Could someone please let me know if it’s a problem going to French side . We have reservations at a villa for week 8 and 9 and have to pay the balance in a few weeks. Will we be able to go there when the time comes assuming all tests are negative for COVID ??

Boarders are open with no restrictions but no guarantees what will be in force when you go.

As of NOW, there is no problem travelling to the French side or eating at French side restaurants. Apparently, US citizens are not supposed to be able to stay in HOTELS on the French side, although this is disputed by some French side hotels. Asking what the situation will be for weeks 8 and 9 next year, which is what you meant, I guess, is unclear. I suppose it's possible that mainland France could prevent border crossings again.

The line between "hotel" & "villa" is a fine one. For instance, I got an email from Club Fantastico stating that they were open to all visitors.

Well, apparently Grand Case Beach Club also claims that they are open to American visitors also, and they have to be considered a hotel? It's a conundrum..

There's a difference between French and Dutch sides regarding COVID test requirements. The French side is holding to the EU 72-hour requirement, but I am unaware of any mechanism in place to check/verify, other than possibly at the French-side airport or at the port in Marigot. I can't imagine that the hotels or villas have any interest in being the "test police".

Thanks, we will have to talk to the booking agent!

Oh, certainly agree with you, that they have no interest in being 'the test police". However, if they are not supposed to be accepting Americans and they do, all it would take is a visit by the gendarmes to the hotel in question, to make the proprietor have a very bad day.

madg1108--supposedly stand alone villas are fine, which makes no sense at all to me. I personally would still be somewhat worried about the possibility of a lockdown of the border again. I don't THINK that will happen, as there would very likely be some significant unrest, but mainland France often seems to not consider St. Martin's needs.

Please. Boarders are people who live with someone and pay rent. Borders are what's being discussed here.

I personally would want a guarantee from the person I am renting from that if the borders close to you boarders that you would get your money back. The place we picked offered full refunds up to the day we would arrive. Occupancy is so far down right now there are last minute bargains galore, so consider that as well. We are not in prime season yet, who knows what is to come.

Glad to have made it to the island, but what a fn mess of a process that I can tell you I would not go through again. More on that later, we are here and loving it.

Cheers from St Martin!

Glad you arrived. Looking forward to hearing about the process you had to go through. Enjoy.

TTOL really needs a "like" button! See you Sunday!

Todd--glad you arrived. Are you staying at Le Petit?

👍