Last Updated
St.Barths officially reopened borders for tourism on June 22, 2020, closed again for a period in 2021, and reopened again mid-2021.
Saint Barthelemy, or St. Barths as it’s commonly called, is a beautiful French-speaking Caribbean island known for its white-sand beaches, luxurious hotels, duty-free shopping and stunning views.
Here is everything you need to know about St. Barth’s Reopening
Can Any Country Visit?
St. Barths is currently operating on France's color coded system. Green and Orange zone countries may enter at this time.
Canada, USA, and many more are included at this time. See the full lists HERE
Photo Cred: saintbarth- tourisme.com
What About Testing and Quarantine?
Different rules apply depending on vaccination status.
For vaccinated passengers:
- Proof of being fully vaccinated
- Plus; either a 48 hour antigen test or a 72 hour PCR test
For unvaccinated passengers:
- A 72-hour PCR test (antigen not accepted in this case)
- a 7-day quarantine upon arrival
- a 2nd PCR test on the 7th day
What is Open in St Barths?
Other than the social distancing and mask wearing, life has somewhat returned to normal for tourists. Beaches are open, as are boutiques, restaurants, cafes, spas, and even nautical activities. Hotels are ready to welcome back visitors as well.
“St. Barts has been free of COVID-19 for more than two months, and we have worked diligently with the French government to develop effective and efficient health and safety protocols to protect our locals, partners and visitors,” says Nils DuFau, president of the Tourism Committee of St. Barts.
“We are excited to reopen the island and welcome travelers back to our tropical paradise. We have a great deal to look forward to here on the island, including the upcoming St. Barts Gourmet Festival in November.”
Photo Cred: saintbarth- tourisme.com
How Can I Get To St. Barths?
Even during ‘normal’ pre-covid travel, there are no direct flights from the continental USA into St. Barths. Travellers normally fly into Puerto Rico (San Juan) and fly direct from there, or into Saint Martin to catch a direct flight or ferry from that island nation.
Currently with travel restrictions, Saint Martin’s borders are not open for foreigners, so that ONLY leaves the San Juan, Puerto Rico route. (Which is great for American tourists anyway!)
As of June 22nd here is how you can fly to St. Barths-
Fly into San Juan directly from many U.S. cities like: New York, Boston, Minneapolis, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Orlando, Miami and more.
Then from San Juan you hop on a 1-hour flight by Tradewind Aviation and you are in St. Barths.
Photo Cred: saintbarth.com
Where Should I Stay in St. Barths & What Is There To Do?
Let me put it this way… St. Barths is not a ‘budget’ destination in any way, but instead it is a bucket-list type island that will impress even the most worldy traveler. There are many amazing hotels, villas and resorts to stay in, as well as some mouth-watering restaurants to eat at.
Throughout the entire web we haven’t been able to find a better guide than our fellow blogger Lindsay Silberman's. She outlines the best hotels, the best restaurants, and all the best things to do on the island.
In addition to Lindsay’s guide, the following hotels and villas are currently accepting visitors for this summer:
Are Masks Mandatory in St. Barths?
Yes. As of July 17 masks are required when entering indoor establishments such as shops, grocery stores, banks etc. For restaurants, guests may remove them while seated at their table and are asked to keep them on when entering or moving about. Masks are not required while outdoor in the streets or while enjoying the beaches.
Read More: Want to see what other countries are open? Read our complete list of countries now reopen for tourism
Sources: St Barths Tourism Board / StBarth.com
Disclaimer: St. Barth’s reopening news is ever-changing and being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry before traveling.
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Mari Gianati
Friday 7th of August 2020
Tradewinds requires a negative COVID test within 72 hours of travel or you don’t fly. Puerto Rico her quites also a negative COVID test upon arrival or you are to quarantine for 14 days. Considering the long turnaround of test results is almost all labs in US soil, that makes almost impossible for American travelers to come. I am here in St. Bart’s since last week and can attest how difficult it was to get tested in a timely manner and get here.
Kashlee Kucheran
Friday 7th of August 2020
Hi Mari, thanks for the update! What is it like in St. Barths right now?