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Covid travel requirements


Please note that these are the requirements for the Dutch side, where 99% of people here enter by air. If you are entering by AIR directly to the French side, the rules are different. If you are on island, you can travel back and forth freely to the French side without any problem.



If you are STAYING on the French side, you need to check to make sure whether you need to do anything additional.

Information on testing on island for return to the US

In case you have problems with getting a EHAS approval, try this number in SXM. 721-542-1570

Last edited by Carol_Hill; 11/02/2022 09:15 AM.

Carol Hill
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Thanks Dear Carol.

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Thanks for posting. One place on the list for return testing, Almond Grove turned us away when we asked for appointment. Said they now were just testing locals.

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Are you sure of the date - 2/17/21?


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That is the last change to requirements.

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Thanks so much Carol!
carib cheers,
doctorj


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Sorry--I changed the title, as it was confusing.


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One question: If one is staying on the French side is that considered a transit passenger?


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I'm not certain, but I don't think so. I think transit refers to someone who never leaves the airport, but flies on to a different destination.


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Carol,

As far as I know, If you are in transit I don't believe you are allowed to leave the airport to go anywhere and are held in a separate area to await your next flight.


Respectfully,

pat



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pat--I think that is correct. The entrance requirements say that transit passengers have to have a Covid test, but they are exempt from the mandatory insurance. Possibly that is the reason for his question. Perhaps that is a question that needs to be asked of the EHAS folks, either by email or phone.


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We just completed a 14 day request for a temp check from the EHAS. They emailed us every day, it was quite easy. I would suggest bringing thermometer. (Our’s “died”, and they are a lot more expensive on the island). Results can be sent either F or C.
I have no idea what would happen if we did not comply with this simple measure.


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This past winter, we passed our covid test and got our pre approval from EHAS. A couple days before we were to fly out we both got Covid and stayed home. We received an email every day we were supposed to be there and never responded to the emails. No follow up emails to see why not complying. Don't think they would have liked the results of our temperature checks. haha

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Originally Posted by johndana274
This past winter, we passed our covid test and got our pre approval from EHAS. A couple days before we were to fly out we both got Covid and stayed home. We received an email every day we were supposed to be there and never responded to the emails. No follow up emails to see why not complying. Don't think they would have liked the results of our temperature checks. haha


Wow. Just proves that the testing is worthless! Glad you did the right thing and stayed home.

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Georgia--no, it just proves that the results can be negative one day and be positive the next day, which is what experts have said all along. And part of the reason why SXM wanted to go to 72 hours for PCR tests.


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I should have clarified that testing on anything other than the day of travel is worthless, and even then, you can still be positive the next day.

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Now, that I definitely agree with..


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Thanks for this thread and hopefully all with experience and knowledge on traveling during these times will add posts for others.

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one of the questions on the form is hotel where you are staying. Does anyone know how you report multiple locations?


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I'm not sure there is a correct answer, but if it were ME, I'd just put down the first place you are staying.


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Originally Posted by Carol_Hill
I'm not sure there is a correct answer, but if it were ME, I'd just put down the first place you are staying.

Exactly what I would do too.

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Can’t wait for a vaccine passport to come into play. It’s still theoretical at this point but it would be nice.

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Any word on a vaccine waiver. We got both our vaccines, any updates. Some islands are starting to allow proof of 2 vaccines. We are planning a land trip in late May.

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Not for SXM yet, that's for sure.


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Curious as to "some Islands allowing a vaccine waiver" in lieu of testing.....which ones?

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Originally Posted by NudeinNorthFL
Can’t wait for a vaccine passport to come into play. It’s still theoretical at this point but it would be nice.


Don't worry. Can see it coming from a mile away. Won't be long until you won't be able to leave home with out hearing "your paper's please."


"It's 5 o'clock somewhere!"

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Originally Posted by boucharda
Curious as to "some Islands allowing a vaccine waiver" in lieu of testing.....which ones?


Found a link...

Travel OK after vaccine link

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My wife and I got our second vaccine yesterday. I hope by the time we go back to St Martin in May that prove of the vaccination is all we need to enter the country

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We hope the same but not counting on it for our May trip.

