IMPLICATIONS OF THE COVID-19 IN THE CARIBBEAN (UPDATE N° 35 December 21st 2021 to March 07th, 2022)

marzo 7, 2022

The government of Aruba through the Prime Minister sr. Evelyn Wever-Croes announced on February 16, 2022 the suspension of all measures related to Covid19. With the exception of the necessary proof at the time of entering Aruba.

For entering of travellers to the country:

Visitors must download the Aruba Health Department App from the Aruba Department of Public Health. A mobile resource for information on COVID-19 health procedures in Aruba and faster results for Molecular PCR COVID-19 tests conducted in Aruba.

All people who come from abroad must take a test to enter the island, or they must prove that they are fully vaccinated (3 doses), in the latter case they will not need to take the test.

Travellers fully vaccinated against Covid19 who will visit Aruba must comply with the established health protocol: have a negative result of a PCR test at least 72 before the trip, complete the boarding / disembarkation process online and take out medical insurance, among others.

All travelers who do not show documentation indicating a negative Molecular COVID-19 test result prior to traveling to Aruba as part of the ED card process will receive a Molecular PCR COVID-19 test at the airport upon arrival in Aruba. The COVID-19 molecular PCR test will be followed by mandatory quarantine in the traveler’s booked accommodation while the test results are evaluated.

As of February 03 of this year, Aruba accepts antigen tests and molecular tests (such as PCR) from any certified laboratory as long as it meets the COVID-19 testing requirements.

The Aruban authorities maintain the following measures as a recommendation against COVID-19:

Closing hours are in accordance with the operating permit that each establishment has.
The number of people who can sit at tables will no longer be limited.
Constant hand washing.
Distance of one and a half meters.
Use of the mask, if necessary.
Always have fresh air, if there are closed areas try to ventilate them periodically.
If you have symptoms, stay home immediately and have a test forthwith to find out your health status.

Cruise ships have been entering Aruba. Cruise ships have been entering in Aruba.

The restrictions and protocols related to the prevention of the spread of COVID 19 announced by the authorities in all ports remain applicable and mandatory.

Crew change is allowed under specific conditions.

In the event that a crewmember presents a non-COVID 19 injury or illness, the health authorities must be informed and they will be the ones who authorize disembarkation for medical assistance on land in the public or private hospital system.

The government of the Bahamas maintains the protocol and requirements established for the entry of travelers to the country:

Since end of December 2021, anyone with test results older than three days (72 hours) will not be allowed to enter the Bahamas.
Fully vaccinated individuals traveling to the Bahamas from foreign countries and between islands will be required to obtain a negative COVID-19 test (either a rapid antigen test or an RT-PCR test, including PCR, NAA, NAAT, TMA or RNA), taken no more than three days (72 hours) before the date of arrival in the Bahamas or no more than three days (72 hours) before the date of travel, respectively.
Effective December 27th, 2021, unvaccinated travelers, over the age of 12, entering the Bahamas must obtain a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test (including PCR, NAA, NAAT, TMA, or RNA ) taken no more than three days (72 hours) before the arrival date.
Beginning December 27th, 2021, children between the ages of 2 and 11 must have a negative COVID-19 test (either a rapid antigen test or an RT-PCR test), performed no more than three days (72 hours) before the date. arrival in The Bahamas.
Please note: The Bahamas has suspended the mandatory COVID-19 RT-PCR testing requirement for vaccinated travelers, which was expected to go into effect on January 7th, 2022. Also applicable, for children ages 2-11. Rapid antigen tests will continue to be accepted for people with all immunizations, including the 2-11 age group.
Children under the age of 2 are exempt from any testing requirements.
Effective since December 27th, 2021, unvaccinated individuals traveling inter-island within the Bahamas from New Providence (Nassau), Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island (Freeport), Eleuthera, or Inagua must obtain an RT-PCR test COVID-19 negative. taken no more than three days (72 hours) before the date of travel, and presented to the operator of the airline or vessel in which they travel.
All persons traveling to the Bahamas must apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa at travel.gov.bs. A travel health visa will no longer be required for inter-island travel within the Bahamas. In addition, payment of the Travel Health Visa fee is no longer required for Bahamian citizens and residents returning to the Bahamas.
The travel health visa requirement for citizens and residents has been suspended. Instead, Bahamian citizens and residents must present a negative COVID-19 test upon registration before departing for the Bahamas.
Fully vaccinated travelers must upload negative test results in addition to valid proof of vaccination confirming they have exceeded the two-week immunity period (such as CDC or government issued immunization record card) .
At this time, the Bahamian government will only accept vaccines from AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria/Covishield), Janseen (Johnson & Johnson), Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty), Moderna (Spikevax), Sinopharm, Covaxin or Sinovac.
All unvaccinated individuals must upload negative COVID-19 PCR test results. The tests must be carried out up to three days (72 hours) before the arrival date.
As part of the Bahamas Travel Health Visa application, travelers will need to opt for COVID-19 health insurance that covers them during their stay in the Bahamas. The cost of insurance is included in the Bahamas Health Travel Visa application fee.
The Government of The Bahamas announced that, because of the identification of a new variant of COVID-19 – Omicron (B1.1.529), it has imposed travel restrictions on travellers, vaccinated or unvaccinated, from the following countries: Botswana; Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) Lesotho; Malawi; Mozambique; Namibia; Zimbabwe; and South Africa.
Individuals not ordinarily resident in The Bahamas who have travelled to, though, or from these countries within the last fourteen (14) days will not be allowed to entry into The Bahamas at this time.
Individuals who are ordinarily resident may be permitted to enter The Bahamas, but will be subject to mandatory quarantine for fourteen (14) days at their own expense and will undergo screening as mandated by the Ministry of Health.

