TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin U S testing time

WE have tickets for July 10 and I have been checking on testing . The test to determin positive opr negative has to be done by a lab taking 1 to 5 working days . depending on how busy the lab is. there is a 10 min. test that shows that you have antibodies ,meaning you have or have had Covid . The acuracy of this test is not as high as other test

Hopefully the SXM Ministry of TEATT will come out SOON with more information on which/what test has to be done.

Kinda pointless to mandate a test within 3 days of departure and having the test MAYBE take 5 working days.....so if the test isn't back you go anyway and be tested again when you arrive.....probably just should skip the first one....

I did read an article over the weekend that says saliva tests are showing promise to replace the swab test, and more accurate. Of course, it will probably take awhile to get that up to speed. Another problem with swab test is many people cough or sneeze during the poke. That's not good for the person giving the test.

Lastest from TEATT says RT-PCR test within 72 hours of departure. That's gonna eliminate about 95% of US travelers....

That leaves a lot of unknown costs and consequences....

I will not make any reservations until the appropriate testing at home for those without symptoms is definitely available within the time period needed.

I don't know how to put a link here but here's the web site: thepointsguy.com

it has lots of info on testing and travel. At JFK airport EXPRESS SPA got approval to doi testing instead of massages. At this time it's only for air personnel but they are working on for all and for adding ATL and ORD.

It says destinations requiring results of a test will be looking at VIRAL TESTS ( RT-PCR) not ANTIBODY (antigen)

read this article for more info on types of tests, length of time for results where to get, wether or not there's a fee.

PS I obtained a RT-PCR at an urgent care location and results took 49 hours.

St. Maarten is only welcoming passengers from neighboring islands starting July 1st so Americans from the USA and Canadians can not go to SXM yet. The travel entry requirements are for those coming from other Caribbean islands.
The travel advisory is subject to change as time progresses. For passengers allowed to travel to SXM it is recommended to take a Covid19 test within 72 hours prior to boarding and have proof on arrival. There will be thermal screening and temperature checks upon arrival. Random Covid19 testing will be done for arriving passengers at their expense.

What was your cost / With or without insurance

RonDon: PM sent

$117.

We had the blood test taken in Puerto Rico. The cost was $60 per person and we had the results in 2.5 hours. Puerto Rico allows either the blood test or the RT-PCR test to be administered if you arrive by boat. But the blood test is cheaper and quicker.

martini--No, incorrect. Starting July 1, US and Canadians may travel to SXM. The blood test is for those coming from North America and Europe. Passengers from neighboring islands may travel to SXM now.