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Confused by entry/transit requirements

Posted By: Zanshin

Confused by entry/transit requirements - 06/08/2021 04:57 PM

I'm a bit confused by what I've read about flying through St. Martin as a fully-vaccinated traveler from a low-risk country (Germany) transit through SXM bound for the BVI. What test do I need to supply? Has anyone here done this or knows what the actual rules are?
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: Confused by entry/transit requirements - 06/08/2021 05:09 PM

St. MARTIN??? Are you flying into the French side? If you are flying into the Dutch side, the rules are HERE

Germany is NOT a low-risk country, according to the list on that site. Scroll down to the bottom of that page for the country risk assessment.

For the French side, who knows?? No way you can fly into the French side, I don't think, except from somewhere in the Caribbean.
Posted By: Zanshin

Re: Confused by entry/transit requirements - 06/08/2021 05:53 PM

I did mean Sint Maarten / SXM airport.

The linked page states that I need a rt-PCR test 72 hours before the flight, while the online form shows 100 hours. My problem is that the rt-PCR testing sites I can reach in Germany limit me to a test 96 hours before departure, I can't get a test at another time. Hence my question.
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: Confused by entry/transit requirements - 06/08/2021 05:54 PM

OK, for the Dutch side, even in transit, the rules are on the link I posted.
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: Confused by entry/transit requirements - 06/09/2021 01:02 PM

Zanshin--you made a change to your post after I replied before. Regarding the 120 hour rule, the rule for a Covid PCR test for someone from Germany is 72 hours before the plane that leaves nonstop for SXM. The 120 hours applies ONLY to those from the US and Canada. It is 48 hours for everyone for an antigen test.
Posted By: RickG

Re: Confused by entry/transit requirements - 06/09/2021 02:37 PM

We sail to Sint Maarten next week from the USVI. We will test and check out of customs Monday June 14. With staging, we should arrive at Simpson Bay Thursday June 17. I want to be certain to be within the 72-hour window in case of any challenges for arriving by sea. I am hoping that our EHAS applications on Monday are low/no drama!

Cheers, RickG
Posted By: Zanshin

Re: Confused by entry/transit requirements - 06/09/2021 03:25 PM

RickG - A friend of mine who is in St. Maarten now on a sailboat said it would be easier for me to sail into the French side - no quarantine/costs/extra testing while going into the Dutch side by boat is complicated and pricey.
Posted By: RickG

Re: Confused by entry/transit requirements - 06/09/2021 04:25 PM

Wow, that is different from what we have read. I'll look into it.

Cheers, RickG
Posted By: RickG

Re: Confused by entry/transit requirements - 06/09/2021 04:49 PM

Deep into French translations on St. Martin government site, my high school French is trying, I see that arriving by sea vaccinated people have relaxed restrictions. Looks like both the BVIs and USVIs are orange countries only requiring a PCR test within 72 hours if you are vaccinated, no quarantine - http://www.saint-barth-saint-martin...enance-des-Outre-mer-a-compter-du-9-juin

Sint Maarten requires a $30 per person medical insurance and may require a COVID test, with no quarantine.

I'll keep an eye on developments and decide where to land.

Cheers, RickG
Posted By: Zanshin

Re: Confused by entry/transit requirements - 06/10/2021 04:35 AM

I leave for the BVI on Monday and after getting out of quarantine I'll get "Zanshin" into the water and head over St. Martin and leave the BVI behind. Perhaps we'll see each other soon in St. Martin!
Posted By: RickG

Re: Confused by entry/transit requirements - 06/10/2021 11:52 AM

I'll keep an eye out for you Zanshin.

Cheers, RickG
Posted By: dvesc

Re: Confused by entry/transit requirements - 06/10/2021 02:44 PM

I’m not sure if this is new information or if I’m even reading it correctly, but it seems like this update yesterday is saying non-vaccinated travelers must quarantine for seven days on arrival and provide a reason for travel. This may not impact most, but it seems to almost make it impossible for anyone with younger kids to travel without quarantining since a vaccine isn’t available. For a time, testing wasn’t even required for anyone under 11, so I’m wondering if that exception applies here, too.

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=4007207006060054&id=730216490425805
Posted By: Zanshin

Re: Confused by entry/transit requirements - 06/10/2021 03:30 PM

Those new rules are for airline travel, not coming from a "safe" BVI via boat.
Posted By: dvesc

Re: Confused by entry/transit requirements - 06/10/2021 03:40 PM

This was a general piece of information regarding confusion on entry requirements.
Posted By: SXMScubaman

Re: Confused by entry/transit requirements - 06/10/2021 04:09 PM

Simplified version.
https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islan...t-unvaccinated-persons-must-self-isolate
Posted By: dvesc

Re: Confused by entry/transit requirements - 06/11/2021 11:07 AM

Hopefully things will change, but if not, the quarantine will most likely lead us to cancel our family trip in December. Not everyone in our group has the option of getting vaccinated yet.
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