I know for certain the ID Now test is accepted. I e-mailed EHAS@sintmaartengov.org and received a response in 15 minutes.
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Good morning
Thank you for contacting St. Maarten EHAS.
My name is Jacquelyn Walker I am one of the EHAS administrative assistant with the island of St Maarten.
Pursuant to your question below yes the Abbott ID Now is Accepted and although you are vaccinated a negative test is required of you 72hrs prior to your travels hope to have answered you adequately.
Good to know because Jeff Bergers site I thought said a pretty firm NO. That test is witnessed online by lab staff via a FaceTime call so they see everything. I understand its also good to reenter the USA as of now. Fairly cheap I think app $30 a test results in less than an hour. Please verify again.
I went back and forth with EHAS over the monitored (self test but zoom) and explained to them how it worked and how it’s the same test basically. Also sent them a copy of what you get in the email to re enter the US. I don’t think they understand it’s the same test, or that you in many cases swab yourself from your car and then give back to the pharmacy at a drive up. I tried to explain then they stopped responding. My question was to please consider these types of tests - as it’s getting harder and harder to get tested and once high season starts it will be worse.
In July we submitted Let’s Get Check (self collection but processed at a lab) for 3 people (myself, wife and son). Two where accepted and wife was rejected. We then submitted her BinaxNow Ag Home Test (monitored) abs she was accepted. Talk to lot’s of people on the Island and everyone had a different experience of accepted or not. When we contacted EHAS we where told ‘no at home test’ but another response was ‘only monitored’ test are accepted. We are heading back in Oct and have several BinaxNow Ag test (enough to go and return to US) so I am hopeful we can get some clarification on their view of ‘monitored’ test.
I just called our Urgent Care and they do Binax testing. It's not a self test, but done at the office. She didn't know if they were accepted for travel.
Well me just did what we had to do this morning and all set for our Daughter's Wedding in Toronto September 25th . Looking forward this great happening in our small family . God Bless . Flying via Charlotte to Toronto.
Time flies so fast...She is so beautiful and grown up...Think she was just starting primary school when we first had the pleasure of doing business with you. Dave and I hope you have a GREAT trip and wedding!!
I just called our Urgent Care and they do Binax testing. It's not a self test, but done at the office. She didn't know if they were accepted for travel.
It depends on where you are travelling to.
I just booked a Nov week in Aruba and Binax is definitely on the "not acceptable" list.....but they also do not allow ANY antigen test for arrival. ID-Now is acceptable
Are both the Binax NOW and ID Now tests accepted for entry into St. Maarten?
I was talking to another TTOL Member and he and his wife went in July and did the Binax proctored test and it was accepted
Hi BinaxNow is great, cheap, quick and easy. Main things to remember, only one person can test at a time in front of the Telemed person. Each test takes about 15 minutes. Download the app in advance of testing. The test is accepted by Sint Maarten and St. Marting, as well as, for testing for return to the US. Hope you have a safe and wonderful trip, we are returning in Mid-November for 2+ weeks."
Kathy--that is absolutely NOT what the EHAS website says--I would NOT try to use that proctored test for entry INTO SXM unless you have specific authorization ahead of itme. Definitely you can use the proctored test to re-enter the US.
Kathy, download the Navica app for your phone and go to emed.com to purchase 6 tests for $150. The test was approved by both Sint Maarten and St Martin over 18 months ago for visitors traveling to the island. The test is an antigen test so you must do the test within 48 hours of your final leg.
There seems to be some confusion among travelers but my information is 100% accurate with pronouncements from the Government of Sint Maarten and written confirmation from EHAS. I've tried to share in the past and I'm told I'm wrong or nasty, so people suffer because opinions matter more than facts.
Kathy, also don't forget to package 2 of the test kits, in your carry-on luggage, for testing to return to the USA. Abbott Labs says if you pack in your checked luggage that the temperatures in the cargo hold will/can damage the tests .
I imagine so as that is what is required for entry in the 72 hour window.
Thanks, I always thought SXM didn't accept Rapid tests and am getting confused. Walgreens just said they do not have the QR code that is needed for travel. I never did get to ask about the IDNOW tests. I read it's 48 hours before flying??
I was waiting for our trip to get closer, so haven't paid close attention, since it changes so often.
Quoted below is my most recent interaction with the St. Maarten EHAS team. (**Please read the quoted emails from bottom to top). Many members that respond to the EHAS requests and submissions are doing double duty as they are also members of the St. Maarten Tourism Dept. Within the email thread below are three members from EHAS, Jacquelyn Walker, Wendy Doran York and Sherry Richardson. As you can see from the thread, you should be able to reach out to any of the 3 or any other member of EHAS and get the same results that I received. Also, you may contact EHAS direct by phone at (721) 542-1570.