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Just to reiterate here--I think that everything one needs is in the original post. The most recent posts here don't have anything to do with the original topic. Unless there are changes to the entry requirements, what you need to know is in the original post.


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My wife and I are planning a trip for one week in May. We are coming from New York. We have both received our first and doses of the vaccine. Do we still need to be tested prior to arrival? Are there any quarantine requirements? I under stand we need to take out the health insurance to cover any testing our medical needs while I am there. I assume masks are required in public places which is not an issue.

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Yes you still need a negative test to travel to SXM. There are no other quarantine requirements unless you test positive while there.

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Originally Posted by fcpc48
My wife and I are planning a trip for one week in May. We are coming from New York. We have both received our first and doses of the vaccine. Do we still need to be tested prior to arrival? Are there any quarantine requirements? I under stand we need to take out the health insurance to cover any testing our medical needs while I am there. I assume masks are required in public places which is not an issue.


The link in the original post provides the official government requirements. That is the best place to get accurate and current information about the requirements.

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Thanks Carol got the number

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So what is the latest as of April 12th, Still a negative PCR test with 72 hrs of last leg to SXM takeoff?

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Originally Posted by PelicanPirate
So what is the latest as of April 12th, Still a negative PCR test with 72 hrs of last leg to SXM takeoff?

LAST UPDATED APRIL 2


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"USA, US territories and Canada the time frame remains 120 hrs."

As copied directly from St Maarten EHAS website.


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JD--right, and the April 2 update had only to do with Curacao, Bonaire and Aruba, nothing to do with the US.


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I’ve been told locally here in the US that it can take 2-4 days to get the test results back from the lab. So is the 120hr (5 day) window ok for the test results date, or the actual test date? 4 days for results is cutting it really close if it’s the test date.

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Test date


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It is the test date. Both the test AND the results need to be within 120 hours for a PCR test. Sounds like you may need to look at an antigen test instead of a PCR test. Antigen test results are available most places in under 24 hours. The operative time for an antigen test is only 48 hours, but in many places, that is much more doable.


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The date/time the test was taken

Edit: sorry...posted the same time Carol did

Last edited by boucharda; 04/18/2021 09:35 AM.
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Thanks

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What about if you are vaccinated?

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Makes no difference. You need the test.


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Originally Posted by BillandElaine
Test date

You sure on that?' I was with the understanding it is a time stamp. 120 hours from testing time. Returning to states it's a Date of 3 days.

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Question was about travel TO SXM, not US.


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Originally Posted by BillandElaine
Question was about travel TO SXM, not US.

Yes. Reread my post. 120 hours from US to SXM and it is a time not date stamp. I just threw in the return to US as showing that difference in Date verses time requirement.

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Is it possible to meet the requirements for St. Maarten and not get the deeeep nasal swab?

Also, it says your test results must include the “source of the swab” but all tests I have received so far have not included where they swabbed me. Has anyone been approved without their results saying where they were swabbed?

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Originally Posted by SeaNY
Is it possible to meet the requirements for St. Maarten and not get the deeeep nasal swab?

Also, it says your test results must include the “source of the swab” but all tests I have received so far have not included where they swabbed me. Has anyone been approved without their results saying where they were swabbed?


Yes, we did last November. The updated requirements no longer state ONLY the naso-pharyngeal swab. Our tests did state nasal swab; I think rt-PCR tests are only nasal.

Last edited by GaKaye; 04/25/2021 10:04 AM.
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Thank you for the info GaKaye. I’ve been all over the internet and glad I stumbled upon TTO today smile

I plan on going to Walgreens who uses LabCorp for their results. I’ll post about my experience using EHAS when I’m finished.

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Welcome, SeaNY! Let me know if you have any general questions about TTOL..


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Myself and my crew all got the oral swabs this morning. Did we need nasal?

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We got our test taken on Monday afternoon and results back this morning.

