Caribbean Netherlands: Authorities maintain COVID-19-related international travel protocols as of June 28 /update 20

Event

Authorities in the Caribbean Netherlands islands of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba (BES) are maintaining several travel and business restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19 as of June 28. Measures vary by island.

Bonaire
All travelers must submit a Public Health Declaration between 48 and 72 hours prior to departure for Bonaire. Travelers entering from countries designated as low-risk may enter Bonaire without test or quarantine requirements. Low-risk countries include Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, China, Croatia (except Zagreb and the other areas in the Sjeverna Hrvatska region), Cyprus, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Rwanda, San Merino, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Thailand, and Vatican City. Travelers from the French island of Corsica, the Greek Aegean and Ionian islands, and the Spanish Balearic and Canary islands are also considered to be from low-risk countries.

Most persons traveling from any other destination must present a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within 24 hours before departure, or a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival, and an antigen test taken upon arrival. Travelers from Aruba and Curacao do not need to take the antigen test; vaccinated travelers from these islands are not required to take any test. Travelers from India, South Africa, Dominican Republic, Panama, and any country in South America, as well as individuals who have been in those countries within the previous 14 days, may enter Bonaire but must quarantine upon arrival for 10 days at their own expense. They may take a COVID-19 test after five days in Bonaire; authorities will determine if they can end the quarantine early.

Sint Eustatius
All travelers must register for entry by email at least 72 hours before their intended arrival and must fill a health declaration form 48-12 hours before entry. Travelers from the low-risk countries and territories of Australia, Austria, British Virgin Islands, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Czechia, Dominica, Finland, Germany, Grenada, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Montserrat, New Zealand, Norway, China, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Rwanda, Saba, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Switzerland, and Thailand are not subject to pre-travel testing or quarantine requirements.

Travelers from most other countries, which are considered high-risk, must present a negative NAAT test taken within 72 hours before arriving in Sint Eustatius. Unvaccinated travelers from high-risk countries must also quarantine for 10 days upon arrival.

Travelers from Argentina, Aruba, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Seychelles, South Africa, Suriname, the UK, Uruguay, and Venezuela, which are considered very-high risk, must undergo the same testing and quarantine measures as those from high-risk countries. However, vaccinated travelers from very-high-risk locations must quarantine for five days.

Saba
Persons traveling from a low-risk country do not have to undergo pre-travel testing unless they have visited a high-risk country within 14 days prior to departure, in which case they must undergo PCR or antigen testing within 72 hours prior to arrival. Persons traveling from a high-risk country must likewise undergo PCR or antigen testing within 72 hours prior to departure. Fully vaccinated persons traveling from a very high-risk country must show proof of a negative PCR test and quarantine for five days upon arrival. Minors do not have to adhere to quarantine measures, but they must undergo an antigen test upon arrival and may not attend a school, daycare, after-school care program, or social activities within five days of their arrival.

Travel and business disruptions are likely to persist as international flight routes resume. Authorities could reimpose travel bans for all or some countries with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks. Health- and testing-related entry requirements are also subject to amendment with short notice.

Advice

Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Netherlands Worldwide
Caribbean Netherlands - COVID-19
Government of Bonaire
Government of Sint Eustatius
Government of Saba