As one of the last remaining Caribbean islands with Covid-19 restrictions, tourists will be happy to hear that the island of St Maarten will no longer require travellers to show negative test results or proof of vaccination to enter the country from November 1.
‘St Maarten has done exceptionally well in its fight against COVID-19,’ tourism minister Omar Ottley said announcing the change, according to the Caribbean Journal. ‘The country is now fully engaged in restoring economic activity, and one key aspect of economic revitalization is the return of visitors in large numbers.’
The island is a huge hit with tourists for having the most beaches per square km, having the most restaurants per square km, and being the only Caribbean Island that hosts two carnivals.
This is due to the fact that the island is owned by two nations, namely France and the Netherlands, with the French hosting their Carnival in February while the Dutch hosting one in April.
According to the Caribbean Journal, St Maarten is the last of the Dutch islands in the Caribbean to remove the requirements for entry. Bonaire, Aruba, Curacao, Statia, and Saba had all previously dropped vaccination status or negative tests as entry requirements.
Although excited about the financial benefits of opening tourism up again, Ottley said he still had reservations about the potential threat of Covid-19. ‘St. Maarten must remain vigilant and be mindful that before Covid-19, hotels and the island dealt with other transmittable diseases that were harmful to the economy and the people,’ he said.
For more fun facts about this interesting island click here.
Picture: Getaway Gallery
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