The following local restrictions are maintained:

Curfew in effect: Partial (only on some islands at different times).
Events: Partially allowed with restrictions.
Transport: Operational with restrictions
Shopping: Open.
Restaurants and Bars: Open with restrictions.
The mask and sanitization requirements remain in place for everyone.

Cruise ships have been received in Bahamas.

The restrictions and protocols related with the prevention of the spread the COVID 19 announced by the authorities at all Ports remain applicable and compulsory.

Crew changes is allowed.

In case that a crew member presents a Non-COVID 19 injury or illness, health authorities has to be informed and they will be the one who authorized the disembark to shore medical assistance in the public or private hospital system.

The Bermuda authorities, through the Ministry of Health, maintain the current measures against COVID-19 as of February 25, 2022 and issue new guidelines effective starting on March 7.

New Guidelines applicable from March 7, 2022: All visitors to Bermuda over the age of 12 must be fully vaccinated. (Fully vaccinated is defined as having received a full course of a COVID-19 vaccine with at least 14 days since the last dose.) Proof of vaccination status is required.

Unvaccinated children aged 11 and under: Are welcome and will assume the immunization status of the guardian traveling with them.

Unvaccinated cruise passengers (over 12 years of age) will not be allowed to disembark while in Bermuda.
All visitors 2 years and older must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (supervised antigen and PCR tests are accepted) The date of the PCR test must not be more than 4 days before arrival in Bermuda.
The date of the supervised antigen test must not be more than 2 days prior to arrival in Bermuda.
The Traveler Authorization (TA) form must be completed with the above information 1-3 days prior to arrival.
The TA form fee has been reduced from $75 to $40, which will include proof of return if required
No further testing will be required upon arrival in Bermuda. However, if a visitor’s home country requires proof to return, it will be scheduled automatically and be provided before they leave Bermuda.
Residents returning to Bermuda are not required to be vaccinated, but a quarantine period applies.

Current Measurements:

All Travelers to Bermuda must comply with the requirements set out in the Quarantine (COVID-19) Order (No. 3) 2020.
Documentation of tests and vaccinations must be uploaded on your travel authorization application. Travel authorization applications must be purchased 1-3 days prior to travel to allow for review of the application and supporting proof documents and immunizations.
Visitors who do not submit a valid pre-arrival test result will be notified that their test is invalid and given the opportunity to submit a valid result.
A pre-arrival test is mandatory for non-residents 2 years and older.
Vaccinated residents without prior valid proof are expected to quarantine for 4 days upon arrival.
Vaccinated air travelers may receive a PCR (within 4 days prior to travel) or an emergency test (within 3 days prior to travel) as a pre-test.
Unvaccinated travelers must have a PCR test within 4 days prior to travel.

Vaccination requirements to enter Bermuda:

Residents do not have a vaccination requirement.

Vaccinated Travelers:

Upon arrival in Bermuda, vaccinated travelers must have an arrival PCR test and a day 4 antigen test (arrival day = day 0).
Your proof of arrival will be done at your port of entry.
Vaccinated residents with a valid pre-arrival test must remain in quarantine upon arrival until the negative arrival test result is received.
Vaccinated residents without a valid pre-arrival test must quarantine upon arrival until the negative test result is received on day 4.
Expedited arrival testing is available to vaccinated travelers (both visitors and residents) for $200. This ensures the arrival of antigen or PCR test results within four (4) hours.

Unvaccinated travelers:

Unvaccinated travelers must take a PCR test on arrival and a day 10 antigen test (arrival day = day 0) and quarantine on arrival until the negative result of the day 10 test is received.
Your proof of arrival will be done at your port of entry. Post-arrival testing will be automatically set up for you after you arrive and you will be notified of the testing date and location via email.

Quarantine wristbands:

All travelers over the age of 10 will receive a red wristband upon arrival. Wristbands must be worn until the traveler’s negative quarantine exit test result is received.

Positive visitors:

If a visitor tests positive at any time during their stay in Bermuda, they are expected to isolate themselves from others until they leave Bermuda at the end of their quarantine, based on the travel authorization waiver they have signed.

All visitors arriving by Air or Sea:

They must be fully vaccinated, except for people under the age of 18 and working crew.
A pleasure boater and superyacht boater arriving by sea may self-quarantine upon arrival in Bermuda on their vessel and fly the yellow flag to signal quarantine.
An immunized seafarer without a negative COVID-19 PCR test performed within 4 days of their date of departure for Bermuda must quarantine for 4 days (including time at sea from last port) on their ship upon departure. get to Bermuda
An unimmunized seaman must quarantine for 10 days (including time at sea from last port) on his ship upon arrival in Bermuda.
People arriving by air to join a pleasure craft or superyacht must follow the Air Traveler Protocols.
Captains must send Travel Authorization, vaccination certificates and negative COVID-19 PCR test result for all boaters to: dutyofficer@marops.bm and porthealth@gov.bm
Captains must also follow the normal procedures for applying for transit, cruise or charter permits (Passenger Ships and Other Vessels Act 1972).

