COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Saint Martin (25 June Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

  • Yes

  • Residents and citizens are allowed to enter.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

  • Yes, with exceptions

  • The borders between Sint Maarten and Saint Martin are open. Travellers are allowed to enter by air at Princess Juliana International Airport, located on the Dutch side in Sint Maarten and through the land border with Sint Maarten.

  • As international travel is gradually resuming in Saint Martin, travel restrictions are defined by a country-based three-tier colour-coded system. The three levels are green, orange, and red in order of increasing transmission risk. More information can be found here.

  • Unvaccinated travellers from “orange” list countries and travellers from “red” list countries are only allowed to enter if they have pressing grounds. More information can be found here.

  • Unvaccinated travellers arriving in Saint Martin from Martinique or Guadeloupe are required to present a compelling reason for their travel, as well as self isolation and testing requirements.

Is a test required on arrival?

  • No, with exceptions

  • All travellers will be subject to health screenings at the airport. All travellers are not required to be tested on arrival. However, some visitors may be subject to compulsory testing at their own expense.

Is a test certificate allowed?

  • Yes

  • PCR and antigen test certificates issued outside Saint Martin are accepted.

Test certificate required?

  • Yes, with exceptions

  • Travellers arriving from France, green list and orange list countries must have a negative PCR test certificate issued within 72 hours or an antigen test issued within 48 hours before departure.

  • Travellers arriving from red list countries are required to provide a negative PCR test or antigen test certificate issued within 48 hours before departure. More information can be found here.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

  • Yes

  • All unvaccinated travellers are required to self-isolate for seven days or until they test negative.

  • Travellers who are fully vaccinated are exempt from self-isolation, unless the travellers are arriving from a country designated as “red”.

  • Based on the above restrictions, the travellers will be required to spend between zero and seven days in quarantine.

Entry form required?

  • Yes

  • For arrivals at Princess Juliana Airport, Sint Maarten has established a mandatory health pre-authorization application through an Electronic Health Authorization System (EHAS) for every visitor arriving by air, including transits, Sint Maarten and Saint Martin residents.

  • Travellers are required to complete an electronic health pre-authorization form. Without the health pre-authorization, boarding will not be possible. The processing time for this form can take up to 12 hours. The form can be accessed here. Children must have the online health form filled out by their parents. This application includes the purchase of the mandatory COVID-19 insurance required for Sint Maarten and a negative COVID-19 test result if required for entry.

  • Applicants will receive confirmation of their accepted application. Non-completed applications will be automatically deleted within a day after the provided travel date.

  • If the health authorization is approved, travellers will receive a (printable) pre-authorization via e-mail, which must be presented to the health and immigration authorities upon arrival. The original RT-PCR or antigen test result should be presented to the health authorities upon request.

  • If health authorization is not approved, travellers will receive an e-mail informing them that health pre-authorization has been denied.

  • Travellers arriving at Grand Case L’Esperance Airport must complete a sworn statement stating that they do not have any COVID-19 symptoms and have not been in any contact with a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case in the last 14-days before arrival in Saint Martin.

  • Travel restriction forms for maritime vessels are required and can be found here:

  • Declaration of COVID-19 symptoms.

  • Entry form.

Recommended border app

Is a vaccination required?

  • No

  • A COVID-19 vaccination is not mandatory for entry to Saint Martin. However, travellers who are fully vaccinated will be exempt from quarantine, unless the travellers are arriving from red-list country.

Insurance required?

  • Unclear

  • Travellers entering Sint Maarten are required to have insurance for COVID-19 expenses. It is not clear whether travellers entering via Princess Juliana Airport and continuing to Saint Martin are required to have insurance.

Airline restrictions

  • Minimal

  • Princess Juliana Airport reopened for international tourism. Most international and regional flights are operating.

  • Airlines may deny boarding to passengers without a negative COVID-19 test certificate or a self-declaration. Travellers with positive results will not be allowed to board the airplane.

Border restrictions

  • Moderate

  • Borders are open with some restrictions. Travel is prohibited between the French West Indies islands of Saint Martin, Guadeloupe, and Martinique (except St. Barthelemy) unless there are compelling personal or family reasons, emergency health reasons, or a professional reason that cannot be postponed. These new conditions do not apply to passengers in transit to and from Paris.

  • Cruise ships are not allowed to dock.

  • Travel restrictions for arriving yachts apply and are based on the vessel's last port of call. Masks are mandatory on vessels and in port terminals.

  • Ferries are operating to Saint Barthelemy. However, there are currently no ferry services available between Saint Martin and Anguilla.

Curfew restrictions

  • Significant

  • A nightly curfew from 20:00 to 06:00 is in effect. Saint Martin is under a “State of Emergency.” Travelling is prohibited during curfew hours unless it is based on compelling reasons.

Social restrictions

  • Minimal

  • Movement in public places is permitted, provided social distancing is followed.

  • Gatherings/meetings of more than six people are prohibited in public places. It is recommended to limit social gatherings/interactions to a maximum of six people at homes.

  • Working from home is recommended whenever possible.

Internal travel restrictions

  • Minimal

  • Bus and taxi services have resumed with reduced capacity. The use of face masks/coverings is mandatory on public transportation.

Non-essential shops open?

  • Yes

  • Shops, markets, and cinemas are open. However, shops must close by 20:00 (local time).

Restaurants open?

  • Yes

  • Restaurants are open, but should close by 23:00. Contact details of every customer must be recorded.

Bars and cafes open?

  • Yes

  • Bars are open, but must close by 23:00.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

  • Yes

  • Swimming and walking on the beach and other water activities are allowed.

Museums and heritage sites open?

  • Yes

  • Museums, monuments and art galleries are open.

*Personal care services open? *

  • Yes

  • Hairdressers are open.

Places of worship open?

  • Yes

  • Churches are open.

Events allowed?

  • No, with exceptions

  • All events are cancelled on the island. Only sporting activities are permitted; however, access to stadium stands is strictly prohibited.

Masks required in public?

  • Yes

  • Face masks/coverings are required for everyone over the age of 11 in enclosed public places. Violators will be fined.

Other

  • Banks and other financial services have resumed. Healthcare services are open.

  • Classes in primary schools partially resumed.

  • Businesses in the tourism sector are open.

Advice For Travellers

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practice social distancing and maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.