This is my third time by email, since February 2021, that I have reached out to EHAS and received the same response. It has not always been this quick a reply and there has always been a bit of confusion(I attribute some of this to my own way of asking the questions) but I have always received the same result. I have called one time, to EHAS, and also received a positive response.
You now have at your disposal, my most recent email thread, directly with EHAS, that confirms that Abbott BinaxNOW AG Card is accepted with Telemedicine. You have links directly to the official Government website and Government Facebook page that will show the actual pronouncements from Sint Maarten Government that they accept the BinaxNow test. And, you have all the contact information that you need to directly contact members of EHAS and confirm that they will accept the test results for entry to SXM.
Just another sweet piece of information, St. Martin also accepts the test results if you are using the BinaxNow AG card for testing with Telemedicine. (if you want a reference point let me know)
My information is verified by EHAS and Sint Maarten's (own) Government Website. If you have any further questions, please reach out, I am happy to help.
*** All of the information that I have shared above is 100% factual, no opinions included.
*** Now for my opinion, I think this is a great option for testing, you can do it from home or on the island with a good internet connection, using telemedicine. You are buying 6 test kits for a total of $150(for all) which works out to $30 per test. Really nothing cheaper unless you can find testing for free. I hope this information helps many on the forum, if it was me, I would still verify by reaching out directly to EHAS by email or phone(you have all that information included here). I have seen many that say it is not ok, but I have not seen one person show that in writing. I have not seen one posting where someone said they submitted the BinaxNow with telemedicine and it was rejected but I have seen a few that have stated that they have used the test for entrance to the island, myself included. I am quite sure that I will be reaching back out to EHAS around the first of November as my trip approaches just so I have no surprises. I have already purchased additional test kits for my upcoming trip.
Best Wishes on your upcoming trip. We arrive on the 10th of November, so there is some overlap, maybe we will all run into one another.
Brian
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From: EHAS <EHAS@sintmaartengov.org> Date: Sunday, September 19, 2021 at 2:22 PM To: Brian Deeley <bdeeley@***.com> Cc: "wendydoranyorkehas@gmail.com" <wendydoranyorkehas@gmail.com>, "Richardson, Sherry" <Sherry.Richardson@sintmaartengov.org> Subject: RE: Abbott BinaxNOW Antigen test for Covid...
Good afternoon Mr. Deeley
Thank you for contacting St. Maarten EHAS.
My name is Jacquelyn Walker I am one of the EHAS administrative assistant with the island of St Maarten.
Pursuant to your question below yes both are acceptable for your travels.
From: Brian Deeley <bdeeley@***.com> Sent: Sunday, September 19, 2021 1:20 PM To: EHAS <EHAS@sintmaartengov.org> Subject: Re: Abbott BinaxNOW Antigen test for Covid...
Hello Ms. Walker,
Thank you so much for the quick reply. I am still a bit confused. The Abbott BinaxNow has EUA from the US FDA. Both postings I listed are directly to your own (Sint Maarten) Government website and list the Abbott BinaxNow as now being accepted by the Government of St. Maarten for testing purposes as an Antigen test. I have cut and pasted directly from the website to below.
So, with the Abbott BinaxNow Rapid Antigen test having an EUA issued by the US FDA and Sint Maarten government having it posted on their own official website, does that mean that I and others can use this test for submission to EHAS for entry to Sint Maarten?
Again, thank you in advance for all of your help and for clarifying this very important matter.
Sincerely, Brian Deeley bdeeley@***.com (410) 555-1212
**____________________________________________**
From: EHAS <EHAS@sintmaartengov.org> Date: Sunday, September 19, 2021 at 12:24 PM To: Brian Deeley <bdeeley@***.com> Cc: "wendydoranyorkehas@gmail.com" <wendydoranyorkehas@gmail.com>, "Richardson, Sherry" <Sherry.Richardson@sintmaartengov.org> Subject: RE: Abbott BinaxNOW Antigen test for Covid...
Good afternoon Mr. Deeley
Thank you for contacting St. Maarten EHAS.
My name is Jacquelyn Walker I am one of the EHAS administrative assistant with the island of St Maarten.
Pursuant to your question below yes the Abbott ID NOW is accepted it is now considered a PCR test and the Binxa is accepted once it is FDA or EUA approved. Hope this is suffice information.
