New covid test requirement?

[KevinS]

This is our concern - we leave from Green Bay at 6 am, connect to Chicago, and then to San Juan. How can we test before 6 am?? A long day of travel doesn’t lend itself to 24-Hr testing unfortunately.

PCR testing is available within the SJU airport, but the timing for results likely doesn't work for you. I suggest that you reach out to Tradewind, who is more likely to be aware of the current Antigen test options.

Also, if you haven't already, check the entry requirements for PR, which are also changing today (12/27/21) to require a negative 48-hour test. https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/info/travel-guidelines

 

[JEK]

PCR testing is available within the SJU airport, but the timing for results likely doesn't work for you. I suggest that you reach out to Tradewind, who is more likely to be aware of the current Antigen test options.

Also, if you haven't already, check the entry requirements for PR, which are also changing today (12/27/21) to require a negative 48-hour test. https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/info/travel-guidelines

Unless things have changed no testing required for PR transfers. Tradewind will know about that as well.

 

[MantyPam]

Thank you, all! Appreciate everyone’s feedback. We will definitely check with Tradewind for the most accurate info. Wishing forum members a Happy New Year and safe traveling in 2022!

 

[JEK]

Seems there is more to worry about than getting tested, like getting a flight!

[FONT=&quot]Meanwhile, from Dec. 24 to Dec. 26, around 8,000 flights were canceled, according to[/FONT] data published by the online flight tracking platform FlightAware[FONT=&quot]. A [/FONT]number of airlines, including Delta, United, JetBlue and Alaska, blamed Covid-19 infections[FONT=&quot], including those connected to the highly transmissible omicron variant, for the difficulties.[/FONT][FONT=&quot]In a statement Sunday, Delta said “winter weather in portions of the U.S. and the omicron variant” were both taking a toll on the airline’s holiday weekend flight schedule.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Of 4,155 total mainline and connection flights scheduled Sunday, it said it had canceled 161, with around 40 more cancellations forecast for the day.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]JetBlue said it had about 110 cancellations Sunday, with the number expected to potentially grow depending on crew availability.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]“We have seen an increasing number of sick calls from omicron,” the airline said, adding it had entered the holiday season with the highest staffing levels since the pandemic began.[/FONT]

 

[debd]

Seems there is more to worry about than getting tested, like getting a flight!

Yes, indeed.

24 hour testing for arrival. Flight cancellations. Highly contagious variant. 24 hour negative test requirement for return. On a positive note, vaccine requirements, 24 hour testing, and the island itself would seem to make for a relatively safe environment, but for the question of possible lax nature towards requirements for this arriving by sea.

 

[Jim A]

So to be clear, the 24 hour rapid antigen test is now acceptable for entry into St Maarten for transit to Saint Barts and entry to Saint Barts, correct?

It has been all along for travel from the US and Canada to SXM and also allowed for SBH. So unless something recently changed. Yes it is acceptable when required. St Maarten has a decent website that is kept up to date. You can also check out their TA forum as it is pretty active.

I posted this chart (SXM requirements) somewhere on here a short while back and believe it is still accurate.

Traveling to Sint Maarten from:​	EHAS application required​	Fully Vaccinated​	Non – (fully) Vaccinated​	Non – (fully) Vaccinated Children 5 yrs. and older
Low risk country (1)	yes	No Test	No Test	No Test
High risk country	yes	No Test	rt-PCR test within 72 hrs. before departure	rt-PCR test within 72 hrs. before departure
Very High-Risk Country	yes	rt-PCR test within 48 hrs. before departure or Ag test within 24 hrs. before departure	rt-PCR test within 48 hrs. before departure	rt-PCR test within 48 hrs. before departure
USA/Canada	yes	No Test	rt-PCR test within 72 hrs. or Ag test within 48 hrs. before departure	rt-PCR test within 72 hrs. or Ag test within 48 hrs. before departure

edit: here is the link to the St Maarten website:
https://stmaartenehas.com/travel-requirements/

 

[Jim A]

