French Caribbean Islands: Domestic COVID-19-related measures, international travel restrictions remain largely unchanged as of May 20 /update 17

Event

As of May 20, domestic COVID-19 measures and international travel restrictions in place in the French Caribbean islands have remained largely unchanged by comparison with those in force early in the month; however, Martinique plans to ease domestic restrictions further effective May 21. As of May 20, the following restrictions are in effect:

Guadeloupe
Authorities have extended the lockdown period during which all nonessential businesses must remain closed until at least May 24. The 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 are prohibited during this period. Residents may access houses of worship, although there are caps on the number of persons permitted inside. Sporting arenas, gyms, fitness centers, cinemas, theaters, and museums remain closed. The use of facemasks is required in public settings for anyone over 11 years old.

Travelers entering Guadeloupe, except for those arriving from Martinique, must present a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior arrival. All travelers must also present a signed statement declaring that they are not aware of having been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case within the 14 days prior to departure. Travel to Guadeloupe 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 being allowed to end their isolation.

Martinique
Effective May 21, the nightly curfew will be shortened by four hours with new curfew hours running 23:00-05:00 rather than 19:00-05:00 as had previously been the case. Moreover, cinemas and theaters will reopen, albeit with restrictions and capacity limits in place; outdoor dining in restaurants and sports events will also resume. From May 28, restaurants will be allowed to reopen for indoor dining; indoor sports events will resume with safety protocols in effect. Several non-essential businesses are open. The use of facemasks remains mandatory and gatherings of more than six people are banned.

All persons arriving in Martinique, including from Metropolitan France and other French territories, as well as from Dominica and Saint Lucia, must present a negative result from a PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to travel. Travelers must also present a signed statement declaring that they are not aware of having been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case within the 14 days prior to departure. Travel is only permitted for compelling reasons. Arriving passengers from locations other than Guadeloupe must self-quarantine for seven days upon arrival. At the end of this seven-day period, a new negative COVID-19 test will be required to end the quarantine.

From June 9, fully vaccinated travelers arriving from Metropolitan France will be exempt from the quarantine requirement.

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, or those with legal residency in France, may disembark. Passengers will be subject to the same requirements as those who arrive via air travel.

Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy
Individuals must wear facemasks in public settings in Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy. Public gatherings of more than six people are prohibited. Travel to Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy is allowed only for compelling reasons and subject to restrictions. Travelers must present a negative result from a PCR COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival and must quarantine for seven days. 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.

In addition to the varying restrictions in place across the islands, those traveling from French Guiana face additional requirements. These include presenting a negative result from a PCR COVID-19 test taken within 36 hours prior to travel or a negative result from a PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival accompanied by a negative antigen test taken within the previous 24 hours. Another antigen test will be carried out at the airport. These passengers must also quarantine for 10 days, after which another negative test result will be necessary to end the isolation period.

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.