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Updated (again) Travel Restrictions #220805
03/15/2020 06:22 AM
03/15/2020 06:22 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline OP
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IF I read this right, flight may still come in to take US residents off the island who had previously scheduled departures. Who knows?



The travel restrictions announced in Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs's second National Address on March 14th, 2020 are hereby further clarified.

On March 17th, only incoming visitors from the USA, Canada, Europe, UK and Ireland are restricted to enter the country of St. Maarten. This does not apply to St. Maarten/St. Martin residents, as well as residents and nationals of the surrounding islands whom utilize Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) as a transit point. Travelers from around the Caribbean region are not restricted unless they have travelled to the listed areas in the past 21 days. The current travel restrictions apply for two weeks starting on Tuesday, March 17th. Commercial and private/chartered airlines will be allowed to land and take-off after the March 16th deadline date to facilitate the following:

• Visitors who are currently on the island, or neighboring islands, who are scheduled to travel out via PJIA in the coming weeks to return to their home country.

• Returning residents of St. Maarten/St. Martin and the surrounding islands, who usually transit through PJIA, invited specialists and other technical assistants, to enter the country with valid travel documents.

Hotels and other types of accommodations on St. Maarten/St. Martin and the surrounding islands, for which St. Maarten serves as a hub function, are advised to inform their guests accordingly. Residents of the island as well as surrounding islands are advised to take note as well. Airlines, and handlers will be informed via PJIA and Port St. Maarten operations to make the necessary arrangements.

Prime Minister Jacobs reiterated, "The restrictions do not apply to St. Maarten/St. Martin residents, nor residents of neighboring islands who transit through St. Maarten. All returning and transiting residents are reminded to continue to monitor themselves upon return and to notify their doctor should they start to show symptoms."

Prime Minister Jacobs hereby reminds the general public that all measures are being undertaken in order to protect our vulnerable community as the virus spreads in the wider world.


J.D.
SXM Sponsors
Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: ruralcarrier] #220809
03/15/2020 06:53 AM
03/15/2020 06:53 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,561
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
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Supposedly a joint meeting Dutch/French this morning.


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: BillandElaine] #220811
03/15/2020 06:56 AM
03/15/2020 06:56 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline OP
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Hopefully what was updated last night is accurate.


J.D.
Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: ruralcarrier] #220813
03/15/2020 07:01 AM
03/15/2020 07:01 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,561
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
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Sort of defeats the purpose. I don't see anything new from the Government this morning.


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: BillandElaine] #220815
03/15/2020 07:04 AM
03/15/2020 07:04 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline OP
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Other than getting all the US tourists off the island can not reasonably happen with 2 days notice.


J.D.
Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: ruralcarrier] #220817
03/15/2020 07:25 AM
03/15/2020 07:25 AM
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foreversxm Offline
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I don’t see that they are trying to get tourists off the island just limit new ones from coming in for 2 weeks. Plus nobody is gonna be stuck as other Caribbean flights are still operating so they could leave via St Kitts example. Nobody’s being ordered or told to leave the island. Is that not the facts??? Yes normally home is the safe place to be BUT in this case If I was on the island now i’m not so sure I would be in a mad dash to get back to the madness of the USA when St Maarten seems to be doing all the right things to limit the virus that doesn’t thrive in warmer climates. I’d much rather be enjoying the beach than staring at my four walls at home.

Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: foreversxm] #220819
03/15/2020 07:39 AM
03/15/2020 07:39 AM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 168
southeast tennessee
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CLIFFTOPS Offline
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Well stated but rationality does not seem to be very common in these days.

Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: ruralcarrier] #220820
03/15/2020 07:39 AM
03/15/2020 07:39 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,561
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
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So much confusing info floating around. We'll see what happens as it happens. As always. Just happy to be here and not in the US madhouse. But sad I won't see my family this month as planned.


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: foreversxm] #220822
03/15/2020 07:50 AM
03/15/2020 07:50 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline OP
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Nobody is being ordered to leave (not yet at least) the island but departure choices are slim to none if incoming flights are not permitted. Not everyone would have additional lodging nor funds to extend a stay another 2 weeks. You may see price gouging for lodging in this case as well.

Delta has NOT cancelled my Friday outbound flight at this point but I may rebook for Wed. to try and be a little ahead of the game if in fact what is indicated in the press release is accurate and is adhered to. AA has sent out emails and cancelled some flights so those passengers can rebook without any fee.

I also explored other options of getting out and one included 4 stops (Curaçao & Aruba being two of them) and I figured adding more layers to a flight under the current situation was not prudent either.

I am trying to remain calm but also make good decisions but most of them are out of my control at this point.


