Covid 19: Traveling to St Martin

Stay update with your next travel to St. Martin….:)

Updated November 1st 2022

Official announcement from the Minister of Public Health on the  Dutch Side concerning the end of the EHAS requirement starting Nov 1st 2022 .

EHAS Form application will not be necessary any longer.

Updated April 2022

1. Due to the COVID-19 epidemic 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. Without the health pre-authorization boarding will not be possible. Be advised that processing time can take up to 12 hours. For visitors arriving by ferry boat from St.Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, St. Barth’s, Saba and St, Eustatius and cruisers without an agent health pre-authorization application through the Electronic Health Authorization System (EHAS) is mandatory as well. Other maritime vessels please read the latest requirements here.
2. The test requirements vary depending on the vaccination and covid-19 infection status. Please scroll down.
3. All fully vaccinated travelers:  The EHAS application must be completed. The date of completion of vaccination must be submitted as well as valid proof of vaccination (official country vaccination card or QR code, full name and name, dates administered and batch number(s) of vaccine) from the country where the vaccine was administered. A received booster shot must be indicated in the appropriate field and proof thereof (official country vaccination card or QR code) must be uploaded as well. A booster shot has to be administered at least 14 days before departure.
4. You are considered fully vaccinated with an accepted vaccine :
   • 2 weeks after the second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer, Moderna, Astrazeneca, Sinopharm, Sinovac/Coronavac and Covishield vaccines, or
   • 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine, or
   • 2 weeks after the second dose in a 2-dose series combination of a single dose Pfizer or Moderna with a single dose Astra Zeneca, or
   • 2 weeks after a single-dose of vaccine after a confirmed COVID-19 infection within 6 months before the vaccination (to be stated on proof of vaccination in absence of a digital COVID-19 infection certificate).
   • the accepted Covid-19 vaccines are: Comirnaty (Pfizer), Spikevax (Moderna), Vaxzevria (Astrazeneca), Johnson & Johnson/Janssen, Covishield (Astrazeneca), Sinopharm and Sinovac/CoronaVac.
5. Travelers who have recovered from a Covid-19 infection within 9 months before departure must upload one of the below acceptable proof of recovery:
   • A government / public health authority issued proof of recovery (Digital Covid Recovery Certificate or letter)
   • A lab issued positive covid-19 PCR test result also indicating a Ct value of 35 or higher.
   • A signed and stamped Covid-19 recovery letter from a physician accompanied by the positive Covid-19 PCR test result.
6. All non- fully vaccinated and those with a past Covid-19 infection older than 9 months, are required to have a negative Covid-19 test in accordance with the required type of test. For the age category of 5 up to 10 years, an oropharyngeal swab will also be accepted.
7. The government of Sint Maarten has implemented a mandatory COVID-19 insurance for all travelers with destination Sint Maarten with the exception of Sint Maartenresidents, transit passengers departing the same day (checkbox), flight crews (checkbox), transiting cruise ship crews (checkbox), French nationals residing in France or a French territory, BES-ZVK insured (checkbox) and AUC faculty and students (special procedure). The insurance purchasing process is an integrated step in the EHAS application. Travelers requiring the COVID-19 insurance must complete this process upon application. For more information on and all questions related to the COVID-19 insurance please visit www.sxmprotectionplan.com or contact customer support at info@sxmprotectionplan.com
8. The application must be completed in order to be processed. This includes proof of a negative COVID-19 test result, information on the vaccination status (including official proof of completed vaccination in case fully vaccinated), recovery information on a Covid-19 infection and the purchase of the mandatory COVID-19 insurance in case required. Children must have the online health form filled out by their parents. Provide a working personal email address on which you are reachable.
9. All incoming passengers are subjected to temperature checks and other screening protocols and may be subjected to mandatory testing at their own expense. Failure to comply with the screening at the Health Check Point upon arrival will result in you not being cleared to enter St. Maarten and sent back to your originating country. If re-tested upon arrival you will be required to self-quarantine at your place of lodging/residence until the test results are known.
10. Applicants will receive confirmation of their accepted application. Non-completed applications will be automatically deleted within a day after the provided travel date.
11. If health authorization is pre-approved, you will receive a (printable) pre-authorization PDF via e-mail, which must be presented at check in and to the health and immigration authorities upon arrival. This PDF will also contain a QR code which will show the vaccination status and COVID test result when scanned. Keep the original rt-PCR or antigen test result and proof of vaccination always with you. Please check your spam/junk mail folder as well in case you haven’t received a response. If health authorization is not pre-approved, you will receive an e-mail informing you that health pre-authorization has been denied.
12. Adherence to all other safety and hygiene protocols like social distancing, mandatory face mask wearing and hand sanitizing where required.