From: Brian Deeley <bdeeley@***.com> Sent: Sunday, September 19, 2021 11:29 AM To: EHAS <EHAS@sintmaartengov.org> Subject: Abbott BinaxNOW Antigen test for Covid...
Hello,
I’m reaching out to try and get a definitive answer on whether or not the Abbott BinaxNow rapid Antigen test is acceptable for submission for entry to SXM. According to the Official Sint Government website and the associated Facebook page for Sint Maarten Government, the test was approved for submission of results for entrance by using EHAS. I would kindly request a response on whether or not you are accepting the results from a medical group using the BinaxNow testing. I reference the two listing below that states that SXM is accepting this test.
Wow! I literally just asked all these questions and was told flat out NO!! Telemed tests were not accepted!!!
And that would not be a surprise as this has been a cluster from the beginning. Time changes, requirement changes, mis-information, conflicting information, one person getting approved and a spouse not getting approved and not up to date information. Ineptness at its best. Another reason I am choosing to sit on the sidelines, along with the $1200 pp air I would be facing.
This was my original email that prompted the responses above. I responded to Ms. Walker with a copy of my return test that had all the information they were requesting. Never heard another word! Maybe I helped get through to the fact that it was the same tests!
Each time I have dealt with EHAS, I have referenced their own Government websites that tout that they have approved and are accepting BinaxNOW. I don’t know if that’s the difference.
Great news!!!! I sent the following email to EHAS@sintmaartengov.org at 12:57pm
*THANK YOU Brian Deeley*
Subject:Clarification Re: BinaxNow Ag Home Test (monitored)
Good Afternoon Sir or Madame, I hope that this emails finds you well.
I am writing to you to get written confirmation that the Government of St. Maarten will accept the BinaxNow Ag Home Test, the Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Card Home Test is FDA Emergency Use Authorized for entry into your country of St. Maarten. This test combined with eMed telehealth services, and eMed lab's results meet conditions of proof of negative COVID-19 test by the CDC. This test is monitored/proctored via the telehealth services and will provide the needed documentation of a negative result to then be uploaded to your official website.
I am sure that you are inundated with these types of emails, so I truly appreciate the time taken to review and respond to my inquiry.
I look forward to your response, please stay safe.
Respectfully,
Kathleen Marie Doherty
I received the following reply at 5:56pm
EHAS 5:56 PM (34 minutes ago) to me
Good afternoon Ms./Mrs. Doherty
Thank you for contacting SXM EHAS
My name is Sherry Richardson, and I am one of the EHAS administrator for the island of St. Maarten.
Yes the BinaxNow Antigen test is excepted
Warmest regards,
The Friendly Island ____________________________________________________________
Quoted below is my most recent interaction with the St. Maarten EHAS team. (**Please read the quoted emails from bottom to top). Many members that respond to the EHAS requests and submissions are doing double duty as they are also members of the St. Maarten Tourism Dept. Within the email thread below are three members from EHAS, Jacquelyn Walker, Wendy Doran York and Sherry Richardson. As you can see from the thread, you should be able to reach out to any of the 3 or any other member of EHAS and get the same results that I received. Also, you may contact EHAS direct by phone at (721) 542-1570.
This is my third time by email, since February 2021, that I have reached out to EHAS and received the same response. It has not always been this quick a reply and there has always been a bit of confusion(I attribute some of this to my own way of asking the questions) but I have always received the same result. I have called one time, to EHAS, and also received a positive response.
You now have at your disposal, my most recent email thread, directly with EHAS, that confirms that Abbott BinaxNOW AG Card is accepted with Telemedicine. You have links directly to the official Government website and Government Facebook page that will show the actual pronouncements from Sint Maarten Government that they accept the BinaxNow test. And, you have all the contact information that you need to directly contact members of EHAS and confirm that they will accept the test results for entry to SXM.
Just another sweet piece of information, St. Martin also accepts the test results if you are using the BinaxNow AG card for testing with Telemedicine. (if you want a reference point let me know)
My information is verified by EHAS and Sint Maarten's (own) Government Website. If you have any further questions, please reach out, I am happy to help.
*** All of the information that I have shared above is 100% factual, no opinions included.
*** Now for my opinion, I think this is a great option for testing, you can do it from home or on the island with a good internet connection, using telemedicine. You are buying 6 test kits for a total of $150(for all) which works out to $30 per test. Really nothing cheaper unless you can find testing for free. I hope this information helps many on the forum, if it was me, I would still verify by reaching out directly to EHAS by email or phone(you have all that information included here). I have seen many that say it is not ok, but I have not seen one person show that in writing. I have not seen one posting where someone said they submitted the BinaxNow with telemedicine and it was rejected but I have seen a few that have stated that they have used the test for entrance to the island, myself included. I am quite sure that I will be reaching back out to EHAS around the first of November as my trip approaches just so I have no surprises. I have already purchased additional test kits for my upcoming trip.