The protocols for the different activities established by the local authorities must be followed.

Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority implemented restrictions and protocols related to the prevention of the spread of COVID 19, which must be complied with by all vessels that arrive at its ports.

Crew changes is allowed with restrictions. In case that a crew member presents a Non-COVID 19 injury or illness, health authorities has to be informed and they will be the one who authorized the disembark to shore medical assistance in the public or private hospital system.

The requirements for travelers established by the government of Bonaire were updated on February 25, 2022 and currently applicable until further notice:

All travelers must complete a Department of Public Health health declaration form online 24-12 hours prior to departure. This statement can be downloaded at: https://www.bonairepublichealth.org.
At the time of check-in, boarding and arrival, travelers must present the printed health declaration, the result of a coronavirus test and/or a vaccination certificate.
Travelers should check if their health insurance will cover medical costs and costs related to COVID-19 during their stay.
Classification of countries according to the risk of contagion by Covid-19 established on December 10:
The countries classified as very low risk are: China, Saba and Sint Eustatius
The countries classified as low risk are: Argentina, Canada, Peru, Spain, Sweden and Uruguay.
Countries classified as high risk are: Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Finland, France, French Guiana, Germany, Greece, Guyana, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, San Marino, Seychelles, Suriname, Switzerland, the United States and Vatican City.
Countries classified as very high risk are: Botswana, Eswatini, Haiti, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.
Countries not mentioned in any of the categories are considered high risk.
Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten are high-risk countries for Bonaire. All travelers must take a PCR test 48 hours before departure to Bonaire.

Requirements for travelers established on November 30, 2021, taking into account the country of origin according to the risk of contagion by Covid-19:

From very low risk countries:

– Fully vaccinated people and People who are not (fully) vaccinated: Health Declaration between 24 and 12 hours before departure.

From low-risk countries:

Fully vaccinated people:

– Health Declaration between 24 and 12 hours before departure.

People who are not (fully) vaccinated:

– Health Declaration between 24 and 12 hours before departure.

– NAAT-PCR Test 48 hours before departure.

From high-risk countries:

Fully vaccinated people:
Health Declaration between 24 and 12 hours before departure.
Antigen Test within 24 hours before departure or NAAT-PCR Test within 48 hours before departure.
People who are not (fully) vaccinated:
Health Declaration between 24 and 12 hours before departure.
NAAT-PCR Test within 24 hours before departure or NAAT-PCR Test within 48 hours before departure + Antigen Test immediately upon arrival on Bonaire.

From very high-risk countries:

Fully vaccinated people:
Health Declaration between 24 and 12 hours before departure.
Antigen Test within 24 hours before departure or NAAT-PCR Test within 48 hours before departure.
NAAT-PCR Test on day 5 after arrival.
People who are not (fully) vaccinated:
Health Declaration between 24 and 12 hours before departure.
NAAT-PCR Test within 24 hours before departure or NAAT-PCR Test within 48 hours before departure + Antigen Test immediately upon arrival on Bonaire.
NAAT-PCR Test on day 5 after arrival.

Fully vaccinated means that the final vaccination has been administered at least two weeks ago.

All people while on Bonaire must follow the measures issued for local authorities to ensure that the Corona virus does not spread.

The restrictions and protocols related with the prevention of the spread the COVID 19 announced by the authorities at all Ports remain applicable and compulsory.

Crew changes are allowed with restrictions.

The Colombian government maintains the protocol and requirements Updated since February 1^st, 2022 for the entry of travelers to the country:

International travelers entering Colombia must not present a negative PCR test to enter the country. They should only register Check-Mig 24 hours before their flight at the following link: migracioncolombia.gov.co.
If you travel within the country, you do not need to present your negative PCR test. Nor will it be a requirement to have the information downloaded and filled out in the CoronApp mobile application.
There are mobility restrictions in some destinations in the country according to the level of contagion and occupation of the Intensive Care Units.
Currently, Colombia has 20 airlines in operation connecting 8 destinations at a national level with 22 countries in the world.
Still applicable to comply with the following measures provided for in Resolution No. 2052 of 2021 of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection:
- Present the vaccination card or card with the complete schedule, at least 14 days before the trip. The required vaccines will be those authorized by the World Health Organization. The definition of the complete scheme will be in accordance with the technical recommendation of the producer of each biological.
- Foreigners not residing in Colombia who do not have a complete vaccination schedule or who do not comply 14 days before the trip, may enter the country by presenting a PCR test with a negative result, issued no more than 72 hours before the initially scheduled shipment. Date and Time.In the exclusive case of Colombians and foreigners with permanent residence, who do not have a vaccination card or those who have an incomplete vaccination schedule, must present a PCR test with a negative result, issued no more than 72 hours before the initially scheduled date and time of shipment.
- The Certificate or vaccination card may be presented physically or digitally, which can be obtained at https://mivacuna.sispro.qov.co/MiVacuna/Accountioqin or in the digital MinSalud application.
- All international travellers, whether nationals or not, must register through the Check-Mig application of the Special Unit for Migration Colombia.
- All international travellers, whether nationals or not, must respond to the tracking and follow-up telephone calls made by the National Tracking Contact Center (CCNR from line 1900), their insurer or the health secretary of the jurisdiction where they will stay. during your stay or where you usually reside. Likewise, they must comply with the use of biosafety measures that the Colombian state has.

