French Caribbean Islands: Domestic COVID-19-related measures, international travel restrictions remain largely unchanged as of May 10 since late April /update 16

Event

As of May 10, domestic COVID-19 measures and international travel restrictions applying to the French Caribbean islands have remained largely unchanged since late April.

Guadeloupe
A lockdown period, during which all nonessential businesses must remain closed, is in effect until at least May 18. Additionally, a nightly curfew will remain in force from 19:00-05:00. Residents must remain within a 10-km (6.2-mile) radius of their homes unless attending to essential tasks; residents may only go beyond the limitation after completing a travel certificate. Restaurants may only provide take-out and delivery services. Food delivery services are allowed to continue during curfew hours. The sale and consumption of alcohol in public will be prohibited during this period. Access to religious institutions remains possible with limitations on the number of people permitted inside. Sporting arenas, gyms, and fitness centers will remain closed. Cinemas, theaters, and museums must close. 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 traveling from Martinique do not require a PCR test. 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.

Martinique
A nightly 19:00-05:00 curfew remains in force. 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. Businesses must encourage employees to work from home whenever possible. Selected businesses have been allowed to provide on-premises services with limited capacity. These include supermarkets, shopping centers, pharmacies, bookstores, banks, gardening stores, car dealerships, computer stores, and others.

The use of facemasks remains mandatory and gatherings of more than six people are banned.

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

All persons arriving in Martinique, including from Metropolitan France and French 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 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 as long as they can justify their travel is essential.

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.

Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy
Individuals must wear facemasks in public settings in Saint Martin. Public gatherings of greater than six people are prohibited. 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. Travel between Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy is unrestricted; however, testing is recommended for those planning a stay of longer than three days.

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.