rt-PCR test change--AGAIN--now back to 120 hours

From the EHAS website (updated 1/26):

As of February 12 2021 the rt-PCR test time frame will be reduced from 120 to 72 hours, before departure to Sint Maarten for all travelers originating from a high risk country (last leg in case of connecting flights).

We are supposed to travel on 2/13. 72 hours doesn't provide much leeway.

Scott

Ridiculous.

Sooooo...you would have a test and have to get the results the next day to fill out the EHAS.....that won't work

Edit: actually you have two days . If they accepted a rapid test that would be possible but who can be sure they will get the results in 48 hours...we did but would not have to assume that

Thanks, and yet another determent to travel. I am scheduled for March 7 but this is just another hoop to jump through that is making it look less and less likely that I will go.

And they still left section 8 unchanged and it states the 120 hours.

"8, 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."

They REALLY need to get their act together.

I just used the "Contact Us" on the EHAS website, to say that paragraphs 5 and 8 contradict each other. Awaiting their response. Now originally they did make you do this in 3 days, and they relaxed it to 5 days, but I remember seeing that they will bring it back to 3 days when traveler numbers are up.

I will post if I hear something back from them.

It's doable here in Florida. That was our timeframe in order to go to Aruba last October. We had time to spare.

Their cases are steadily increasing, so I'm not surprised. The interesting thing though, is that I don't see where they're stating that any tourists have tested positive. I fully expected things to ease up once the vaccine started being distributed, but I guess that's not to be, at least not yet.

I was crossing our fingers on being able to get results when it was 120 hours. I can’t imagine we can meet this timeline. We would be celebrating a 30 year wedding anniversary and we have been going to Simpson Bay Resort and Marina that long. Although we were looking forward to this trip it seems quite unlikely. I feel so badly for the islanders. For us, it’s a “champagne problem” compared to so many people who are suffering. Next year I guess.

I am not making any changes to my plans to be there, will let this play out and I suggest others do the same. I just can't see the island not finding a way to allow people, the island needs people to be there.

If you only have a few weeks to "let this play out", you may be left holding the bag with test results that are not received in time and lost lodging and an air voucher that may or may not be usable to the traveler. The SXM government has flip-flopped, backtracked and continued to change the rules as the game is in progress. What happens if one does make it to the island and the rules change again? Sorry, I am not at all that trusting of them or the US government.

I think part of the problem is that here on the island, everyone is getting their PCR test results in about 24 hours.

J.D.

You are not that trusting that the SXM or the U.S. Governments will not change the rules without sufficient notice? Oh yea of little faith. You know I am being sarcastic.

Not to be negative, for I was hoping to travel internationally before the year is out, but from some things that I read today, it seems that the current vaccines may be less than 50% effective against the new South African variant. I'm afraid that can be a game changer for international travel this year, unless they come up with a new vaccine to cover some of these new variants, including the South African one, and the ones to follow. The more contagious U.K. version now seems to be old news, even though we are yet to see its' actual impact in the U.S.

Vacation/holiday trips where many of the restaurants, bars, and public gatherings are either closed or extremely limited, are not something that appeals to many people including myself. There are those with "Covid Fatigue" or denial who will still travel as long as they are allowed to, but things will not get back to anything close to "normal" until we get this Pandemic under control.

Maybe there should be a new Thread that questions: should I travel for personal gratification during an International, once in a Century Pandemic that has already killed millions of people? If the answer is "yes", then I assume NONE of these travelers will be Asymptomatically infected and spread the Pandemic to anyone else. Or maybe that is NOT an important consideration?

These deadly variants only travel because we travel. The Pandemic spreads because we travel.
I have heard from many, "we need to live our life". My question is: what are you willing to give up in order to save a life?
Maybe giving up travel until this is under control is a start. It certainly is NOT under control now.

To all: be well, and stay safe.

It's speculation on my part, but I think that what is now being seen may be what has already played out.

There's a Government of Sint Maarten post from 1/26 on FB entitled ** Prime Minister Silveria E. Jacobs meets Préfet Délégué Serge Gouteyron to discuss synchronizing measures to safeguard public health **

One line in the post reads as follows: Prime Minister Jacobs stated, “The cooperation meeting held was a fruitful one in which much agreement was made moving forward with the established health protocols being implemented by both sides of the island in combating the COVID-19 virus. We have already synchronized our travel restrictions to both sides of the island in order to avoid importing the more contagious new variants of the virus to the island.

Synchonized travel restrictions sound like both sides have agreed on 72-hour test requirements. French-side was never going to change to 120-hours. They can't. That decision comes from much higher up the food chain. The only way that the test requirement could be synchronized is if Dutch-side backed off from 120-hours.

Thanks for your input. All very good points.

Bahston, very good point as well and I think you are correct.

Agree that statement 5 and 8 contradict each other. I am hoping that they are meaning an ANTIGEN TEST is required within 72 hrs., which is more reasonable. It is almost impossible to get a PCR test done and get results in 24-48 hours in order to send back EHAS form and get it returned before you get on the plane. Most sites performing PCR tests state they results will be available in 3-5 days. BTW the companies approved for antigen tests are not available in my state as far as I can determine.