Last edited by zeus1963; 04/28/2021 07:31 AM.
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I just received the answere to that question from EHAS it said to only put the first one down . We are there for 25 days in October / November and staying at 3 places El zafiro and two villas they answered my question with in 3 hours very impressed

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We just found out we can come to st Martin Saturday. If we get our test tomorrow. Will that qualify for entry. We also received our moderna shots


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..depends on whether you are doing PCR or antigen tests. PCR is 120 hours prior to the time your LAST flight leaves for SXM. Antigen is 48 hours prior to your last flight. So, PCR yes, antigen, no. Read the link in the original post for all the requirements. link


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Ok thank you. Pcr at Walgreens it is. 😀


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Originally Posted by lina
We just found out we can come to st Martin Saturday. If we get our test tomorrow. Will that qualify for entry. We also received our moderna shots

Get it today if you can. Turnaround time could be a factor as you need time to fill out requests and get it back before last flight to SXM.

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I can’t believe how quickly I got everything done! Hubby and I went to CVS yesterday at 1:30 for PCR test. Got both results back late morning/early afternoon today so a very impressive 24 hour turnaround. Filled out the st Maarten EHAS form, uploaded test results, and paid $30 each for insurance. Received email confirmation immediately and both pre-approval emails within 2 hours. Made paper copies of everything…done and done! Can’t wait for Saturday!

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Do most insurance companies cover the cost of a pcr test

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We had the same very quick response from CVS as well as from EHAS. We were concerned about it, but everything went very well.

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That Mchuho for sharing your experience. We are getting the CVS PCR test Saturday at 12.30pm for our Wednesday 9.30am flight. I'm hoping the labs work on Sunday as i believe they do.



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Ok please help this poor confused soul...me! I have read conflicting stories about requirements. We are flying into the Dutch side from the US. It is my impression that we have to have a negative PCR test 120 hours before arrival. Some are saying 72 hours! We get into SXM on June 1st (Tuesday) at 2:30 pm (hopefully)...with that being said, our plan was to go get tested the Friday the 28th in the afternoon. Hoping to then get the results in 1-2 days. That will still give us Sunday or Monday to upload results. Does this sound reasonable? I'm sorry if this seem a repetitive question but like I said I am reading different accounts on several sites. Thank you!

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Please refer to the official EHAS site, which has accurate information. I believe there is a link to that site in the original post of this thread. "Reading different accounts on several sites" is not productive. The EHAS site has the official requirements, along with the forms needed to apply for approval to travel.

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rt-PCR is 120 hours...hasn't changed

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As Georgia said, don't just consult any source, go to THE source, which is the official SXM website, linked in my original post.

LINK

READ those requirements. That link will tell you everything you need to know.


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Hello all. Just rejoined TTOL after a 3 year absence.
We are due to arrive in SXM on Tuesday 5/11. for a stay on the French side. Had everything lined up for testing to meet the 120 hr requirement. Problem is that we just found a statement on the Sint Marteen web site:
For travelers with accommodation on the French side:
If you are staying in an establishment on the French side of the island, a negative test result of less than 72 hours is mandatory.

Is this requirement still in effect seeing that there is no restrictions traveling between Dutch and French sides.

Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

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Some have posted that they had no problem, others have said that their hotel or villa required them to get another test upon arrival. You should check with your accommodations to see what their requirements are.

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If it is a requirement for your French side stay, you could do a free antigen test from a place like Walgreens with results in an hour just before you leave. I have only heard of it being a problem if you are staying at a hotel/resort type accommodation. We will be there on the 12th and staying in a VRBO. Have a smooth trip!



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Thank you for your quick response. We have asked the property rep, and are waiting for a response. Sometimes the contact person is not even on the island.

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LaPlaya on Orient just told
Me the French side requires 3 days. frown This will be tight.

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Originally Posted by vrboone8
LaPlaya on Orient just told
Me the French side requires 3 days. frown This will be tight.

Yep. 72 hours.

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again, others have reported that someone came to the room and tested them at the hotel. Did you ask them that question??


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That is a good tip...thank you!

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So our results were like many others. Did the CVS rt-PCR test Saturday, got negative results in 20 hours. Summitted EHAS forms and both got approvals at the 2 and 3 hour mark. Eazy peezy!



