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Re: rt-PCR test change
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#246452
02/03/2021 06:52 PM
02/03/2021 06:52 PM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,547 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,547
Ohio
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Hope you can rebook and still go. Thanks but not going to happen. It may change multiple times between now and then as well. They (SXM government) have been very inconsistent, and it has been nothing short of a $hitshow for the most part.
J.D.
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Re: rt-PCR test change
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#246456
02/03/2021 07:02 PM
02/03/2021 07:02 PM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,547 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,547
Ohio
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Remember, our group was there last year when things started to unravel. We were left with cancelled flights and scrambled to either get home or make arrangements if that didn't happen. I have very little faith things would go smoothly and the constant changes, turmoil and related stress is not worth it.
J.D.
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Re: rt-PCR test change
[Re: ScottW]
#246464
02/03/2021 07:51 PM
02/03/2021 07:51 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 830 Grosse Pointe, Michigan
Leagle49
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 830
Grosse Pointe, Michigan
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Is this new change for real? When you go to site where you apply for entry, the exemption is not there. Is that link to an actual government site? Yet more conflicting information.
We scheduled to fly on February 28. I booked a test for the 25th. I don't think I'll cancel that one yet but book another for the 23rd. Arrrgh
Last edited by Leagle49; 02/03/2021 09:24 PM.
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Re: rt-PCR test change
[Re: JimandBeth]
#246468
02/03/2021 08:25 PM
02/03/2021 08:25 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,887 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,887
Central Florida!
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Jimandbeth--Sorry if my response seemed to be blaming you. This is totally a problem created by the SXM government.
Carol Hill
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Re: rt-PCR test change
[Re: ScottW]
#246469
02/03/2021 08:27 PM
02/03/2021 08:27 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649
Brookfield, CT.
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This is a change for the better, for sure, for those of us coming from the States and Canada, but I have to say, the constant changes coupled with the added requirements and additional costs involved in many cases, are making a St. Maarten vacation almost more trouble than it’s worth. Note, please, I said almost........
Happy about this latest revision because the three day window is almost impossible to do in our area. Come to think of it, in our case back in November the five day window was tough but we persevered and we’re finally victorious.
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: rt-PCR test change
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#246471
02/03/2021 08:34 PM
02/03/2021 08:34 PM
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 273 Albany, NY
JimandBeth
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 273
Albany, NY
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Jimandbeth--Sorry if my response seemed to be blaming you. This is totally a problem created by the SXM government. No worries. Thank you.
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Re: rt-PCR test change
[Re: pat]
#246475
02/03/2021 09:44 PM
02/03/2021 09:44 PM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,215 JAX
jphart
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,215
JAX
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....for those of us coming from the States and Canada... Hasn’t Canada cancelled flights into and returning from the Caribbean (and Mexico)? Trudeau cancels Caribbean travelTrudeau said Air Canada, WestJet, Sunwing, and Air Transat will suspend service to all Caribbean destinations and Mexico starting Sunday until April 30
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Re: rt-PCR test change
[Re: pat]
#246481
02/03/2021 10:44 PM
02/03/2021 10:44 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,313 Vancouver, WA
Todd
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,313
Vancouver, WA
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the constant changes coupled with the added requirements and additional costs involved in many cases, are making a St. Maarten vacation almost more trouble than it’s worth. Note, please, I said almost........
It is simply not worth it, until you are on island, then it is. In November I swore "going to" I wouldn't do that again, but the reward was worth it. Dread the process again but again it will be worth it. Note, from the "left" coast it is a lot more difficult. Soon, but not soon enough we will be on island again! Whoop whoooop! T
I prefer the Isle seat
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Re: rt-PCR test change
[Re: phillygirl7]
#246489
02/04/2021 06:14 AM
02/04/2021 06:14 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,547 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,547
Ohio
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Thanks for the update. I am actually surprised they did get back to you.
J.D.
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Re: rt-PCR test change
[Re: Leagle49]
#246532
02/04/2021 04:34 PM
02/04/2021 04:34 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,409 Rhode Island
RonDon
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,409
Rhode Island
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I....
