorities have imposed a nightly 22:00-05:00 curfew; the curfew will be 19:00-05:00 starting April 1. Authorities have also closed access to beaches between the hours of 19:00-05:00 daily and banned the sale of food and beverages in shopping malls.

Inter-island travel, as well as travel between the islands and Metropolitan France, may only be conducted for compelling personal or family reasons, to receive urgent medical care, or for a business purpose that cannot be postponed. All travelers are required to sign an affidavit and provide evidence showing that their travel meets these conditions.

Additionally, all travelers aged 11 and above entering the islands from Metropolitan France or French Guiana must provide a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 72 hours before departure.

Other travel and business restrictions vary depending on the island.

Martinique
Outside the aforementioned new directives, restrictions in Martinique remain unchanged. All persons arriving in Martinique from France and its territories, as well as from Dominica and Saint Lucia, must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to the trip; they must self-quarantine for seven days upon arrival. At the end of this seven-day period, such persons must undergo a new COVID-19 test before they are allowed to end their quarantine. Air travel from Guadeloupe is allowed without the need for a COVID-19 test.

Passenger ships arriving from Guadeloupe, Dominica, and Saint Lucia are allowed to enter Martinique, but only citizens of countries in the European Union or Schengen area, as well as those with legal residency in France, may disembark; travelers from Dominica and Saint Lucia must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure. Those permitted to travel must submit a declaration stating they do not have COVID-19 symptoms and that they have not been in contact with any person infected with COVID-19 in the previous 14 days.

Guadeloupe
Travelers from Martinique may enter without taking any COVID-19 test. French citizens and residents, as well as citizens of European Union countries traveling from Dominica and Saint Lucia may enter Guadeloupe with a negative PCR test taken within 72 before departure.

All persons arriving in Guadeloupe except for those from Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthelemy, must self-quarantine for seven days. At the end of this seven-day period, such persons must undergo a new COVID-19 test before they are allowed to end their isolation.

Only citizens of countries in the European Union or the Schengen area, or persons who have legal residency in France, may disembark from vessels in Guadeloupe's ports.

Facemasks are mandatory in public transport, taxis, aircraft, passenger ships, museums, places of worship, libraries, concert halls, and theaters.

Local governments could reinstate their own stricter measures, including curfews and other movement controls, depending on local disease activity. 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. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

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