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So glad for you! clapping

Some aren't so lucky, and there seems to be no rhyme or reason.. cry


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Thanks Carol. Your right, there always seem to be some inconsistency in these processes, and the horror stories are the ones that makes us nervous. I know the more positive results we heard, the more confident we got that we could do this, so i thought it might help someone else to share ours!



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I just want to thank you carol Hill I did exactly what you suggested. And everything went so smooth. We filled out all the paperwork, after we received our negative tests on Thursday. We got our test Wednesday afternoon. Received our results Thursday am quickly we filed our pre-approval form. Received an answer within a few hours AND WE ARE SINCE SATURDAY 🥰💪


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Glad to hear it went ok. Enjoy!


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I had the same question I contacted SXM EHAS there answer is the first location .

I also found in reading Jeff’s weekly letter in the 20th article at the bottom it stated that the standard PCR test done in the states is acceptable , I hope that I read it correctly , I’m sure if I didn’t I will hear about it .

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Application and approval was a breeze.
Twenty minutes from application to approval.
Wahoo.
SXM here we come.
carib cheers,
doctorj


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Good deal! Enjoy!!


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Thanks Carol.
Can't wait.
carib cheers,
doctorj


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We went together, got the test done at our local pharmacy, results in 20 minutes. Cool!! Right!!! Wrong!! For some reason, when Louise sent my results in, it was denied. After hours and hours of phone calls, asking what happened. Why did MY paperwork was denied??? Long long and short. Something to do with "PDF file vs J-PEG" !! All I know that this was a heart attack waiting to happen. Thank God we have a printer. We even printed the return paperwork. We had with no lie, a folder 1" thick!! The 72 hour turn around time is KILLER!! I pray that come in the near future that our Vaccine card will eliminate all this nightmare!! Did I mention that we were so happy to clear the arrival, that we walked out with out our luggage!! SMH LOL!!!


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I was filling out my application for St Martin. When I got to the test results section and under the upload section it has 120/48.
I thought the rapid test could be within 72 hours. Our flight is 72 hours from now. Do I have to wait until tomorrow 48 hours before fight for rapid test. All info is appreciated

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READ the link in the first post in this thread. LINK

The time frame for the ANTIGEN test always was 48 hours.


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Well I thought if read that if coming from the US it could be 72hours. But ok thanks for the info.
No need for the caps on read and antigen. I was just asking a simple question for anyone that had the correct info without having to research that long thread at the top of the page.

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No, it is 72 hours for the PCR test, UNLESS you are from the US or Canada, in which case it is 120 hours.

BTW, there is a change as of today, but it only applies to the ABC Islands--that is, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao.


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Thanks so much

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stangied--No, you don't have to research the whole thread, just read the link in the first post.


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We also had confusion regarding the number of hours in advance, as we are flying into SXM and staying on the French side. We inquired with the EHAS folks, here's the response:








From: EHAS <EHAS@sintmaartengov.org>
Date: May 24, 2021 at 11:00:04 AM CDT
T0
Subject: RE: Travel date arrival Saturday May 29th

Good day,

Thank you for your e-mail, For travelers from the USA, US territories and Canada the time frame remains 120 hrs. prior to departure. Although you are fully vaccinated negative COVID-19 test is required to travel to St. Maarten.



Kind regards,








Sent: Monday, May 24, 2021 10:52 AM
To: EHAS <EHAS@sintmaartengov.org>
Subject: Travel date arrival Saturday May 29th

Hi,

We are arriving from the US on Saturday May 29th and staying at a villa on the French side. We are all fully vaccinated.


We are confused on if we need to test 120hr or 72hrs prior to arrival?

Can you clarify for us?

Thank you!


___________________________



Hope this info helps!!

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Please note--they did not really answer your specific question. It is 120 hours for travel to SINT MAARTEN for a PCR test. The EHAS folks do not care (and possibly don't even KNOW) what the requirements are for French St. Martin. Please note they also do not even address the timing for an antigen test.

