St Barths is open again to ALL travel and tourism!

St Barths is open to ALL travel and tourism! 

Les Ilets is OPEN and we have all the relevant safety procedures in place to keep visitors and staff safe. Some FAQ to assist with some of your Covid enquiries.. however please message us or email info@lesilets.com  if you need any further details, have an enquiry or any further questions.  

Q   When can I travel to St Barths?

A   St Barths is open to all ALL travel and tourism.

Q  What are the Covid safety requirements for entry to the island and to the property?

A  You will be asked to provide proof of a Covid-negative RT-PCR test or a professional Nasopharyngeal  Antigen test performed within 72 hours of your flight. This antigen test must be sensitive to the VUI-2020-12- variant so please verify this with your provider. You must show this on entry at the port or airport. YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED ENTRY TO THE ISLAND WITHOUT THIS. You may also have your temperature taken on arrival at the airport.  Please also read the following entry conditions for your transit island as they may differ. 

Q  What if I didn’t get tested, my results didn’t arrive in time or are older than 3 days?

A  If you do not have proof of a Covid-negative RT-PCR or an appropriate Nasopharyngeal  Antigen test performed within 72 hours prior to your flight, you will NOT be allowed entry to the island or to board your flight. 

Q  We are transiting through another island, will they have different requirements?

A  Yes – This varies but presently as follows:

SXM – Juliana airport St Maarten – Passengers are required to show proof of a negative Covid-19 RT-PCR test taken within 120 hours of their departure flight or a Nasopharyngeal Antigen* test taken within 48 hours of their departure flight. Passengers will be subjected to thermal screening and temperate checks on arrival and random Covid testing. You will be required to wear a face mask inside the airport at all times. Passengers must complete this online form at least 12 hours BEFORE travel https://stmaartenehas.com/application-form/ for both legs of their journey and upload proof of their negative tests if requested. You will receive a pre-authorization email. You cannot board your flight to SXM without this so we recommend filling out this form as soon as you have your test results, at least 12 hours prior, preferably 24-48hrs prior. Some passenger from low -risk zones will not be asked to upload their results and will receive a pre-authorization email directly. 

Any problems please let us know urgently and we will try and assist.  Passengers arriving from France are obliged to also complete this form. 

*NB Only the following antigen tests are currently approved for entry into SXM: The Becton Dickinson (BD) Veritor Plus, the Abbott Panbio, the Abott BinaxNow and the Roche/SD Biosensor F antigen tests. Tests performed outside of the 48 hours period or other brand and type of antigen tests will not be accepted.

You can verify SXM entry requirements here https://stmaartenehas.com/travel-requirements/

By boat from St Martin – Same conditions apply as St Barths, i.e. you must have proof of a negative test within 3 days prior to travel unless you have been in St Martin for over 14 consecutive days as free movement has already been restored, without testing or quarantine between the French islands. 

ANU – Antigua – You will be asked to provide proof of a Covid-negative RT-PCR test performed within 7 days of your flight, both legs of your trip. NB This will not be sufficient for transit to St Barths as the

test has to be within 72hrs. If you cannot get the RT-PCR test results within 72hrs then take it within 7 days for entry to Antigua & a Rapid Antigen Test within 72hrs for entry St Barths. You are required to wear a mask at the airport, disembarking the planes and in all public areas. You will be monitored on arrival with random testing and temperate checks. You must also complete a heath declaration form for both legs of the journey. In transit you must distance yourself from other passengers and if you are obliged to transit overnight you will be accommodated in a government bio-secure hotel or accommodation centre. 

SJU – San Juan, Puerto Rico – All travellers must wear a mask in the airport and in any building in Puerto Rico. All inbound passengers will be obliged to provide proof of a negative Covid molecular test taken within 72 hours prior to travel. All passengers will be required to complete a Travel Declaration Form which will be digitally filled out and submitted at www.travelsafe.pr.gov or www.viajaseguro.pr.gov.

