The Government of St. Maarten is continuously monitoring global developments to ensure the safety of our visitors and citizens. We advise to regularly check our updates pertaining to entry requirements and protocols before your travels.
Last Updated: January 13th 3:04 PM
Update in FAQ & While on Island, contact information of on-island testing labs have been added
A MESSAGE TO OUR VISITORS
Since March, we’ve all been staying home, wearing masks, and social distancing for the safety of all our citizens, and our visitors. The time away has been a bitter moment for all of us, but The Friendly Island is proud to announce that we are welcoming back our international visitors to our beautiful shores. We kindly ask our visitors to read our safety protocol and travel requirements below before traveling to St. Maarten. See you soon!
TRAVEL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
To ensure the safety and well-being of visitors and residents, entry requirements will be in place for visitors to enter St. Maarten along with other safety measures at the Princess Juliana International Airport.
Disclaimer: Protocols are subject to change based on advice from the Ministry of Public Health
ST. MAARTEN VISITOR PROTECTION PLAN
While on Island
• Get to know the guidelines and protocols of your lodging facility and activity providers, and adhere to these guidelines and protocols
• Wear masks when social distancing is not possible, during your stay on island and avoid touching mouth, eyes, nose
• Sanitize and wash hands frequently
• Avoid touching surfaces as much as possible
• We recommend to vacation safe and adhere to the guidelines while exploring our Friendly Island
• If feeling unwell, contact the hotel’s front desk/ hotel's COVID-19 task force team immediately or contact the health department by dialing 914
• Wear masks when social distancing is not possible, during your stay on island and avoid touching mouth, eyes, nose
• Sanitize and wash hands frequently
• Avoid touching surfaces as much as possible
• We recommend to vacation safe and adhere to the guidelines while exploring our Friendly Island
• If feeling unwell, contact the hotel’s front desk/ hotel's COVID-19 task force team immediately or contact the health department by dialing 914
TESTING ON ISLAND
St. Maarten Laboratory Services
1G Hamster Drive
Tel: +1721-542-2518
Email: prescreening@sls.sx
Website: www.sls.sx
Health Care Laboratory
Orange Grove Mall Unit 12
Tel: +1721-544-1036
Email: info@healthcarelab.sx
Website: www.sxmhealthlab.com
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
01. What are the travel entry requirements to enter St. Maarten?
1. Residents of St. Maarten are subject to a Coronavirus (COVID-19) PCR test upon arrival at their own expense of 125$ if they are arriving without a negative PCR test obtained from a Coronavirus (COVID-19) molecular SARS-CoV-2 test based on a nasal swab, issued at most 120 hours before departure of the last direct flight to St. Maarten or a negative Abbott-CGIA Panbio COVID19- Ag Rapid test, Abbott - BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag CARD, Becton Dickinson (CGIA BD Veritor COVID-19 test) or Roche/SD biosensor F test based on a nasal swab, issued at most 48 hours before departure of the last direct flight to St. Maarten.
2. All passengers must complete a health declaration form at www.stmaartenentry.com at least 12 hours before departure and present the pre-approval upon their arrival.
3. All Passengers must have a negative PCR test obtained from a Coronavirus (COVID-19) molecular SARS-CoV-2 test based on a nasal swab, issued at most 120 hours (5 days) before departure of the last direct flight to St. Maarten or a negative Abbott-CGIA Panbio COVID19- Ag Rapid test, Abbott - BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag CARD, Becton Dickinson (CGIA BD Veritor COVID-19 test) or Roche/SD biosensor F test based on a nasal swab, issued at most 48 hours before departure of the last direct flight to St. Maarten.
This does not apply to:
-Passengers younger than 10 years of age.
-Passengers arriving from low risk countries as listed on www.stmaartenentry.com
4. Airline crew staying for a maximum of 24 hours and arriving without negative RT-PCR test for the SARS-COV-2 virus obtained from a naso-pharyngeal swab issued at most 120 hours (5 days) prior to departure or a negative Abbott-CGIA Panbio COVID19- Ag Rapid test, Abbott - BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag CARD, Becton Dickinson (CGIA BD Veritor COVID-19 test) or Roche/SD biosensor F test based on a nasal swab, issued at most 48 hours (2 days) before departure of the last direct flight to St. Maarten are subject to quarantine until their next flight. They must have completed a health declaration form at least 12 hours before departure at www.stmaartenentry.com and must also present an approved e-mail authorization at check-in and upon arrival.