Updated February 24th 2022 

Tourism officials in the dual-nation island of Sint Maarten announced new visitor entry protocols encompassing the island’s Dutch and French sides, while St. Martin debuted a new visitor website.

Under the revised St. Maarten protocols, beginning this month fully vaccinated travelers who’ve had a booster shot are not required to provide a COVID-19 test to enter the territory. Fully vaccinated travelers 18 years and older must provide a negative RT-PCR test within 48 hours of arrival or an antigen test within 24 hours of arrival.

No test is required for fully vaccinated children between ages five and 18; travelers who are not fully vaccinated must provide a PCR test within 48 hours of arrival in St. Maarten. All travelers, regardless of vaccination status, must apply for entry via Sint Maarten’s Electronic Health Authorization System (EHAS) portal prior to arrival.

If you are not fully vaccinated you are still required to provide a COVID-19 test to enter the territory.

Visitors are also required to purchase an SXM Protection Plan insurance coverage at a charge of $15 for travelers ages 15 and older. The insurance plan covers COVID-19 related costs including doctor visits, hospital costs and medical evacuations. The revised entry protocols apply to both sides of the island.

Updated December 22nd 2021

Please find below the latest travel requirement advisory from the PJIA starting January 1st 2022.

Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) Omar Ottley hereby informs the public that, given the rapid worldwide spread of the Omicron variant, Sint Maarten will be implementing various protective measures.

Updated October 30th 2021

1. Due to the COVID-19 epidemic 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. Without the health pre-authorization boarding will not be possible. Be advised that processing time can take up to 12 hours. Visitors arriving on a maritime vessel please read the latest requirements here.
2. The requirements vary depending on the country risk status which can be found at the bottom of this page.
3. All travelers to Sint Maarten who are fully vaccinated are exempted from a COVID-19 test. The completed vaccination date cannot be older than one year, unless a booster shot has been administered before the ending of the one year term. The EHAS application must still be completed. The date of completion of vaccination must be submitted as well as valid proof of vaccination (official country vaccination card or QR code, full name and name, dates administered and batch number(s) of vaccine) from the country where the vaccine was administered. A received booster shot must be indicated in the appropriate field and proof thereof must be uploaded as well.
4. You are considered fully vaccinated with an accepted vaccine :
   • 2 weeks after the second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer, Moderna, Astrazeneca, Sinopharm, Sinovac/Coronavac and Covishield vaccines, or
   • 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine, or
   • 2 weeks after the second dose in a 2-dose series combination of a single dose Pfizer or Moderna with a single dose Astra Zeneca, or
   • 2 weeks after a single-dose of vaccine after a confirmed COVID-19 infection within 6 months before the vaccination (to be stated on proof of vaccination in absence of a digital COVID-19 infection certificate).
   • the accepted Covid-19 vaccines are: Comirnaty (Pfizer), Spikevax (Moderna), Vaxzevria (Astrazeneca), Johnson & Johnson/Janssen, Covishield (Astrazeneca), Sinopharm and Sinovac/CoronaVac.
5. All non- fully vaccinated children 5 year of age and older are required to have a negative Covid-19 test in accordance with the required type of test for the risk status of the country of origin. For the age category of 5 up to 10 years, an oropharyngeal swab will also be accepted.
6. The government of Sint Maarten has implemented a mandatory COVID-19 insurance for all travelers with destination Sint Maarten with the exception of Sint Maartenresidents, transit passengers departing the same day (checkbox), flight crews (checkbox), transiting cruise ship crews (checkbox), French nationals residing in France or a French territory, BES-ZVK insured (checkbox) and AUC faculty and students (special procedure). The insurance purchasing process is an integrated step in the EHAS application. Travelers requiring the COVID-19 insurance must complete this process upon application. For more information on and all questions related to the COVID-19 insurance please visit www.sxmprotectionplan.com or contact customer support at info@sxmprotectionplan.com
7. The application must be completed in order to be processed. This includes proof of a negative COVID-19 test result, information on the vaccination status (including official proof of completed vaccination in case fully vaccinated) and the purchase of the mandatory COVID-19 insurance in case required. Children must have the online health form filled out by their parents. Provide a working personal email address on which you are reachable.
8. All incoming passengers are subjected to temperature checks and other screening protocols and may be subjected to mandatory testing at their own expense. Failure to comply with the screening at the Health Check Point upon arrival will result in you not being cleared to enter St. Maarten and sent back to your originating country. If re-tested upon arrival you will be required to self-isolate or self-quarantine at your place of lodging/residence until the test results are known.
9. Applicants will receive confirmation of their accepted application. Non-completed applications will be automatically deleted within a day after the provided travel date.
10. If health authorization is pre-approved, you will receive a (printable) pre-authorization PDF via e-mail, which must be presented at check in and to the health and immigration authorities upon arrival. This PDF will also contain a QR code which will show the vaccination status and COVID test result when scanned. Keep the original rt-PCR or antigen test result and proof of vaccination always with you. Please check your spam/junk mail folder as well in case you haven’t received a response. If health authorization is not pre-approved, you will receive an e-mail informing you that health pre-authorization has been denied.
11. As Saba has their own EHAS operational, same day transit travelers to Saba no longer need to apply in the Sint Maarten EHAS system, but only the Saba EHAS system which can be found at http://www.sabatourism.com/travel-requirements. Proof of the Saba EHAS approval must be demonstrated when transiting through Princess Juliana Airport Sint Maarten.
12. Adherence to all other safety and hygiene protocols like social distancing, mandatory face mask wearing and hand sanitizing is required.