Passengers will undergo a COVID-19 screening on arrival. The screening is located just outside of baggage claim. The screening involves questions about your health and a quick temperature check. If you are identified to have symptoms of COVID-19, you will be required to quarantine. 

PTP – Point a Pitre, Guadeloupe – Same conditions apply as St Barths, i.e. you must have proof of a negative RT- PCR or Nasopharyngeal Antigen test within 3 days prior to travel unless you have been in Guadeloupe for over 14 consecutive days as free movement has already been restored, without testing or quarantine between the French islands. You will be required to wear a face mask inside the airport at all times Passengers arriving from France are obliged to also complete this form 

Q  Do children need a test?

A  Children aged 11 and below are not subjected to testing. 

Q  What if we are on the island for a long stay?

A If you are staying on the island for a period that exceeds 7 days, a test will be required for all clients on Day 7 following your arrival. This is not a legal requirement but is a requirement in order to remain in residence at Les Ilets. This will be a rapid nasopharyngeal antigen test. Tests are available free of charge at the drop-in testing centre in St Jean (Car park opposite the cemetery.) Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 8am-3pm and Saturday from 8am-12noon. They are closed on Sundays & public holidays. 

Q   How much does the on-island antigen test cost?

A The on-island antigen test is free of charge 

Q We are staying for 7 nights, does that mean we need a test on our last day?

A  No – the test would be due on your 8th day, and as you are leaving that day, it’s not required.

Q  We live in or have been staying in Guadeloupe/St Martin/Martinique do we still need a test before we come? 

  A  It depends – Testing does not apply to people who have spent the last 14 days in Guadeloupe, Martinique, or Saint-Martin as free movement has already been restored, without testing or quarantine between the French islands. If you have been off island within the 14 day period to another territory other the 3 mentioned then you WILL be required to take a test.  

Q  How can I get a rapid test before I come to the island?

A   We recommend this website to locate a rapid testing centre near you. https://testfortravel.com/  or if you are in the New York area this bespoke testing service that will come to you https://www.openclear.nyc/ and can turn results around in as little as 12 hours.

If you are coming from the UK and traveling via Antigua – you will need a RT-PCR test for Antigua which will have to be done privately. You can try these companies:  

https://www.citydoc.org.uk/covid-19-fit-to-fly or https://doctap.co.uk/services/coronavirus-test or https://www.mayfieldclinic.co.uk/services/coronavirus-testing 

British Airways passengers can benefit from a discount at the following companies, (using code BritishAirways15 if requested): 

https://www.citydoc.org.uk/ba/ or   https://www.nomadtravel.co.uk/covid-19

Q  What if I’ve already had Covid and have antibodies, do I still need a test 3 days before I travel?

A  YES – As it currently stands, there is not enough  evidence to confirm that having had Covid & having Covid antibodies protect you from further infection or from spreading the virus, so the island is still requesting proof of a Covid-negative RT-PCR or appropriate antigen test performed within 3 days prior your visit to the island. However, the science is evolving rapidly so if this advice changes, we will certainly advise accordingly.

Q  What if I develop Covid symptoms on island?

A  If you develop a fever or a new and persistent cough or a loss of taste or smell you must inform us immediately and we will put you in touch with the relevant health professionals. They will issue guidance and you must strictly follow their instructions.

Q  What happens if I test positive on the island?

A  You and your immediate party will be obliged to isolate in your villa and follow strict instructions as issued by the health professionals and authorities on the island. 

Q  When can we leave isolation and will I have to pay for the accommodation to stay on?

A   (i) The health professionals will advise you when you can safely leave, it is likely to be once you are no longer showing any symptoms and subsequently test negative. 

      (ii) Yes – you will need to pay for the accommodation and any other costs, so please ensure you accept full responsibility for this before travel and/or have adequate and appropriate travel insurance in place.

Q   Is there a hospital on the island if I need it?

A  Yes – there is a small hospital and we have excellent doctors on island; however, facilities are limited and in case of extreme emergency you would be evacuated to St Martin or Guadeloupe. 