It is my understanding that, depending on where you're staying, you may be required to take another test on the French side, because their requirement is 72 hours . Best to ask this question of the folks where you are staying.


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I verified this with La Playa on Orient where we are staying. 72 hours

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I want to thank you all for the valuable information you have shared.

I was tested at Walgreen on 5/30, received my results on 5/31 and within one hour of applying for the EHAS, I was approved. I'm all set to fly in on Friday!!

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Great! Enjoy!


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There has never been a holding pen, nor do they have room for one these days. The only thing that PJIA cares about is payment of Departure Tax. If it is paid then they really don't care what you do. If you are staying on French side but flying out of SXM on your return home then you can dispute the tax. I personally don't see that staying on French Side is In Transit. If you are truly "In Transit" then it is possible to fight the Departure Tax that you have already paid to your airline. My recommendation is to go have a cocktail and forget about it.

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Has anyone heard that the 120/48 hr testing requirements have been changed to 48/48?
Their site still has it at 120/48.
Thanks for your help.
Ellen


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Has not changed for US or Canadian travelers.

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Thank you, that is what I see, but people on Trip Advisor and FB are saying it has.
One person cancelled their trip because of the misinformation.
Ellen


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From stmaartenehas.com

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.

Is this a change from the 120 hour requirement?

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Looks like it just got more difficult to get to SXM with a PCR test.....and what happened to the take about removing the testing requirement?

Bogus....

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Uhmn, yeah, what a PITA..


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This thread is very confusing. As a trip draws near I see the change to 72 hours from SXM departure of July 1 and then I see another post saying doesn't apply to US or canada.

IMHO, It would be nice ii the most bestest reliable person(s) in this regard from TTOL-land kept up the latest/greatest requirements (with website links) and discarded the old stuff.

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Just always refer to the first top posted link for most current requirements.

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Right--just look at the top post, which shows the link to the most recent information.


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Originally Posted by PelicanPirate
This thread is very confusing. As a trip draws near I see the change to 72 hours from SXM departure of July 1 and then I see another post saying doesn't apply to US or canada.

IMHO, It would be nice ii the most bestest reliable person(s) in this regard from TTOL-land kept up the latest/greatest requirements (with website links) and discarded the old stuff.



Which is exactly why the title of the post SHOUTS that you should read the information in the first link..... duh

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Georgia--yes, but apparently that isn't good enough. Still start another post...


Carol Hill
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Probably should close this one.

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Sorry, intended to.


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Quick question about a seeming contradiction on the Requirements page of EHAS
Children of age 10 and under are exempted from the mandatory rt-PCR or antigen test. As of the day after the 10th birthday, a rt-PCR or antigen test has to be submitted.

So are Ten year olds exempt while they are 10 but not when they turn 11 ? or exempt at 9 but not after the 10th Birthday?

Traveling next Friday with Daughter who is !0 now and would like to get clarity before we go to get our tests done Wed.

Last edited by Yrthstan; 07/30/2021 08:42 PM. Reason: spelling
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Originally Posted by Yrthstan
Quick question about a seeming contradiction on the Requirements page of EHAS
Children of age 10 and under are exempted from the mandatory rt-PCR or antigen test. As of the day after the 10th birthday, a rt-PCR or antigen test has to be submitted.

So are Ten year olds exempt while they are 10 but not when they turn 11 ? or exempt at 9 but not after the 10th Birthday?

Traveling next Friday with Daughter who is !0 now and would like to get clarity before we go to get our tests done Wed.


Exempt up until their 10th birthday, when they are 10 years and 1 day they need a test

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Thank you. i planned on getting her the test regardless- finding out at the Airport that i guessed wrong would be Heartbreaking.

First vacation in 2 years- one more week and then 10 Days at la Playa on Orient Beach.

The EHAS site does need some editing to make that rule a little clearer.
perhaps:
Children of UNDER age 10 are exempted from the mandatory rt-PCR or antigen test. As of the day after the 10th birthday, a rt-PCR or antigen test has to be submitted.

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One question: If one is staying on the French side is that considered a transit passenger?

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No.