J.D.
Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: ruralcarrier] #220825
03/15/2020 08:21 AM
03/15/2020 08:21 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 825
Grosse Pointe, Michigan
Leagle49 Offline
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Just spoke with United. They were unaware of the new travel restrictions, but I was able to change my flight from March 29 to April 1 which is beyond the 2 weeks announced so far. They did not have any availability to fly out earlier. Now I have to go down to the front desk and see about a room for the extra nights. I assume that since no incoming flights are allowed that shouldn't be a problem but we'll see.

Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: ruralcarrier] #220828
03/15/2020 08:27 AM
03/15/2020 08:27 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,082
Massachusetts
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Risky assumption that ANY airline would send an empty aircraft (or hire a charter) to get people trying to return to the USA...maybe....but I would be concerned. I guess we will find out

As you mentioned flights are still scheduled to go so there is hope

Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: ruralcarrier] #220829
03/15/2020 08:29 AM
03/15/2020 08:29 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 825
Grosse Pointe, Michigan
Leagle49 Offline
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My friend is on the phone with Delta right now. Scheduled to depart on 3/24. They are telling here the flight is still scheduled. Seems they are unaware of teh Prime Ministers action at this point.

Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: boucharda] #220831
03/15/2020 08:39 AM
03/15/2020 08:39 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline OP
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Originally Posted by boucharda
Risky assumption that ANY airline would send an empty aircraft (or hire a charter) to get people trying to return to the USA...maybe....but I would be concerned. I guess we will find out

As you mentioned flights are still scheduled to go so there is hope

That is a concern but options are almost nonexistent.


J.D.
Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: ruralcarrier] #220836
03/15/2020 08:47 AM
03/15/2020 08:47 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,082
Massachusetts
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Quote
Seems they are unaware of teh Prime Ministers action at this point.


That makes perfect sense....let's see what the next 48 hours brings....but by then it will be past the deadline

Edit: I should add that flights TO SXM are still scheduled to fly all month (with humans on board)

Last edited by boucharda; 03/15/2020 08:50 AM.
Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: ruralcarrier] #220867
03/15/2020 09:58 AM
03/15/2020 09:58 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline OP
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I am going to make this thread "sticky" to keep it at the top. Carol/Eric, unstick if not appropriate. I will update with any further information as I can find it. If newer or better information becomes available, it should replace this.
Thanks.


J.D.
Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: ruralcarrier] #220870
03/15/2020 10:09 AM
03/15/2020 10:09 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline OP
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Ohio


J.D.
Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: ruralcarrier] #220881
03/15/2020 10:43 AM
03/15/2020 10:43 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,480
Central Florida!
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Did anyone come IN yesterday on planes from the US?? Boy, that would be a kick in the pants!


Carol Hill
Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: Carol_Hill] #220892
03/15/2020 11:38 AM
03/15/2020 11:38 AM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye Offline
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Originally Posted by Carol_Hill
Did anyone come IN yesterday on planes from the US?? Boy, that would be a kick in the pants!


I'm guessing they did. Not such a bad thing if they were planning on staying for two or more weeks, though. Of course, things can, and probably will, change.

Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: GaKaye] #220893
03/15/2020 11:54 AM
03/15/2020 11:54 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,480
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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For people still working, they can't afford another week or two, even if it's only that long. Plus, who knows what restrictions might be in place in another week or two? This thing is changing so fast, it is impossible to keep up.


Carol Hill
Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: Carol_Hill] #220895
03/15/2020 11:56 AM
03/15/2020 11:56 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
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Originally Posted by Carol_Hill
Did anyone come IN yesterday on planes from the US?? Boy, that would be a kick in the pants!

Yes. There are some that just posted on TripAdvisor they arrived yesterday.

Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: Carol_Hill] #220897
03/15/2020 11:58 AM
03/15/2020 11:58 AM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye Offline
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Originally Posted by Carol_Hill
This thing is changing so fast, it is impossible to keep up.


It certainly is.

Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: SXMScubaman] #220898
03/15/2020 11:58 AM
03/15/2020 11:58 AM
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Posts: 82,480
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Did they know about the travel restrictions, or find out about it after they arrived??


Carol Hill
Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: Carol_Hill] #220901
03/15/2020 12:03 PM
03/15/2020 12:03 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
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Auburn, WA
Originally Posted by Carol_Hill
Did they know about the travel restrictions, or find out about it after they arrived??

Don't think so as they were surprised when I posted on a thread they were on. They checked into Secrets yesterday and had a lot of negative comments about it.

Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: Carol_Hill] #220903
03/15/2020 12:13 PM
03/15/2020 12:13 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline OP
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I just got back from the airport and there a letter from the PM indicating what I posted earlier in this thread. Since a lot of this transpired over the past 2 days and the latest update was later last night, there has to be some people who arrived yesterday who were unaware.

