How to Travel to St. Barth's in the COVID Era

Everything is new, different, sometimes scary, and all around continuously shifting into the “new normal”.

In every area there is change, but for the constant travelers, even more so. My goal is to keep you updated on all things St. Barths and first on the list is to cover my recent trip and specifically, what COVID-testing looks like. I want to give you the insider scoop and let you know where there were hiccups, and where things went seamlessly all in hopes to save you a little time, and a little headache.

St. Barths COVID Testing Requirements

First of all, and at the top of all of our minds, is the testing. To arrive and be admitted to St. Barths you need to have a negative COVID test within 72 hours of your arrival.

Being that I was traveling from St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, I was very nervous that testing would not be efficient and or available. What I found out was that in the Virgin Islands we have some of the best and quickest testing available in today’s environment. I ended up using Red Hook Family Practice (contact info: COVID@redhookfamilypractices.com, 340-775-2303)

They gave me an appointment on a Wednesday which was perfect for my Saturday morning departure and I was told that in under 48 hours I would have my results.

They also gave me an appointment to arrive there on Wednesday morning via car and they would come out to the car to test—which they did. Additionally, I paid for the testing before arrival and the test results were sent to me via a portal. This was a little bit tricky, but only because I am technologically challenged. Every other part of this process was smooth, easy, and efficient with as little contact with an actual person as possible.

The test was the throat swab PCR test. Currently in the Virgin Islands we have testing where you can receive the results within hours of being tested. I will be trying out this new method in October before my next trip down to St. Barths. I will keep you posted.

PCR Vs. Antibody Test

You need to have a negative PCR test to be admitted into St. Barths. If you are having your test done at a lab, and that lab is doing antibody tests, it is imperative that you tell them that you are there for the PCR test. I have known people to be tested and thought that they were getting the PCR test and unfortunately once they checked their results they had in fact been tested for the antibody test. No-go to get into St. Barths with an antibody test. This particular instance landed someone to a four day stay in Puerto Rico and multiple trips to a lab. Also try Medical Concierge VIP Medical Services in Puerto Rico for a smooth and stress free process.

I think that we have all found out that if we are traveling, it is imperative to know as much as you can, and to do all of the research prior to your trip in order to figure out what is needed as it relates to testing. We are also all becoming more aware that everything is constantly changing, and with any of those changes, might come a new required process. If you have additional questions about testing in Puerto Rico feel free to reach out. I am happy to assist.

Getting to St. Barth’s

It is important to know that St. Barths is not a part of the EU, and does not fall under all French Law. In some cases, it does but pertaining to COVID-19 St. Barths is not under the French ordinance which means that you can travel to St. Barths as an American Citizen. If you are traveling via Tradewinds, which I was through Puerto Rico, when you arrive to check in they check your test paperwork and make sure that everything is in order before allowing you to board. Additionally, if you are flying on Tradewinds, you can utilize their secluded lounge while you wait you’re your flight. Once you arrive on St. Barths you are taken to customs where they check your passport and your test.

More Testing

There is an additional step if you are staying longer than seven days. If you are staying longer than seven days, you need to be tested again on St. Barths. This was the case for my most recent trip, so I had to be re-tested. You are given a number to call and an email. I chose the email route. Then, I was given a time to arrive at the clinic for my test.

Once I arrived I realized there were way too many people there to be tested. Everyone was wearing masks but it was near impossible to social distance. Here is the insiders tip that I found out about. Everyone is given the same time to arrive due to people not showing up for set appointments. So YOU need to arrive an hour early. We ended up doing this the very next day, which was Saturday. The clinic was starting tests at 9:00am so we showed up at 8:00am. We were the first ones in the door and the first ones tested. This was the nasal swab PCR test. It is a little more intrusive than the throat swab and was particularly “burny” but… what needs to be done.

On Monday morning we went back to the clinic to pick up the results. They told us that we would be sent a portal, but we never received it. So we ended up picking up our negative results directly from the clinic. As everywhere else, there are kinks, there is miscommunication, and there is change. Now more than ever we need to roll with the punches, pivot, do our research and also know when to take breaks to get a clear view of what is going on around us.

COVID testing will be a thing that I think will be with us for a while. We will work to keep you as up-to-date as possible and to communicate as much as we can at every turn.

As with everything else, the most important thing at this point is how we are going to continue to move forward. Stay healthy and continue to celebrate life as there is still a lot to celebrate for. We can’t wait to assist you.

Your sandals on the ground,