Carol Hill
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By the way, I think this is another change from what was announced around December 20 or so, but the booster must be at least two weeks old, in order to avoid having to test.


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I thought I would update the info regarding children 4 and under and thus too young to be vaccinated.

I contacted EHAS directly via email asking about which test and the time frame for our preschooler who can not yet be vaccinated and got this reply within a couple of hours:

"My name is Sherry Richardson, and I am one of the EHAS administrators for the island of St. Maarten.

Your daughter will need a PCR test 48 hours, and then upload it to Ehas"


So I am assuming ANY child from birth up to 5 will need a PCR test.


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Filling out EHAS form. Insurance amt per person is $125?? Somewhere I read it was $30 but wanted to be sure before I finished the EHAS form

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No. It's $15 a person.


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Thank you. I think I have it figured out!

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Can someone confirm (and make me and and my wife feel better) that the rt-PCR test you take prior to travel and the Binaznow proctored test to return (if choosing that way) - that neither are the old tests that poke the swab to the back of the brain?? Are hey both just nasal swabs like at home self-tests? Thank you!

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Haha! Yes, just like the home tests. Nothing to it.


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Depends who is administering the test.

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So in your recent travels, where did you take the test that they did that?

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Different question - and I sure appreciate everyones help.

I am intersted in what kinds of documents you were successful in uploading for EHAS approval?

I do not need an overview of what is on the approval submission website. I read that and understand.

But I am curious since there are so many options as to what you can get back from a test result. I would be able to get a signed letter from doctor with all the information from my doctor for a rapid antigen test. Would love to scan that and send it in. As this test can be administered by her and no lab needed, I do not know if they would frown on that (reading that doctor email not good enough).

Anyone do an antigen test with their doctor?

Thanks!

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Are you vaccinated? If you're vaccinated, you don't need to worry about test results at all.


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We are not. Had delta version this time last year.

Anyone email them with just a general question and get responses?

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Several people have sent in general questions to EHAS and gotten a response.


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Did I just read this correctly, you have to have proof of taking a covid booster shot within 14 days of arrival?


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No....you did not read it correctly. You are considered fully vac'd two weeks after your second shot

"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,"

The addition of the booster info is a tad misleading since "fully vac'ed" does not mean boosters administered

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We are to fly to SXM on 10/29. I fear I am still too obtuse to understand #5 on their list. My wife had Covid last May but only had a "Rapid NAAT test" done. Not a PCR. She only talked to her Dr. on the phone briefly and had a very mild case. Her Dr. wonders what a PCR test will demonstrate to them at this late date. Since she never had a PCR test done I am tempted to simply say we have not had Covid in the last 9 months as we have nothing they accept to demonstrate she did.

Should she get a PCR test done now even though it is still 17 days out?
Advice?

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When they say "positive Covid-19 PCR test result" do they mean positive that she does NOT have Covid?

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Has she had the vaccine? If so, then it doesn't matter if she had Covid or not. Just show proof of vaccination.


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Yes, we are fully vaxed and boosted. But #5 on their list says this:

Travelers who have recovered from a Covid-19 infection within 9 months before departure must upload one of the below acceptable proofs 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.

It does not seem to exempt vaxed travelers.

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...and the Rapid NAAT test has always been accepted when it WAS needed...used it for four trips...

https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing

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MXS--That is only if you are using the fact that you recovered from Covid in order to bypass having to have a vaccination or have a test. If you are vaccinated, just upload proof of vaccination.


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Yay! I agree they were needed to begin with, but glad they are now gone!! clapping


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I hate to be a dissenter, and I know I'll make some enemies here, but this is a disease that has killed over a million in the US, and many millions globally, and it's still out there. Hospitalizations are on the rise in several states. Yes, for convenience reasons relaxing restrictions is nice. But the last time it was done, the disease came back "bigly" and in some areas the restrictions were reintroduced.


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I agree it's definitely still out there, and I plan on getting another booster shot, hopefully this weekend. But the time for EHAS is past.


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Carol… my posts aren’t showing up…but they appear on my mailbox

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Sorry, I don't understand your question.


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