The Electronic Health Authorization System (EHAS) caused some confusion over the weekend (see related story). During last Wednesday’s press briefing Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs said she had received an update from the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA that all measures such as COVID-19 testing and vaccination info would now be lifted per November 1.
Nevertheless, the website Stmaartenhas.com still stated under “Travel Requirements” that effective October 15 returning unvaccinated residents no longer needed a negative test and the pandemic-related mandatory insurance for visitors had become optional, as previously announced by VSA Minister Omar Ottley. This understandably prompted some concern especially among incoming passengers.
In any case, the plan starting next month is to use EHAS for purely statistical reasons through March. However, it was reported in Thursday’s paper that St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) had called for dropping such altogether before the high season starts, to avoid losing guests.
The employers’ organisation pointed out that only 26 of 195 countries continue to have COVID-19 restrictions in place. To remain competitive, the destination should ensure seamless travel, they argued.
According to SHTA, alternative and more effective means exist to collect data than a “seemingly antiquated medical form, perceived as a hurdle by tourists.” While going back to the former paper so-called visitor cards may be a bit old-fashioned and undesirable in environmental terms, perhaps something more customer-friendly online can quickly be created.
The author of this column was recently abroad and found particularly the limited date range within which the EHAS could be filled in for the return trip annoying. Most people like to arrange their affairs early and not have to wait until a few days before departure, certainly if no testing is involved.
There must be a better way.
