St Maarten is officially reopening for tourism on July 1, Caribbean Journal has learned.
The Dutch Caribbean destination will begin receiving travelers from Europe and North America on that date, according to St Maarten Tourism Minister Ludmila de Weever.
On June 22, the island will begin opening up to travelers from a number of Caribbean countries, with the stipulation that those travelers need to have been present in their own countries for three weeks prior to departure.
“The Ministry understands the urgent need for increased economic activity on the island but we intend to re-open in a safe and responsible manner for our residents and visitors,” de Weever said.
So what will the experience be for arriving travelers?
All travelers to St Maarten will need to have taken a COVID-19 RT-PCR test, with proof of negative results no older than 72 hours prior to the day of travel.
Children aged 10 and under are exempt.
All arriving and departing travelers are required to wear a face mask inside the airport a tall times, and all travelers will receive mandatory temperature checks upon arrival. (Anyone exhibiting symptoms will be subject to COVID-19 testing at an additional cost to the traveler).
A number of St Maarten resorts will be reopening next month.
That includes the Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, which is slated to reopen on July 1.
And the adults-only all-inclusive Sonesta Ocean Point will reopen on July 1 as well, while its sister resort, the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, will remain closed for the month of July.
So what about flying to St Maarten?
Low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines will be operating the first flights from the United States to St Maarten, with service from Fort Lauderdale beginning July 1.
JetBlue will be resuming New York-St Maarten service on July 3, and Fort Lauderdale-St Maarten flights on July 4.
And American Airlines will relaunch its flights from Miami on July 7, followed by a relaunch of Charlotte-St Maarten flights on July 9, according to Princess Juliana International Airport.
See the full flight schedule below, courtesy of the PJIA Operational Department.