Updated September 17th 2021

French-side curfew pushed back to 10pm

Updated August 13th 2021

Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy From Aug. 13, authorities will impose a curfew running between 10 pm to 5 am Saint Martin and between 10 pm – 5 am  in Saint Barthelemy. Individuals must wear facemasks in public settings in Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy. Those entering hospitals in Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy, except in emergencies or attending appointments for COVID-19 vaccination, must present one of the following:

• proof of being fully vaccinated
• a negative result from a PCR or antigen test taken within the previous 72 or 48 hours, respectively
• a medical certificate proving they have recovered from COVID-19 within the last six months

Travel Restrictions Authorities use a three-tier, color-coded system to classify foreign countries and other territories by local COVID-19 activity and impose travel restrictions accordingly. The three levels are green, orange, and red, in order of increasing transmission risk; the restrictions associated with each are as follows:

• Green locations: Arrivals must present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before travel or an antigen test taken within 48 hours before travel, and proof of being fully vaccinated. Travelers who have not been fully vaccinated can only travel for imperative reasons and are subject to a seven-day quarantine period and a second COVID-19 test before ending the quarantine. As of Aug. 13, green locations include most countries in Europe, as well as Australia, Bahrain, Brunei, Canada, Comoros, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Ukraine, the US, and Vanuatu.
• Orange locations: Arrivals must present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before travel or an antigen test taken within 48 hours before travel, and proof of being fully vaccinated. Travelers who have not been fully vaccinated must prove their travel is essential and are subject to an additional test upon arrival, a seven-day quarantine period, and another test before ending their quarantine. All countries and territories not listed as green or red locations are subject to these restrictions as of Aug. 13.
• Red locations: International air and sea travel from red locations remains very limited; travel from red countries to Guadeloupe is fully suspended. For Martinique, vaccinated travelers from red locations must present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours before travel, along with proof of vaccination. Unvaccinated travelers must prove their travel is essential. These travelers will also be tested upon arrival, must complete a seven-day quarantine, and be tested again on day seven. As of Aug. 13, red locations include Argentina, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Indonesia, the Maldives, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Russia, South Africa, Seychelles, Suriname, and Tunisia.

Updated August 6th 2021

1. According to the official St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, all inbound travelers are expected to adhere to the following safety measures that the local government is instituting:
   • COVID-19 RT-PCR test with negative results for anyone above age 10, no older than 120 hours prior to day of travel (need to show at immigration)
   • Travelers originating from the USA and Canada can do an FDA approved antigen test for the SARS-COV-2 virus obtained from a nasal swab within 48 hours of departure for Sint Maarten
   • Travel Insurance — all visitors must buy mandatory COVID-19 health insurance prior to travel (https://www.sxmprotectionplan.com)
   • Fill out a mandatory health authorization application through an Electronic Health Authorization System (EHAS) for every visitor (need to show confirmation at immigration)
   • Facial coverings inside the Princess Juliana International Airport for all arriving and departing passengers
   • Mandatory temperature checks upon arrival
   • COVID-19 rapid test at an additional cost to the traveler if shown to be exhibiting symptoms

Regarding the health pass implementation please read here https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/prefet-will-not-be-implementing-macron-s-health-pass-for-now 

Updated June 9th 2021

ST KITTS AND NEVIS ELEVATED TO HIGH RISK EFFECTIVE JUNE 17 TILL FURTHER NOTICE.

EHAS TO ISSUE A QR CODE WITH THE HEALTH AUTHORIZATION PRE-APPROVAL AS OF JUNE 9. TRAVELERS ARRIVING WITH AN EARLIER ISSUED PRE-APPROVAL WILL BE ADMITTED.

AS OF JUNE 15 ALL FULLY VACCINATED RESIDENTS FROM SINT MAARTEN AND THE BES ISLANDS CAN ENTER SINT MAARTEN WITHOUT TESTING, HOWEVER, WHEN ORIGINATING FROM A BANNED COUNTRY A rt-PCR TEST WITHIN 48 HOURS BEFORE DEPARTURE MUST BE PERFORMED ADDITIONALLY.

