If visiting a Caribbean Island sounds like a great idea about now, you’re in luck. St. Barts has reopened to fully vaccinated travelers from the U.S. — beginning today.
“We are happy to announce that the French Government has authorized St. Barts to reopen its borders towards fully vaccinated travelers,” Nils Dufau, president of the Tourism Committee, said in a statement. “After two successful vaccination campaigns, the vast majority of our island’s citizens are now vaccinated.”
There’s even more good news for tourists: Restaurants, boutiques, nautical activities, and all other services are now operating without restrictions.
“Life on the island has returned to normal,” Stiles Bennet, president of premier villa-rental company WIMCO, said in a statement.
An Island Paradise
Saint Barthélemy — officially the Collectivité territoriale de Saint-Barthélemy — is an overseas collectivity of France in the Caribbean. The name is usually abbreviated to St-Barth in French, and St. Barths or St. Barts in English. The island sits about 22 miles southeast of Saint Martin and approximately 39 miles north of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
“There’s no doubt that the French Caribbean island of St. Barthélemy is in vogue with the moneyed set and oftentimes out-of-reach for the middle class — but it’s far from snooty,” U.S. News & World Report explains. “And fortunately, St. Barts’ 14 beaches are all open to the public. The island is ideal for those seeking a Euro-themed utopia with plenty of shoreline for ultimate relaxation.”
COVID-19 Precautions
Here’s how a visit to St. Barts now works: All travelers aged 18 and older will need to provide proof that they have been fully vaccinated. They also will need to send proof of vaccination to their villa rental agency or hotel when making reservations.
Additionally, all travelers aged 10 and older will need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than three full days prior to arrival. Alternatively, travelers can take a COVID-19 rapid antigen test no more than two full days prior to arrival.
“Once on St. Barts, no quarantine nor self-isolation will be necessary,” Dufau explained. “No COVID-19 tests will be required during your stay either, except the usual one required by your home country when returning, if needed.”
Know Before You Go
As of June 2, 4,850 residents of St. Barts had received their first COVID-19 vaccine shot. Since St. Barts has an adult population of 7,122 as of July 2020, this equates to an approximate St Barts vaccination rate of 68 percent, Dufau explained. With this in mind, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Level 1: Low Level of COVID-19 alert for St. Barts.
Still trying to decide where to go on your next tropical getaway? Weigh your options with Hawaii Vs. The Caribbean: 8 Key Differences To Help You Decide.