The health emergency due to COVID 19 in the country has been extended until further notice according to Resolution 1913 of 2021 of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection.

Starting on February 1, those who want to enter the country by sea must present their vaccination card with at least one anticovid dose, added to a negative PCR test issued 72 hours in advance or an antigen test 48 hours in advance. This was exposed in Resolution.
The Ministry of Health and Social Protection, has issued a resolution No. 0111.
Additionally, the new resolution includes a chapter for crewmembers of cargo flights, who may be exceptionally exempt from the vaccination card requirement, subject to being isolated in a hotel during the loading and unloading period, minimizing their social interaction. in addition to the presentation of a negative PCR or antigen test.
Resolution 0111 applies to airport operators, airlines and aircraft operators, passenger airlines and cargo airlines, customs agencies, departments and port operators, cruise lines, the Special Migration Unit Colombia , to the Special Administrative Unit of Civil Aeronautics, to the entities responsible for insurance, to the municipal, district and departmental health secretariats, to the crew members and passengers of passenger airlines, crew members of international cargo airlines and to the crew members and passengers of the international shipping.
The other measures for international travelers, in force since Resolution 2383 of 2021, remain the same, including those related to the vaccination card, but in those cases in which the test requirements for COVID-19 apply, the antigen test will also be accepted.

Crew changes are allowed with restrictions.

Sanitary control measures for visitors starting on February 16, announced by the ministry of public health.

Cuban borders will remain open and the country’s airports are operational since November 15, 2021.

Measures for international sanitary control:

For travellers, whether or not they are residents in Cuba, it will be mandatory:

Present a complete vaccination schedule at the point of entry.
Show the negative result of a PCR-RT, carried out a maximum of 72 hours before the trip.
Random surveillance will be increased, beginning with RT-PCR at the border for travelers from high-risk countries.

In addition to the above measures, Cubans residing in the country who do not have a vaccination scheme, to enter the national territory, will be required to:

Collect a sample for SARS-CoV-2 PCR-RT at the point of entry.
Comply with a mandatory quarantine, for eight days, in a hotel designated for this purpose, with the traveler assuming the costs of accommodation and transportation.
On the seventh day, a new sample will be taken that, if negative, will allow discharge from quarantine on the eighth day.
All crewmembers and passengers of merchant ships that intend to enter Cuba, and come from foreign ports, must present a complete vaccination schedule and, in addition, a PCR study will be carried out at the point of entry.
The crews of airplanes and cruise ships that will remain less than 48 hours in the national territory will be exempt from these measures. In both cases they will have to present their complete vaccination schedule.
Cruise and pleasure boat passengers will have to present an international certificate of vaccination against COVID-19 to enter the country.
Travelers who arrive in Cuba and are part of the enrollment of international schools, scholarships in Cuban institutions, foreign technicians and collaborators who are staying, will carry out an eight-day quarantine in their respective centers, and will undergo a PCR-RT on the seventh day of
Mandatory quarantine for travelers from South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Malawi and Eswatini is not longer required.

Do not require complete vaccination schedule:

Children up to 12 years old, of any nationality or origin.
Adults who, due to medical reasons, and duly certified, cannot be vaccinated with any of the vaccines approved to date by the corresponding regulatory agencies.

Crew changes restrictions continues.

In the event that any crew member presents a Non-COVID 19 injury or illness, the health authorities must be informed and authorize the disembarkation for medical assistance on the ground in the hospital system.

The country risk classification list was updated, according to Government Statement No. 472:

All countries are classified as high-risk countries.

According to Government Communications No. 499, 506 and 504 respectively.

- A maximum of two (2) boats moored next to each other at sea or next to a dock.
- The Coast Guard will verify the necessary valid documents on board each vessel, also check safety measures on ships.
- All quarantined individuals who have not developed any symptoms related to COVID-19 after six (6) days, may contact their primary care physician to schedule a PCR test on day 7 at a laboratory.
- All people who completed their ten (10) days of isolation will receive a digital proof of recovery in their email registered in the database of the Department of Epidemiology and Research (EPI) of the Ministry of Health.
- All travelers must present proof of a negative PCR test, performed within 48 hours prior to departure, upon arrival.

Government Communications No. 511, 548,543,545,546,547 and 504.

Changes in the Quarantine policy:

The option of leaving quarantine on day 7 with a negative PCR result was withdrawn.
The official quarantine period is still 10 days.

The Curacao authorities recommend in the flexibility of COVID-19 measures:

Maintain a safety distance of 2 meters between people and use the mask where it is not possible to maintain said physical distance.
Periodically ventilate closed spaces.
Constant hand washing.
As far as possible keep employees from home.

