French Caribbean Islands: Authorities tighten restrictions as of April 16 to curb the spread of COVID-19 /update 14

Event

As of April 16, French Caribbean islands have tightened a number of international travel and domestic activity restrictions to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Martinique
A nightly 19:00-05:00 curfew will remain in force through at least May 8. During the day, individuals may not travel more than 10 km (6.2 miles) away from their place of residence for nonessential reasons; valid essential reasons include for purposes of employment, for medical reasons, to help a family member, to get vaccinated, or for religious purposes. Individuals must work from home at least four days a week whenever possible. Most businesses must close on-premises services, except supermarkets, pharmacies, bookstores, banks, gardening stores, car dealerships, computer stores, and laundry services.

The use of facemasks is mandatory in crowded places. Gatherings of more than six people are banned.

Travel to and from France and its territories is only allowed for compelling reasons (personal or family emergency, health-related or business travel).

All persons arriving in Martinique, including from France and its territories, as well as from Dominica and Saint Lucia, must present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to the travel; they must also 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 being allowed to end quarantine. Air travel from Guadeloupe is allowed without the need for a COVID-19 test or quarantine.

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
Effective April 17, a nightly curfew will be enforced between 19:00-05:00; cinemas, theaters, and museums must close, while restaurants may operate outside of the curfew hours. Shopping malls and places of worship may remain open but must limit the number of people permitted inside. Starting April 19, sports competitions will be suspended; sporting arenas, gyms, and fitness centers will be closed. These measures will be in place until at least May 9; however, if COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations continue to increase, authorities may close shopping malls and dine-in services at restaurants. The use of facemasks is required in public settings for anyone over 11 years old.

Travelers entering Guadeloupe must present a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival on the island. Travel is only permitted for compelling reasons. Those entering from locations other than Martinique, Saint Martin, or Saint Barthelemy must 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 isolation.

Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy
Restaurants and bars must close nightly by 00:01. Individuals must wear facemasks in public settings in Saint Martin. Travel to Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy is allowed only for compelling reasons. Travelers must present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival and must quarantine for seven days upon arrival. Travelers from Martinique are exempt from the quarantine requirement.

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.