Iata Travel Centre Timatic
2. All passengers must complete a health declaration form at www.stmaartenentry.com at least 12 hours before departure and present the pre-approval upon their arrival.
3. All Passengers must have a negative PCR test obtained from a Coronavirus (COVID-19) molecular SARS-CoV-2 test based on a nasal swab, issued at most 120 hours (5 days) before departure of the last direct flight to St. Maarten or a negative Abbott-CGIA Panbio COVID19- Ag Rapid test, Abbott - BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag CARD, Becton Dickinson (CGIA BD Veritor COVID-19 test) or Roche/SD biosensor F test based on a nasal swab, issued at most 48 hours before departure of the last direct flight to St. Maarten.
This does not apply to:
-Passengers younger than 10 years of age.
-Passengers arriving from low risk countries as listed on www.stmaartenentry.com
4. Airline crew staying for a maximum of 24 hours and arriving without negative RT-PCR test for the SARS-COV-2 virus obtained from a naso-pharyngeal swab issued at most 120 hours (5 days) prior to departure or a negative Abbott-CGIA Panbio COVID19- Ag Rapid test, Abbott - BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag CARD, Becton Dickinson (CGIA BD Veritor COVID-19 test) or Roche/SD biosensor F test based on a nasal swab, issued at most 48 hours (2 days) before departure of the last direct flight to St. Maarten are subject to quarantine until their next flight. They must have completed a health declaration form at least 12 hours before departure at www.stmaartenentry.com and must also present an approved e-mail authorization at check-in and upon arrival.
Iata Travel Centre Timatic
02. What type of COVID-19 tests are recognized upon entry?
Passengers can provide copy of a negative rt PCR COVID-19 Test administered by naso-pharyngeal swab issued at most 120 hours (5 days) before departure of the last direct flight to St. Maarten, or provide a copy of a negative rapid antigen test obtained from a naso-pharyngeal swab, issued at most 48 hours before departure of the last direct flight to St. Maarten.
Accepted rapid antigen tests are:
a). Abbott – CGIA (Panbio COVID-19 Ag rapid test
b. Abbott - BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag CARD
c). Becton Dickinson (BD) –CGIA BD Veritor COVID test
d). Roche/ SD biosensor F test.
Regardless of the type of test, all tests must be uploaded when filling out the Electronic Health Authorization System Form. The test result should clearly specify the name of the laboratory, test subject name, test date, type of test administered and how the test sample was obtained. Typed, written or e-mail statements from doctors or non-laboratories will not be accepted.
Accepted rapid antigen tests are:
a). Abbott – CGIA (Panbio COVID-19 Ag rapid test
b. Abbott - BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag CARD
c). Becton Dickinson (BD) –CGIA BD Veritor COVID test
d). Roche/ SD biosensor F test.
Regardless of the type of test, all tests must be uploaded when filling out the Electronic Health Authorization System Form. The test result should clearly specify the name of the laboratory, test subject name, test date, type of test administered and how the test sample was obtained. Typed, written or e-mail statements from doctors or non-laboratories will not be accepted.
03. How far in advance do I need to take my COVID-19 test?
The rt PCR COVID-19 test has to be issued at most 120 hours (5 days) before departure of the last direct flight to St. Maarten.
The Negative rapid Antigen test has to be issued issued at most 48 hours before departure of the last direct flight to St. Maarten.
04. How do I find a testing lab near me?
To find a testing lab near you that administers rt-PCR tests and Rapid Antigen tests obtained from a naso-pharyngeal swab, please check the following resource; Test For Travel
05. Where can I get tested in St. Maarten?
There are two laboratories offering COVID-19 testing on island.