Starting on March 7, 2022:

The state of Emergency is extended, taking into consideration that COVID-19 is still considered a pandemic, for another 90 days.
As of February 18, the obligation to wear a suitable facemask will now only apply in closed spaces and indoor places.
All charter and pleasure boats can use 100% of their registered occupancy capacity.
The current ban on more than 4 people per gathering will be lifted.
All establishments may open according to the schedule determined in their economic license. The curfew is without effect.

All crew changes are subject to approval by the COVID Crisis team and they will arrange all transportation.The following documents must be presented at least 5 days before the crew change: copy of passport, navigation book, medical certificate, ship’s maritime health status and any other information.

The restrictions and protocols related to the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 established by the authorities in all ports remain mandatory.

In the event that any crewmember presents an injury or illness other than COVID-19, the health authorities must be informed and they will authorize the disembarkation to receive medical assistance in the hospital system.

All the restrictive measures imposed by COVID-19 are suspended, and it will be up to each individual to take their own measures to safeguard their health, responsibly, but without restrictions.

Current requirements to enter the Dominican Republic:

Negative COVID-19 test presentation is not required. Random testing continues on arrival at airports and ports.
Passengers under the age of seven are exempt from this procedure. Those passengers who present a vaccination card or a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours before their arrival in the Dominican Republic will be exempt from the random test.
All passengers will also be required to undergo a temperature check.
Measures such as the use of the mask, the presentation of the vaccination card to access places of public use or the restrictions in public spaces are the responsibility of each individual.
The occupancy level in hotel establishments may be up to 100%.
The occupancy level in excursions, maritime transport, ranch, horse and water park activities may be up to 85%.
Quarantine is not required when entering the country.
All foreign and Dominican passengers entering or leaving the Dominican Republic on commercial flights must complete the free entry and exit electronic form, which combines the International Boarding and Landing Card, Customs Declaration, and Health Affidavit forms. of the Traveler. The form can be accessed in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese and Russian through the following link: https://eticket.migracion.gob.do

The national territory remains declared a pandemic and, consequently, there are preventive measures to continue taking effective action against the disease caused by COVID-19.

Further:

The country restarted the tourist operation, with the opening of the country’s air borders.

Measures include:

Reactivation of commercial flights to and from the country’s airports.
Reopening of hotels, adhering to strict protocols to offer a safe environment, which includes all cleaning measures, as well as the use of contactless technologies.
Ports, marinas and anchorages to receive yachts, ferries and cruise ships are open.
The private collective transport of passengers and shopping centers operate normally.
Public beaches open to the public.

The restrictions and protocols related to the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 announced by the authorities in all ports remain in effect.

Free pratique has always been granted once the ship has docked and has been authorized by the authorities. The following documents must be submitted to PFSO prior to the arrival of the ship: medical protocol, crew list, the last ten ports, the P&I certificate and the declaration of maritime health.

Crew changes are allowed, however, authorization from the High Level Presidential Commission is required. Required documents: crew details, passport copy and preliminary flight details to request authorization.

There are precautionary tests, once the ship arrives, the Port Authorities Medical Commission takes the temperature of all crew members and checks them for other symptoms of COVID-19.

Health Personnel designated by the Ministry of Defense carry out a medical examination of the ship’s crew at the berth, so all crew members must disembark from the ship when docking. Medical assistance is possible is subject to authorities authorization.

The Authorities of San Bartolomé and San Martín keep the protocol and requirements updated for the entry of travelers into the country.

Saint Barth and Saint Martin have already opened their borders for international travellers, certain rules and pmust still be followed when entering the country, before and during your stay there.

For people over 16 years of age, the following rules apply at the French borders:

For vaccinated travelers:

No further testing is required on departure. Proof of a complete vaccination schedule becomes sufficient to reach France, regardless of the country of origin, as was the case before the distribution of the Omicron variant.

For unvaccinated travelers:

Coming from a country on the “green” list (characterized by a moderate circulation of the virus) the obligation to present a negative test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival to travel to France is maintained, but the measures are lifted to the arrival (test, isolation)
Coming from a country on the “orange” list, they must continue to present a compelling reason justifying the need to come to metropolitan France and may still be subjected to a random test upon arrival. Travelers who test positive will be required to isolate themselves, in accordance with Health Insurance recommendations.
Unvaccinated travelers need to send a copy of their negative result to the base at customerservicesxm@thlmarine.com and laure.ramel@thlmarine.com. They must also send it to their airline.
Submit a mandatory health authorization application through the Electronic Health Authorization System (EHAS).
Each traveler must purchase mandatory COVID-19 insurance during the health authorization application process. For questions related to this type of coverage, visit the SXM Protection Plan.

Face masks and social distancing (5-6ft) are required in public places, including the beach.

The navigation area is restricted to the French side of Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy. Travel to the Dutch side of St. Marteen, Anguilla, Antigua, St. Kitts/Nevis is prohibited.

Carry out a self-check that will be given to you at the airport.

Crew changes are permitted – Requirements: ship(s) specs, previous ports, crew to off sign and on sign if need be and copy of their passports and seaman’s books. The crew is not allowed to spend the night ashore.