Our biggest problem that I foresee is how can we get a 24 hour in advance test if we are flying overnight SAN-MIA with about a 4 hr. layover and then the next morning MIA-SXM-SBH? We are good to SXM if all is on time from a test on Sunday (and it looks like you do not even need a test for SXM-for now..) but not sure we can get a test after 5 PM on a Sunday to leave Sunday night, arrive in SBH Monday late afternoon??:eyes-roll1: I looked into getting a test in MIA airport after a test at home to get us through 24 hrs. (not sure if it is calendar day or 24 hrs. measured) but you have to go outside of security and we heard it is a mad house in MIA and you are not even sure of having a chance at testing there. Maybe the E-test thing might work...but they look pretty busy. Oh well, it is a month from now and all heck could break loose between now and then..or not..hopefully DD will soon test negative, which I guess is the first order of business...just waiting a bit to give him more time. But his antibodies must be amazing now!:blush-smile:

When we were there in July SXM offered testing at the airport. I'm not sure the do's and don'ts or if they still do but I'm guessing they do

 

[le_reve]

Thank you, all! Appreciate everyone’s feedback. We will definitely check with Tradewind for the most accurate info. Wishing forum members a Happy New Year and safe traveling in 2022!

Please let us know what you find out from Tradewinds.

We are in the same boat, leaving from Chicago in the morning to PR, 3 hour layover in PR for 5:30pm flight to SBH. Unless there is rapid antigen testing in the PR airport, not sure how to get this done since we'd have to get the test in Chicago at 5:30pm the day before. No easy task.

We have the luxury of some time, as our flight isn't until mid January.

Q

 

[Detigi98]

There is testing at SXM outside. 15 minute turnaround. You need to get out meaning clear customs, get a test and then check in again for SBC or Winair.
And if you are Double Vaccinated and Boosted ( As of Jan 1, 2022 for SXM ) you do not need to upload any Covid Test Results. This means that you can enter SXM fully vaccinated and then get an Antigen Test and continue your Journey. This is how I am interpreting the new rules. If I am wrong, please advise.

 

[JEK]

There is testing at SXM outside. 15 minute turnaround. You need to get out meaning clear customs, get a test and then check in again for SBC or Winair.
And if you are Double Vaccinated and Boosted ( As of Jan 1, 2022 for SXM ) you do not need to upload any Covid Test Results. This means that you can enter SXM fully vaccinated and then get an Antigen Test and continue your Journey. This is how I am interpreting the new rules. If I am wrong, please advise.

I think techncally that is correct, but I would want a negative test before I traveled all the way to SXM only to find out I was positive. Then, there would be the matter of getting back home with a negative test in hand . . .

 

[Detigi98]

I agree JEK but at least this allows a person who can not make the 24 hr turnaround to take a 1 day Antigen or a 2 day Antigen, have peace of mind that they are Negative and then travel to SXM and do whatever is necessary to get into their final destination.

 

[JEK]

That is true! This SXM test-upon-arrival will add an interesting twist to the age old question of “Is my connection time too tight?”

 

[Espen]

Included with much timely info from Tradewind site today: "We highly recommend you purchase an approved home COVID-19 test, which can be taken online under the supervision of a technician to verify your identity and the results. We recommend the Abbott BinaxNow COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test with eMed Telehealth Services (available in 2 packs, 3 packs, and 6 packs.)" Appears to be acceptable for entry.

 

[JEK]

Included with much timely info from Tradewind site today: "We highly recommend you purchase an approved home COVID-19 test, which can be taken online under the supervision of a technician to verify your identity and the results. We recommend the Abbott BinaxNow COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test with eMed Telehealth Services (available in 2 packs,3 packs, and 6 packs.)" Appears to be acceptable for entry.

Thanks for the current tip and links! Note Abbott makes a very similar antigen test that is available at many retail locations, those WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED BY THE PROCTORED SERVICES - only the Abbott tests procured through eMed will work. Much better to find this out now rather than 0600 on the morning of travel!

 

[TR561]

If you look at SA data, by February, cases should be plummeting. CDC already changing recommendations today for the better. I would hold off another 30 or so days before going and then it should be fine. Living in South Florida, it's pretty easy to pull off right now, with all of the hoops, but couldn't imagine doing SB from anywhere other than a home base of Miami or NYC, right now. Going to start planning for Mid-Feb, now...

Pandemic is on it's final chapter.

 

[JEK]

Pandemic is on it's final chapter.

From your lips to . . .

 

[Espen]

Tried to post new thread, but alas....Tradewind has update on SB Covid test requirement (confirmed by my SB host): "As of Tuesday, January 18th, 2022, the government of St Barths will accept a negative PCR or antigen tests taken within 48 hours before the departure flight to St Barths for green, orange, and red countries.

 

[TR561]

It's happening folks...

 

[BenG]

Is there any indication that St Barth might actually ditch these tests to arrive?