Just got a report from two that are flying out today are through everything at PJIA and at the bar. Good luck to them.

Thanks everyone for your concern as well.


J.D.
Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: BillandElaine] #220934
03/15/2020 01:25 PM
03/15/2020 01:25 PM
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Posts: 684
Bucks County PA
JohnB Offline
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Its not a madhouse here i the US the empty shelves in the supermarkets are being refilled now. I think the media is playing this up 24/7 just like they do a snow storm. Used to be just bread & milk now its Clorox and toilet paper.

Last edited by JohnB; 03/15/2020 01:29 PM.
Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: JohnB] #220960
03/15/2020 02:38 PM
03/15/2020 02:38 PM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,561
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
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And the lines of people standing in corridors like sardines at airports? Petri dishes.


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: BillandElaine] #220981
03/15/2020 04:42 PM
03/15/2020 04:42 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
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What else is there to do? Not many options to get through the process.

Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: ruralcarrier] #220985
03/15/2020 05:01 PM
03/15/2020 05:01 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 685
Rhode Island
Bluesfan Offline
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US airports are chaos. Govt. wants to screen all incoming passengers but did not add personnel. People jammed into small areas. SNAFU

Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: ruralcarrier] #221016
03/15/2020 08:38 PM
03/15/2020 08:38 PM
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Southport, North Carolina, US
candj Offline
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I just read this and the wording seems a little confusing. We are schedule to arrive on May 2nd, does this mean that we will not be allowed to enter the country?


Fair winds and following seas!
SSN691-May She Ever Prowl The Seas in Defense of Human Freedom!
SSN787-Preserving Peace, Prepared for War
Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: candj] #221020
03/15/2020 09:11 PM
03/15/2020 09:11 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
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So fat it's only a 14 day restriction starting on march 17.

Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: SXMScubaman] #221029
03/15/2020 10:14 PM
03/15/2020 10:14 PM
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Vermont
sxmmartini Offline
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IMHO the SXM Gov. will move the date further into April...


Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: sxmmartini] #221035
03/16/2020 12:14 AM
03/16/2020 12:14 AM
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Bahston Offline
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Originally Posted by sxmmartini
IMHO the SXM Gov. will move the date further into April...




I don't disagree, but right or wrong, there is too much uncertainty for me. I'll pass on April, skip May too, and turn my eyes towards June/July.

Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: SXMScubaman] #221047
03/16/2020 07:09 AM
03/16/2020 07:09 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,561
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
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For some, that can be a death sentence. No thanks


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: sxmmartini] #221049
03/16/2020 07:22 AM
03/16/2020 07:22 AM
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I also agree. I see the restrictions going 4 to 6 weeks out for SXM and the US. AND maybe having to do 14 day quarantine on arrival to the US.



Wendell

Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: ruralcarrier] #221055
03/16/2020 07:44 AM
03/16/2020 07:44 AM
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Posts: 178
New Hampshire
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Hdrdr911 Offline
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Just because SXM may allow flights to take people back does not mean the airlines will send empty planes to get them. Hopefully they will but every major carrier is now cutting back operations.Perhaps the US government will have to intervene. Glad I'm not on the island now having to worry about getting home. I pray it changes for the better.


If the phone doesn't ring .... it's me
Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: Hdrdr911] #221065
03/16/2020 08:14 AM
03/16/2020 08:14 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline OP
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It has been a very stressful time the last few days.


J.D.
Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: ruralcarrier] #221068
03/16/2020 08:19 AM
03/16/2020 08:19 AM
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Massachusetts
boucharda Offline
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I went bat sheet when I had to deal with an Air France strike and couldn't return from Toulouse...that was chump change compared to this debacle

Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: ruralcarrier] #221069
03/16/2020 08:21 AM
03/16/2020 08:21 AM
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BlueGreenWater Offline
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Originally Posted by ruralcarrier
It has been a very stressful time the last few days.

Yes, and just when you think you've got an alternative, poof!

Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: BlueGreenWater] #221082
03/16/2020 08:54 AM
03/16/2020 08:54 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline OP
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Sad but true.

There is NO way to get 1-2 weeks worth of visitors off the island with 2 days notice and just the regularly scheduled inbound flights for 2-3 days.

Last edited by ruralcarrier; 03/16/2020 08:56 AM.

J.D.
Re: Updated (again) Travel Restrictions [Re: ruralcarrier] #221192
03/16/2020 12:11 PM
03/16/2020 12:11 PM
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Maryland/DC Metro
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What is your status for departure now JD?


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