The crew must go from the ship to the airport and vice versa. Crewmembers arriving in Sint Maarten must provide the immigration officer at the airport with a negative COVID-19 test, the results of which were received within 72 hours prior to boarding the aircraft.

The government of Sint Maarten maintains the protocol and requirements effective since March 1, 2022 for the entry of travelers into the country.

Travel Requirements:

Due to the COVID-19 epidemic was established a mandatory health pre-authorization application through an Electronic Health Authorization System (EHAS) for every visitor arriving by air including transits, Sint Maarten and Saint Martin residents. Without the health pre- boarding will not be possible. Be advised that processing time can take up to 12 hours.

Requirements vary by country risk and vaccination status.

All travelers with all vaccinations:

The full vaccination date cannot be earlier than one year, unless a booster vaccination was given before the end of the one-year window. The booster shot must be at least 14 days old. The EHAS application still needs to be completed. The vaccination completion date must be presented, as well as valid proof of vaccination (country official vaccination card or QR code, full name and first name, dates of administration and vaccine lot number(s)) from the country where the vaccine was administered. The booster vaccine received must be indicated in the corresponding field and proof of it must also be uploaded (official vaccination card of the country or QR code).

People 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, or
2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine
2 weeks after the second dose in a 2-dose series combination of a single dose Pfizer or Moderna with a single dose Astra Zeneca, or
2 weeks after a single-dose of vaccine after a confirmed COVID-19 infection within 6 months before the vaccination (to be stated on proof of vaccination in absence of a digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate).
The accepted Covid-19 vaccines are: Comirnaty (Pfizer), Spikevax (Moderna), Vaxzevria (Astrazeneca), Johnson & Johnson/Janssen, Covishield (Astrazeneca), Sinopharm and Sinovac/CoronaVac.

A mandatory COVID-19 insurance has been implemented for all travelers with the exception of Sint Maarten residents. The insurance purchasing process is an integrated step in the EHAS application. Travelers requiring the COVID-19 insurance must complete this process upon application.

The application must be completed in order to be processed. This includes proof of a negative COVID-19 test result, information on the vaccination status (including official proof of completed vaccination in case fully vaccinated) and the purchase of the mandatory COVID-19 insurance in case required. Provide a working personal email address on which you are reachable.

All incoming passengers are subjected to temperature checks and other screening protocols and may be subjected to mandatory testing at their own expense. Failure to comply with the screening at the Health Check Point upon arrival will result in you not being cleared to enter

St. Maarten and sent back to your originating country. If re-tested upon arrival you will be required to self-isolate or self-quarantine at your place of lodging/residence until the test results are known.Applicants will receive confirmation of their accepted application. Non-completed applications will be automatically deleted within a day after the provided travel date.

If health authorization is pre-approved, you will receive a (printable) pre-authorization PDF via e-mail, which must be presented at check in

and to the health and immigration authorities upon arrival. Keep the original RT-PCR or antigen test result and proof of vaccination.

COVID-19 Test Requirements

Traveling to Sint Maarten from: Any Country

EHAS Application Required: YES
Full vaccinated plus booster shot >14 days: No proof required.
Vaccinated 5 years and older: Test rt-PCR within 48 hrs. o Ag test within 24 hrs. Before departure.
Children 0 to 5 years: Test is NOT required.
Full vaccinated 5 years and older: Test rt-PCR within 48 hrs. Before departure.

The RT-PCR and extreme test sample for SARS-COV-2 virus should be obtained from a nasopharyngeal swab in adolescents and adults. An oropharyngeal swab is acceptable for children.

From COVID-19 home collection test kits will also not be accepted. Airlines may require you to show a negative lab test result.
The original test result to be uploaded as part of the EHAS request procedure must specify the name of the laboratory or clinic, the full name of the test subject, the type of test administered, the name of the gage test, the date of the sample, the origin of the swab and the date of the result. and a negative result. Non-compliant test results, handwritten or emailed statements from physicians will not be accepted.
Applicants with a recent COVID-19 infection and still positive COVID-19 test will only be granted entry with a post rt-PCR test result when the Ct value is greater than 35 . The Ct value must be clearly indicated in the test result.

The French government maintains the updated protocol and requirements for the entry of travelers to the country:

A negative impression or PCR test of less than 24 hours is required for all travelers.
General ones must be quarantined for up to 10 days; Quarantine served in a home or dedicated facility (cost at traveler’s expense) (special arrangements may apply due to GreenLanes). For more information: https://www.interieur.gouv.fr.
From January 24th, 2022, the vaccination pass is in force for those over 16 years of age. Replaces the health pass in those open to the public (except health and social establishments)

The following border regulations will apply:

For vaccinated travelers in the sense of European regulations, no further tests will be carried out on departure. Proof of a complete vaccination schedule becomes sufficient to reach France, regardless of the country of origin, as was the case before the distribution of the Omicron variant.
For unvaccinated travelers, the obligation to present a negative test to travel to France is maintained, but the measures on arrival (test, isolation) are lifted when they come from countries on the «green» list, characterized by a moderate circulation of the virus.
When unvaccinated travelers come from an «orange» list country, they must still present a compelling reason justifying the need to come to mainland France and may still be subject to random testing on arrival. Travelers who test positive must self-isolate, in accordance with Health Insurance recommendations.
The regulations related to the «vaccination card» for those over 18 years and 1 month have been modified: the booster dose must be taken three months after completing the initial vaccination schedule and within four months.