Q   Do we need to wear a face mask on the island?

A  Wearing a mask is compulsory in all shops, places of worship, shopping centres, banks, taxis, airports and inside hotels for anyone over the age of 11. You may be fined up to €135 for non-compliance. In restaurants and bars, including on the terrace, the rules are unchanged: wearing a mask when arriving at the establishment or moving around inside. 

Since 19th October you are required to wear in the street where there are shops or others commercial establishments. You are not required to wear a mask at the beach or whilst doing any sporting activities.    

We do have spare disposable masks at Les Ilets if required.  Les Ilets villas are all individual, there are no indoor or enclosed public spaces at our property so you are not required to wear a mask around Les llets, at the beach or inside your villa. The office is currently closed to guests. 

Q  What if I have to cancel last minute due to a Covid related issue?                                                      

A  We are currently offering a Risk-Free Booking & Accommodation policy …. if travel is impossible due to Covid-19 illness, restrictions, or change of government advice concerning travel, the booking would be changeable without penalty and any deposits rolled over for a future stay, valid for 18 months.

Q  Are shops, restaurants and water sports and other activities open this season? 

A Yes – Life on the island has returned to normal. Island beaches are open without restriction. Restaurants* and boutiques are operating as usual, you will just need to wear a mask to enter and move around and respect distancing with other patrons. You may be asked to leave your name, phone number and place of residence on arrival at the restaurant. Groups are currently limited to 6 people. Houses of worship are open and holding services, and nautical activities as well as the other services

to which you are accustomed are being provided as usual. NB * Since August 1st, restaurants and licensed premises can welcome the public until midnight only.

Q Do we need a test to travel back home?

A Please check your own country’s guidelines and requirements as these are fast changing. However, if you are going to mainland France from Saint-Barthélemy, no test is required if you are passing through Guadeloupe PTP or Grand-Case airport in Saint-Martin. A PCR test or a rapid antigen test of less than 72 hours is very strongly recommended if you traveling via Juliana airport. In the absence of a test carried out before the flight, you will be tested on your arrival in Paris which may entail a long waiting period. 

San Juan does not currently require a negative test if you are in transit.  USA does not currently require a negative test for returning travelers however please check for updates or changes with your Government Travel Advisory Service and check here for your particular state as rules vary from state to state and some states DO require a test in lieu of, or to reduce quarantine. Antigua currently does require a negative RT-PCR test for returning transit passengers, taken within 7 days of your re-entry to the island. We can assist you to book these tests on island. The charge is €135 per person +€50 per person for a home visit for the RT-PCR tests or the antigen test is free of charge. PCR results are issued within 24 hours. Antigen test results are issued within 30 minutes. 

Q Do I have to fill out any forms before leaving the island

A Yes – for SXM – Juliana St-Maarten Airport, this formality must be completed online https://stmaartenehas.com/application-form/ at least 12 hours before departure. Passengers will be subject to thermal imaging camera temperature monitoring and random drug testing. You will need to wear a mask inside the airport. You cannot board your flight to SXM without this so please ensure you do this at least 12 hours prior, preferably 24-48hrs prior.

For a return via Guadeloupe you must also complete this certificate.

For a return via Antigua. In addition to your RT-PCR test taken with 7 days of your return, you will be monitored on arrival with random testing and temperate checks. You must also complete this health declaration form. In transit you must distance yourself from other passengers and if you are obliged to transit overnight you will be accommodated in a government bio-secure hotel or accommodation centre. 

Q   Will I have to quarantine on return to my country of residence?

A   You will need to verify the specific government travel advice that applies to your country so please check for updates or changes with your Government Travel Advisory Service as well as the advice concerning your transit island which may impact your quarantine obligations. NB Some states in America are now requesting tests and/or quarantine on your return. Please check your own state requirements here.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for any further details!

A bientôt @ the beach! 

The Team at Les Ilets

You can download the Covid-19 FAQ pdf document HERE.