The antigen test now says 48 hours. Wasn't it 72 hours before? Totally impossible to plan anything, when the rules keep changing. And now, with these latest variants of the disease, it sounds like maybe all the vaccines may not be nearly as effective as they say??

Whoever maintains their website sure leaves a lot to be desired.

Would you "fail" the antigen test if you have had the vaccine?

No.

THAT is brilliant!

IMO, travel at this time is NOT a necessity. It is a luxury. And selfish if you are asymptomatic but a spreader. You can also have had the vaccine and still spread COVID.

No. I am quite sure it was 48 hours when I researched it two weeks ago.

OK, thanks. They just keep changing so many things, I was thinking they changed that too.

Any new news on changes back to 120 hours yet? Wait for it.........

For most, Travel to SXM has always been an unnecessary luxury. Folks want to be free and safe and they will navigate the rules as necessary to be free and safe.

I have been sick in Europe, Asia, And the Caribbean. Never on a cruise. Passing germs, viruses is a fact of life in the jet age.

Hopefully, this new normal will allow the cruise industry to Inspect/find those norovirus spreaders at embarkation and make them walk the plank or waddle like a penguin.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/robert...ke-a-penguin-china-says/?sh=752dff1f475e

Supposedly reverting back to 120 hours for US travelers as per a post Andrea from LaVista posted on Facebook an hour ago on LaVista Facebook page.

Todd--what makes you think they will change back to 120 hours? I think that would be a good thing, but curious as to your reason for the statement.

Jeff Berger also indicated it was about to happen but is making no formal announcement yet too.

Carol, I honestly didn't think that a shorter time would actually take effect from the US, the reason is money. So the rumors that this is going to be back to 120 hours seems to follow what I originally thought would happen.

There is no right answer to all of this, no matter what you do or don't do it can be listed as wrong. Travel is wrong, not traveling so people can make a living is wrong. It is a matter of trading lives and I will stop there.

71 days and counting!

While this would be welcome news, I personally know several people who have cancelled due to the announced change of going back to 72 hours. This includes myself. This is like a bad 3 ring circus with NO ringmaster. These constant changes are not at all helping people who want to come and support the island. Good luck on your April trip.

Again...repeating myself...but...how many cases of covid in SXM were transmitted by tourists? Unless they know that this is a significant mode of transmission they could cut it down to 12 hours and it would make squat of a difference in case numbers.

Minister TEATT said in the press conference today in response to a question from Dr Soc that they are considering removing the order moving to 72 hours. Will decide by 2/12.

Aaaannnnnddddd...just updated:



Update link

Thats good news for US and Canada tourists.

Thanks, and another flip-flop.

Well, Jeez, how freaking ridiculous. How many people like you JD, just cancelled because of this rule and now they are rescinding it -- at least as to US -- before it even comes into force. What BS.

My thoughts exactly.

As I told you before, nothing like shooting prior to aiming but that is typical government B/S! Ready, shoot, aim...oops, that didn’t work too well!

What a relief! I had serious doubts that our testing system could meet their timelines.

JimandBeth--Yes, a major relief, except for those who just cancelled because of the new rules. Glad for you though.

I didn’t mean to sound like I was dismissing what they have been through. Sorry if it came across that way. It is a mess.

Too late for me. Too much stress to get there and back. Would have spent 3 weeks and spent money on food,entertainment and car rental. The Island needs to be consistent.

I am 100% with you Mort.

The 120 hours gives us more breathing room. We are scheduled to leave Saturday, 2/13. Just made our appointments for testing for Monday morning. Baltimore County has free testing and it is not a problem to get an appointment. Current wait time for results is 1 -2 days (but no guarantees). We have other pay options available if there are any issues.
Scott

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.

I understanding. Lots of hoops and unpredictable changes.

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.

Got it.👍

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

It is official.

Jimandbeth--Sorry if my response seemed to be blaming you. This is totally a problem created by the SXM government.

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.

No worries. Thank you.

Hi Scott W, I have some friends in Baltimore County, can you give some details about the testing there?
Thanks!

Hasn’t Canada cancelled flights into and returning from the Caribbean (and Mexico)?

Trudeau cancels Caribbean travel
Trudeau said Air Canada, WestJet, Sunwing, and Air Transat will suspend service to all Caribbean destinations and Mexico starting Sunday until April 30

Yes, so this change by SXM is a moot point as far as Canadian residents are concerned. At least for now.

There haven’t been direct flights from Canada for quite some time, we flew YYZ to CLT then SXM. That is still an option with a negative test for SXM. Biggest issue now is getting back to Canada, negative test in SXM before getting on plane then another test in Canada and then check into quarantine hotel until test comes back.(at your expense)

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

Definitely not as easy from Washington to get there. Its a long day and night but worth the effort.

I was the one that emailed the EHAS folks about their paragraphs 5 and 8 contradicting -- they got back to me today and said if I was coming from the US, it is 120 hours. Great news, but like other say, it can change again in another two or three weeks. The delivery of freezers arrived and the vaccines should soon be arriving for the folks there. Like everywhere else, probably not nearly enough, but the more people vaccinated, the numbers continue to drop. The variants out there, hopefully they are figured out soon.