Tests:

If a person has noted to be in contact with someone with COVID 19, the contact person only have to take one test (self-test or antigen test or RT-PCR test) on day D2. That is, two days after having the information of having been in contact with a person who tested positive.
It is no longer mandatory to perform a PCR test to confirm a positive antigen test.

On the other hand, a PCR test is still necessary after a positive self-test.

The vaccines admitted by France are those recognized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA): Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca/Vaxzevria/Covishield and Janssen.

Reduced sanitary measures:

Since February 28, the mask is no longer mandatory in closed places subject to the «vaccination card». The use of the mask indoors remains in transport and closed places not subject to the vaccination pass.
From February 2 it is no longer mandatory to wear a mask outdoors.

Education:

The health protocol goes from level 3 to level 2 in the first degree for the entire metropolitan territory.

The restrictions and protocols related to the prevention of the spread of COVID 19 announced by the authorities in all ports remain in effect.

The ban on crew changes continues.

In the event that a crew member presents a Non-COVID 19 injury or illness, the health authorities must be informed and authorize the disembarkation for medical assistance on the ground in the public or private hospital system.

The government of Saint Lucia maintains protocol and requirements for the entry of travellers to the country

Mandatory entry requirements:

All travelers must complete and submit an online travel registration form to receive Travel Authorization, and must take a COVID PCR test 5 days or less prior to arrival in Saint Lucia and submit negative results to the registration form trip for review and approval.
Passengers must receive and print their travel authorization documents before traveling. Failure to do so will result in your flight or vessel being denied boarding.
As a fully vaccinated arrival, you have expanded access to the island and will not be required to self-quarantine. Travelers are considered «fully vaccinated» once two weeks have passed since the second dose of a two-dose vaccine or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine. Proof of vaccinations must be presented upon entering Saint Lucia.
Unvaccinated passengers must be transferred in a certified taxi to the COVID-19 approved accommodation.
Visitors who are not fully vaccinated must remain at the property during their stay, except to move to another Covid-19 certified property to continue their stay or to participate in certified activities, tours, and excursions.
After 14 days in COVID-certified accommodation, international visitors who are not vaccinated will be able to stay in COVID-certified accommodation and continue to observe the protocols for stays in this type of accommodation, and will also enjoy expanded access to the destination.

On December 10, the Ministry of Health announced that the Covid-19 Protocols will be modified for December 2021 and January 2022 as follows:

All other protocols remain the same: Monday through Saturday on specific days not listed above will be 10 p.m. due to confinement. On Sundays the confinement will be maintained at 5:00 p.m.
The restrictions and protocols related with the prevention of the spread the COVID 19 announced by the authorities at all Ports remain applicable and compulsory.

Crew changes are allowed with restrictions.

The government of Saint Eustatius maintains the updated protocol and requirements for the entry of travellers to the country.

All countries will be considered high risk. The requirement for a negative PCR test within 48 hours prior to departure to Statia will remain in place. However, the mandatory entrance test for vaccinated persons will no longer apply.

All people entering Statia from a high-risk country must still remain in quarantine (unvaccinated people, 7 days) or monitoring (vaccinated people, 5 days). A mandatory antigen test at the end of the quarantine or follow-up period remains applicable.

Unvaccinated people from a low-risk country must enter quarantine for 7 days with a mandatory exit antigen test on the 7th day.

All travelers improved an approved EHAS form completed 24 hours before arrival.

Definition of fully vaccinated:

Two weeks after the second dose in a 2-dose vaccine series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or twenty-eight days after a single-dose vaccine, such as the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine
Fourteen days after the second dose of Sinopharm, Sinovac and Covishield
If you have had covid-19 in the past and a dose of a vaccine. You must be able to provide proof of having had covid-19

Approved vaccines:

Comirnaty (Pfizer), Spikevax (Moderna), Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca), Johnson & Johnson/Janssen, Sinopharm, Sinovac and Covishield. The government will not give permission to carry out work during quarantine for people who enter. Exemptions may be requested to perform essential work, the exemptions will require additional testing at the cost of the person in quarantine. If vaccinated persons under monitoring need to perform work that is not possible under the monitoring protocol, exemptions may be granted, the exemptions will require additional proof of the cost of the person under monitoring.

The restrictions and protocols related with the prevention of the spread the COVID 19 announced by the authorities at all Ports remain applicable and compulsory.

Crew changes are allowed with restrictions.

The government authorities announced the new COVID-19 measures, effective until further notice, among which the following stand out:

The curfew from 11 p.m. 5:00 in the morning.
Domestic commercial flights for regular passenger traffic are allowed.
The opening hours of local shops and restaurants are now from 05:00 until 22:00
The rules for incoming and outgoing passenger traffic have been further modified.
Borders by land, water and air will remain closed to people, except for reasons of urgency, reasons why the COVID-19 crisis management team grants permission.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation will continue to discuss with neighboring countries the form of border cooperation.