We scheduled to fly on February 28. I booked a test for the 25th. I don't think I'll cancel that one yet but book another for the 23rd. Arrrgh We leave same time frame and we can't even book a date to test yet. Our state is booking through 2/10
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Re: rt-PCR test change
[Re: RonDon]
#246536
02/04/2021 05:39 PM
02/04/2021 05:39 PM
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,088 Massachusetts
boucharda
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,088
Massachusetts
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Every day, any time, you would want to book will be available..unless there is a snowstorm..trust me on this one.
Last edited by boucharda; 02/04/2021 05:42 PM.
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Re: rt-PCR test change
[Re: Leagle49]
#246581
02/05/2021 08:43 AM
02/05/2021 08:43 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,547 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,547
Ohio
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There is still no mention on the EHAS page of the exemption for travel form the US and Canada being 120 hours. I have emailed them but no response. Anyone have any more information? They have been TERRIBLE with updating information and having conflicting information. The update APPEARS to be the same EHAS page but it would be nice to see it in a more "official" fashion. I just went to the EHAS site and under FAQ, it does state 120 hours. Not sure if this is the NEW requirement or just not changed back to the 72 hours and then back to 120?? Who knows for sure? On the main page though it indicates Travel Requirements as of January 26, which was 10 days ago. They appear to be totally clueless as to how this is impacting people wanting to come and support the island and how it is causing many to cancel due to the confusion and ineptness in which the site is managed. It is very sad and also frustrating. Below is what is under FAQ. How far in advance do I need to take my rt-PCR COVID-19 or antigen test? The rt-PCR test sample should be taken within 120 hours and the antigen test sample within 48 hours prior to departure to St. Maarten (last leg in case of connecting flights).
J.D.
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Re: rt-PCR test change
[Re: JBSTL]
#246587
02/05/2021 09:34 AM
02/05/2021 09:34 AM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,432 Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,432
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
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From the EHAS website: "A rt-PCR test for the SARS-COV-2 virus obtained from a naso-pharyngeal swab performed within 120 hours prior to departure to Sint Maarten (last leg in case of connecting flights) is required for all travelers originating from a country that is categorized as high risk. Antibody tests and tests performed outside of the 120 hours period will not be accepted. Results from home covid-19 collection test kits will also not be accepted. Airlines might require you to show a negative lab test result." However, item 5 on that page still states that the 72 hour test period is required. It's very confusing. Here's a link to the official government page: https://stmaartenehas.com/travel-requirements/
Last edited by GaKaye; 02/05/2021 09:52 AM.
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Re: rt-PCR test change
[Re: ScottW]
#246613
02/05/2021 11:26 AM
02/05/2021 11:26 AM
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,088 Massachusetts
boucharda
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,088
Massachusetts
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I was gonna knee jerk and re-post the link I had posted an hour after the change was announced BUT the comments above are correct and the sites are VERY contradictory. The Feb 3rd change back to 120 hours IS the Tourism site (edited 2/3) and the official (last edited 1/26) sit still says 72 hours as of Feb 12th.... Sooooo maybe they are waiting until the 11th to change the official site....kinda lame but can't say I am shocked..... Last Updated: February 3rd 3:58 PM Update in Travel Entry Requirements, as of February 12th, the window of PCR test taking will be amended to 72 hours instead of 120 hours. An exemption will be extended to passengers flying in from the US and Canada. The 120 hours will remain.
Last edited by boucharda; 02/05/2021 11:29 AM.
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Re: rt-PCR test change
[Re: ScottW]
#246614
02/05/2021 11:27 AM
02/05/2021 11:27 AM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,583 St Maarten
BillandElaine
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,583
St Maarten
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Yes. It's the government web site for tourist info.
Elaine ********************************* God Bless the broken road....
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Re: rt-PCR test change
[Re: GaKaye]
#246632
02/05/2021 01:23 PM
02/05/2021 01:23 PM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,547 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,547
Ohio
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Except that it clearly states that the last update was in December! The EHAS site is the one that needs to be accurate, since that's where every traveler has to go to get their approval to fly. One would think the "powers that be" MIGHT just get this at some point.
J.D.
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Re: rt-PCR test change
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#246636
02/05/2021 01:42 PM
02/05/2021 01:42 PM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,547 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,547
Ohio
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The update links are there. Just have to open them. Easy-to-use. On the EHAS site? Sorry, I do not see any update link there. Perhaps I am missing it or you are referring to another site?
J.D.
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