Thanks for the update. I am actually surprised they did get back to you.

Here is the link to the Baltimore County site. Each location does it on different days, so we have to go to a location that is not nearest our home, but it is not far away. https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/covid-19/testing

We leave same time frame and we can't even book a date to test yet. Our state is booking through 2/10

Every day, any time, you would want to book will be available..unless there is a snowstorm..trust me on this one.

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).

Scubaman---I saw that you said it's official. Can I ask what made it "offiicial"? I know you typically have great info and great sources so I am hoping someone "official" confirmed this.

I too, have emailed them several times since my trip is supposed to start a little over a week from now (which means my test needs to be Monday (120 hours) or Wednesday (72 hours)..... but no response here either. My timing is getting critical so I guess I will wait and see if I get a response or see an update on the EHAS site.

Thanks

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/

https://stmaartenupdates.com/#Requirements

Elaine, the EHAS page hasn't been updated with that information, states 72 hours in one place and 120 in another. No wonder people are confused!

Elaine, Your link is to the tourism bureau. Is that an official government entity? We too are scheduled to fly tot eh island soon. At the moment we have two tests scheduled one w/i 120 hours. and one 72 hours. I hope we can cancel one soon!

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.....

Yes. It's the government web site for tourist info.

On their picture chart there is an asterisk behind the 72 hour window that clarifies it for 120 hours for US and Canada.

If you open this official site and click third update down it takes you to the new 120 hour exception for US and Canadian travelers.
Government Link

Yup...that's the tourism site that was posted and quoted on Feb 3rd...but...this makes it clear that it is a Government site

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.

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?

The update on the mentioned line three, on the Government tourism site, is February 3rd.

THe EHAS page was last updated on January 26th making it obvious that they just haven't got around to changing the INFO page for the EHAS to exempt Canada and the USA..the 72 hour change will take effect as indicated for all other places of departure

The EHAS form still says 120 hours (I did a test application) but the 72 hours is not in effect yet

Scuba gave the link for the update page

Ok, but how many pages/links should one have to go for get ACCURATE information? Common sense would indicate updates should be on the same site/page where one fills out the application. Oh wait, we are dealing with government here, that explains it!

Exactly.....

I put the link to Government site which has updates with links.

Ok, but that is NOT the site travelers are directed to for application to enter the country and buy the insurance. And again, WAY TOO MANY hoops to jump through and inconsistency with the sites and information contained therein. The government site is not the same as the EHAS (although they are likely related).

There are no update links on the EHAS site, which is where every traveler goes to fill out their application to enter the country. That is where the information needs to be accurate and current.

Looks like it's back to 72 hours.
Link

that's dated January 26...

I know. But that is official site. There is still a link stating 120 for US and Canadian residents but everything contradicts its self.

Correct, which is exactly why SXM needs to get their act together, so potential visitors can actually plan a trip.

I believe several of us tried to tell you that there was conflicting information, lack of timely and accurate updates, and it has been basically a $hitshow with regard to the EHAS site conflicting with other government sites. People read something on one "official" site, then something else on another.

I actually emailed EHAS and got a very pleasant email tell me it’s 72 hours

And I emailed them yesterday and have received no response.

The tourism page still has the exemption for US and Canada, allowing 120 days. The EHAS page still does not have that information.

I just emailed them as well. I’ll post if I get answer.

That is what is so confusing.

I just received an email from EHAS and was told it is 72 hours for a RT-PCR test.

Did you tell them you are from the US? If so, how ridiculous. Is the Tourism website perhaps wrong and they DIDN'T change back to 120 hours after all?????????

Unbelievable!

Anything goes with that Government.

If you look at the question and answer for test on the Government FAC page here is what the answer is.
"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)."
Unbelievable the confusion this causes.
And no mention if US or Canadian.

Jeff Berger still says its 120 for US and Canadian visitors. Who the heck knows at this point.

We'll find out soon enough. My flight to SXM departs at 10:30 EST on Saturday. I just got home from a rt-PCR test site (tested about 117 hours in advance of scheduled departure). I plan to upload that result to EHAS, when I get it.

I'll share what happens in a new thread.

Bill--If you are aware of where you can get an antigen test that qualifies, I might be looking into that, to try to be safe. This is just not RIGHT, what they are doing..

Bill- I am also traveling on Saturday. The American Airlines website still says 72 hours. I don't want to show up at the airport only to have them deny boarding. I'm changing my plans to be tested on Wednesday morning.

Scott

Good call. If AA says 72 hour I'd go with that as they are the ones that decide if you board the plane.

I just called the EHAS office (1-721-542-1570)and was told it is 72 hours after 2-12-21. They confirmed that I was from US and my flight reservation for 2-20-21.

Southbound--I guess it is still 72 hours then??? Wow...

I received a followup email from EHAS apologizing and confirmed it is 120 hours for the RT-PCR test for US travelers.

Thanks for the follow-up. I am going to close this one as there is a similar thread going and this one has gotten rather long.