St. Maarten Laboratory Services
1G Hamster Drive
Tel: +1721-542-2518
Email: prescreening@sls.sx
Health Care Laboratory
Orange Grove Mall Unit 12
Tel: +1721-544-1036
Email: info@healthcarelab.sx
St. Maarten Laboratory Services
1G Hamster Drive
Tel: +1721-542-2518
Email: prescreening@sls.sx
Health Care Laboratory
Orange Grove Mall Unit 12
Tel: +1721-544-1036
Email: info@healthcarelab.sx
06. Are all visitors required to have official documentation of a negative COVID-19 test?
Travelers coming from low risk countries are not required to take a COVID-19 test as long as they have not been in any of the high risk countries in the last 14 days prior to their travel to St. Maarten. Children under 10 years of age are exempted from the mandatory COVID-19 test.
If you do not see your country listed in high, medium or low, it is automatically regarded as a high-risk country, and you must therefore abide by all travel entry requirements for high-risk countries.
07. Are all visitors required to fill out the Electronic Health Authorization System Form?
Yes, all passengers are required to fill out the Electronic Health Authorization System Form.
08. Are all visitors required to apply for the Visitor Protection Plan?
As per January 11 2021 the government of Sint Maarten will be implementing a mandatory COVID-19 insurance for all travelers visiting Sint Maarten with the exception of residents, students of American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine St. Maarten campus, transit passengers, and flight crews.
For more information on and all questions related to the COVID-19 insurance please visit www.sxmprotectionplan.com or contact customer support.
For more information on and all questions related to the COVID-19 insurance please visit www.sxmprotectionplan.com or contact customer support.
09. How do I apply for the Visitor Protection Plan?
As per January 11 2021, the insurance purchasing process is an integrated step in the EHAS application.
For more information on and all questions related to the COVID-19 insurance please visit www.sxmprotectionplan.com or contact customer support.
For more information on and all questions related to the COVID-19 insurance please visit www.sxmprotectionplan.com or contact customer support.
10. What are the requirements for transit passengers?
Transit passengers entering the airport terminal building are required to abide to the travel entry requirements as described above. Travelers coming from low risk countries are not required to take a COVID-19 test as long as they have not been in any of the high risk countries in the last 14 days prior to their travel to St. Maarten.
11. How can I stay updated on the situation related to COVID-19 in St. Maarten?
We encourage visitors and residents alike to stay updated on the number of cases, essential business schedules, and local curfews, via the St. Maarten’s Government’s official page regarding COVID-19 and the Government of St. Maarten Facebook Page.
12. Is St. Maarten open to marine vessels?
St. Maarten is now open to yachts, cruisers and private vessels.
A local registered agent is required for all vessels. Please contact a local agent for more information on the protocol and to arrange your arrival. For more information you can go to the official website of The St. Maarten Marine Trade Association. If you are arriving from outside of one of the Approved countries listed then a 14 day quarantine may be required as well as a COVID-19 PCR test taken and result received within 120 hours prior to departure.
13. What are the requirements for private planes to land at SXM Airport
Private planes are able to land, upon request and approval of said request, and have submitted all necessary documents and have adhered to the travel and health requirements as stated.
14. How can I stay updated on the situation related to COVID-19 in St. Martin, the French Side?
Visitors can stay updated on matters concerning COVID-19 on the French Side via the St. Martin Tourism Website
15. If arrive on the Dutch Side, can I stay on the French Side?
Yes you are able to stay on the French side.
16. What should I do if i suspect I have COVID-19 while on-island?
If you are feeling unwell and suspect that you may have COVID-19, please contact your Front Desk or one of the COVID-19 task force members of your property you are staying at, or dial the hotline 914. We recommend you familiarize yourself with the property's guidelines before or upon arrival.
17. Do St. Maarten/St. Martin residents have to test before traveling to the island?
Travelers residing on St. Maarten are exempted from having the mandatory RT-PCR test. However, must test upon arrival at their own expense.
IMPORTANT LINKS
Princess Juliana International Airport
For the latest airline scheduling we advise you to visit www.sxmairport.com
The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor
If you are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 or would like to speak to someone about this topic please refer to the below contact details:
Collective Prevention Services (CPS)
Hotline during business hours: 914
Email: EHAS@sintmaartengov.org
Government of Sint Maarten
For more information and updates relating to COVID-19 and the actions of Government of Sint Maarten please visit www.sintmaartengov.org/coronavirus