AS OF JULY 1 THE rt-PCR TEST MUST BE PERFORMED ON A NASO-PHARYGEAL SWAB WITHIN 72 HOURS BEFORE DEPARTURE BY TRAVELERS ORIGINATING FROM THE USA AND CANADA. ALTERNATIVELY THESE TRAVELERS CAN ALSO PERFOM AN ANTIGEN TEST WITHIN 48 HOURS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE TO SINT MAARTEN.

Updated April 24th 2021

The Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) opens its first COVID-19 Test Center in a collaborative effort with the local Healthcare Lab. This offers Covid 19 Testing in St. Martin | St. Maarten.  Departing passengers now have the option to be administered an antigen test with only a fifteen (15) minute wait time for test results, before they check-in for a flight. The new temporary testing facility opened on Saturday March 20, 2021 and is stationed within a tent structure with the assigned medical professionals at-hand. The COVID-19 Test Center was erected on the Airport’s external compound and is adjacent to the employee parking area (East of the Terminal Building).

Updated March 26th 2021

One of our Haute Retreats favorite destinations  is open, even for Americans.

We love St Martin mostly for the incredible plane-spotting opportunities at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) and the beautiful beaches. Sit on a beach or at the famous Sunset Bar and Grill and spot planes land over your head at Maho Beach.

Landing in St Martin

Things you need to be aware when visiting St. Martin/ St. Maarten

Director of Tourism for the Government of Sint Maarten, May-Ling Chun,  said:

“.. our entry protocols and on-island processes continue to offer a smooth and safe experience for travelers coming to enjoy the best of Sint Maarten, and we remain committed to staying on this path. With an abundance of nature-focused activities, adventure opportunities, an incomparable culinary scene and 37 beaches to choose from, there’s never been a better time – or destination – to rekindle our collective love for travel.”

According to the official St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, all inbound travelers are expected to adhere to the following safety measures that the local government is instituting:

• COVID-19 RT-PCR test with negative results for anyone above age 10, no older than 120 hours prior to day of travel (need to show at immigration)
• Travelers originating from the USA and Canada can do an FDA approved antigen test for the SARS-COV-2 virus obtained from a nasal swab within 48 hours of departure for Sint Maarten
• Travel Insurance — all visitors must buy mandatory COVID-19 health insurance prior to travel (https://www.sxmprotectionplan.com)
• Fill out a mandatory health authorization application through an Electronic Health Authorization System (EHAS) for every visitor (need to show confirmation at immigration)
• Facial coverings inside the Princess Juliana International Airport for all arriving and departing passengers
• Mandatory temperature checks upon arrival
• COVID-19 rapid test at an additional cost to the traveler if shown to be exhibiting symptoms

There are still countries banned from entering in St Martin including Brazil, Panama, South Africa and the United Kingdom.

The U.S. Embassy writes, “Sint Maarten has provided helpful instructions for travelers wishing to visit Sint Maarten (https://stmaartenupdates.com/).”

Remember you will need to test prior to your return to the United States. As of Jan. 26, everyone aged 2 and older traveling to the U.S. from St. Martin must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted. St. Martin provides a list of testing providers here

Haute Retreats also provide a in Villa testing at our selection of villas. 

What is open

The curfew for night clubs and restaurants on Dutch St-Maarten has been extended to 4:00 am, helping the night life slowly recover on the southern part of the island. Most hotels and attractions are open again. The French side of the island (Saint Martin) had been banning cross-border travel to and from the Dutch side (Sint Maarten), but that is no longer the case. The two countries share the island.

They began their phased reopening to foreigners in three stages, with mostly Caribbean neighbors at first. Now, most nationalities are again welcome.

How to go to St Martin

According to Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), European service began last summer with Air France flights from Paris (CDG).

Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and United Airlines have all resumed flights.

American Airlines flies to SXM out of Miami and Charlotte. Dallas service launches in June. Delta flies out of Atlanta and New York-JFK. JetBlue flies out of Boston, Fort Lauderdale, New York-JFK and will resume service from Newark in April. Spirit flies direct from Fort Lauderdale. Finally,  United flies from Newark, Washington/Dulles and Chicago.

Please read also OUR LUXURY TRAVEL GUIDE TO ST. MARTIN

Places where to stay

La Samanna Villa, Belmond | 4 BR | St Martin Villas | Haute Retreats

The Belmond La Samanna is open and also has a special rate please send a request to reservations@hauteretreats.com

You can use American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) benefits at Belmond La Samanna, but rates start at $724/night or 72,000 Membership Rewards points.

Or choose one of our luxury villas in St Martin

Casa Cervo | St Martin Villas | Haute Retreats

Contact Haute Retreats to plan a trip to St Martin. Our villa expert can match you with the right hotel, plan great meals and special activities like private dinners and boat charters.