Best Wishes on your upcoming trip. We arrive on the 10th of November, so there is some overlap, maybe we will all run into one another.
Brian
Quote
From: EHAS <EHAS@sintmaartengov.org> Date: Sunday, September 19, 2021 at 2:22 PM To: Brian Deeley <bdeeley@***.com> Cc: "wendydoranyorkehas@gmail.com" <wendydoranyorkehas@gmail.com>, "Richardson, Sherry" <Sherry.Richardson@sintmaartengov.org> Subject: RE: Abbott BinaxNOW Antigen test for Covid...
Good afternoon Mr. Deeley
Thank you for contacting St. Maarten EHAS.
My name is Jacquelyn Walker I am one of the EHAS administrative assistant with the island of St Maarten.
Pursuant to your question below yes both are acceptable for your travels.
From: Brian Deeley <bdeeley@***.com> Sent: Sunday, September 19, 2021 1:20 PM To: EHAS <EHAS@sintmaartengov.org> Subject: Re: Abbott BinaxNOW Antigen test for Covid...
Hello Ms. Walker,
Thank you so much for the quick reply. I am still a bit confused. The Abbott BinaxNow has EUA from the US FDA. Both postings I listed are directly to your own (Sint Maarten) Government website and list the Abbott BinaxNow as now being accepted by the Government of St. Maarten for testing purposes as an Antigen test. I have cut and pasted directly from the website to below.
So, with the Abbott BinaxNow Rapid Antigen test having an EUA issued by the US FDA and Sint Maarten government having it posted on their own official website, does that mean that I and others can use this test for submission to EHAS for entry to Sint Maarten?
Again, thank you in advance for all of your help and for clarifying this very important matter.
Sincerely, Brian Deeley bdeeley@***.com (410) 555-1212
**____________________________________________**
From: EHAS <EHAS@sintmaartengov.org> Date: Sunday, September 19, 2021 at 12:24 PM To: Brian Deeley <bdeeley@***.com> Cc: "wendydoranyorkehas@gmail.com" <wendydoranyorkehas@gmail.com>, "Richardson, Sherry" <Sherry.Richardson@sintmaartengov.org> Subject: RE: Abbott BinaxNOW Antigen test for Covid...
Good afternoon Mr. Deeley
Thank you for contacting St. Maarten EHAS.
My name is Jacquelyn Walker I am one of the EHAS administrative assistant with the island of St Maarten.
Pursuant to your question below yes the Abbott ID NOW is accepted it is now considered a PCR test and the Binxa is accepted once it is FDA or EUA approved. Hope this is suffice information.
From: Brian Deeley <bdeeley@***.com> Sent: Sunday, September 19, 2021 11:29 AM To: EHAS <EHAS@sintmaartengov.org> Subject: Abbott BinaxNOW Antigen test for Covid...
Hello,
I’m reaching out to try and get a definitive answer on whether or not the Abbott BinaxNow rapid Antigen test is acceptable for submission for entry to SXM. According to the Official Sint Government website and the associated Facebook page for Sint Maarten Government, the test was approved for submission of results for entrance by using EHAS. I would kindly request a response on whether or not you are accepting the results from a medical group using the BinaxNow testing. I reference the two listing below that states that SXM is accepting this test.
That's wonderful news and I know that it gives you piece of mind as your trip approaches. I always believe that "good things" happen to "good people" and wish the best for you and your family before, during and after your travels. If I can help in the future just reach out.
That's wonderful news and I know that it gives you piece of mind as your trip approaches. I always believe that "good things" happen to "good people" and wish the best for you and your family before, during and after your travels. If I can help in the future just reach out.
Brian
My concern is that it doesn’t specifically clarify “at home telemedicine” test.
Yes Binax is acceptable, but is the telemedicine version acceptable?
Even bdeely email doesn’t say specifically.
"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest"
There are only two ways of doing the BinaxNOW test, with telemed observation and without. You just said "Yes BinaxNOW is aceptable", the only way to get a lab report with results and the information needed for submission to EHAS is with the telemedicine option. It's very simple, so many are making it difficult for so many others.
You are right Brian, this does not need to be difficult- here is a link to get the test kits with the telemed observation that will give the results needed for the SXM gvt.
![[Linked Image]](http://www.caribbeanmag.com/cd/St._Maarten/201311160330_101.gif)