Authorized border crossings:

The borders will be open until further notice for passenger traffic, provided that:

a) the specific conditions and protocols of the relevant country or region from which the person directly comes are met
b) only after obtaining prior approval from the Surinamese authorities to travel, making it essential that the trip be assessed.

All travelers arriving in the country must present:

Printed proof of complete vaccination. The «fully vaccinated» status is acquired two (2) weeks after the last COVID-19 vaccination.
The negative result of a PCR test; the result must not be more than 48 hours before the departure of the flight to Suriname. The negative result test must be issued by an official testing body.

The restrictions and protocols related to the prevention of the spread of COVID 19 announced by the authorities in all ports remain in effect.

In the event that any crew member presents an injury or illness other than COVID-19, the health authorities must be informed and they will authorize disembarkation for medical assistance on the ground in the public or private hospital system.

The crew change ban continues.

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago maintains the protocols and requests for all visitors entering the country.

Non-nationals who are NOT fully vaccinated will not be allowed to enter Trinidad and Tobago at this time. Only fully vaccinated non-nationals are allowed to enter.
All persons entering Trinidad and Tobago must have a TTravel Pass, which must be obtained through this online portal. Travelers who successfully complete the application process will automatically be awarded a TTravel Pass.
The TTravel Pass can be printed or saved on a mobile device to board the flight and gain entry to Trinidad and Tobago.
At this time, unvaccinated/partially vaccinated citizens MUST enter the country only through Piarco International Airport in Trinidad
Possession of a TTravel Pass does not guarantee access to board the flight or to enter Trinidad and Tobago.
All travelers will continue to be subject to the validation processes of both the relevant airline and the Border Control Authorities in Trinidad and Tobago. Travelers can start the application process 72 hours before their arrival in Trinidad and Tobago.
People are only considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 if 14 days have passed since they received the full dose of a World Health Organization-approved vaccine, that is, 14 days after receiving a second one.
For 2-dose series COVID-19 vaccines, passengers must have received 2 doses of the same vaccine OR the first dose of the AstraZeneca/Covishield vaccine followed by the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
Passengers with any other combination of vaccinations would NOT be considered fully vaccinated, at this time.
Visitors to Trinidad and Tobago must be fully vaccinated at the time of applying for the TTravel Pass.

Please note that passengers will need to provide proof of:

Negative PCR tests no older than three (3) days.
be fully vaccinated according to WHO standards using WHO-approved vaccines.
State-supervised quarantine paid in full at an approved hotel facility, when applicable.
Non-national travelers who have visited the high risk incidence countries within fourteen (14) days of arrival in Trinidad and Tobago will NOT be allowed to enter Trinidad and Tobago at this time.
Domestic travelers who have visited the high-risk incidence countries, within a period of fourteen (14) days from their arrival in Trinidad and Tobago, will be allowed to enter Trinidad and Tobago, but will have a mandatory state-supervised quarantine of no less than 14 days.
The traveler must bear all the associated costs and, therefore, must make the necessary arrangements before the trip. This applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated citizens traveling from high-risk incidence countries.

The restrictions and protocols related with the prevention of the spread the COVID 19 announced by the authorities at all Ports remain applicable and compulsory.

Crew change remains forbidden.

Since February 8, 2022, the National Institute of Civil Aviation (INAC) announced that the restrictions on Commercial Aviation, General Aviation and Private Aviation operations to and from Venezuela continue. It also reported that, exceptionally, only commercial air operations are authorized for the transfer of passengers, cargo and mail, between Venezuela and Turkey, Mexico, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Russia, Cuba, Spain and Portugal in accordance with NOTAM No. C0139/22 and A0067/2022 dated February 08, 2022.

The country remains in the extended easing period, as announced by the authorities in January 2022, it was reaffirmed.

All travelers arriving in Venezuela must register online before departure at http: //pasedesalud.casalab.com.ve/, this will generate a QR code that they must present upon arrival. Likewise, they must present a negative result of a PCR test for COVID-19, carried out in a period of 72 hours prior to their arrival in the country.

The restrictions and protocols related to the prevention of the spread of COVID 19 announced by the authorities in all ports remain in force.

In the event that any crewmember presents an injury or illness other than COVID 19, the health authorities must be informed and they will authorize the disembarkation of medical assistance on land in the public or private hospital system.

The issuance of safe-conducts to key workers in the sector (marine and personnel associated with the port-ship interface) continues to guarantee their movement on land, as indicated by the Maritime Authority in Circular No. 014 (Special Notice 011 COVID-19) 27 April 2020.

NOTE:

INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM OFFICIAL SOURCES

IMPLICATIONS OF THE COVID-19 IN THE CARIBBEAN (UPDATE N° 35 December 21st 2021 to March 07th, 2022)

ARUBA

BAHAMAS

BERMUDA

BONAIRE

COLOMBIA

CUBA

CURACAO

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

SAINT BARTH AND SAINT MARTIN

SINT MAARTEN

FRENCH GUIANA

SAINT LUCIA

ST EUSTATIUS

SURINAME

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

VENEZUELA

Contact Info

Find us