French government forces all overseas territories to suspend tourism
If you'd been considering booking a vacation to St. Barts — or any other French overseas territory — in the near future, you'll need to rethink those plans.
New coronavirus-related restrictions imposed by the French government have forced its overseas territories, including those in the Caribbean and French Polynesia, to close for tourism indefinitely.
Sign up to receive the daily TPG newsletter for more travel news!
French Polynesia was the first of the islands to make it clear that it was temporarily closed for tourism. On Monday, the island said no tourists would be permitted to enter until further notice. The other islands of Bora Bora and Moorea have also closed to tourism for the time being.
Related: French Polynesia is ‘temporarily’ closed for tourism
Now, the Caribbean islands of St. Barts, St. Martin, Martinique and Guadeloupe have announced their measures in order to comply with the French government's new requirements in an effort to reduce the chances of importing new strains of the virus.
"Independently of the will of our local authorities to keep St. Barts open, the French government has just decided to put in place new preventative measures against COVID-19 variants," said President of St. Barts' tourism board Nils Dufau.
Travelers who are still on the islands will be allowed to leave if they choose.
At this point, it remains unclear when these restrictions will be lifted.
"We are right now negotiating to ease the entry restriction and find an alternative solution. Our aim is to reopen the island’s borders as soon as possible,” Dufau said.
If you have a trip booked to any of the French overseas territories or French Polynesia in the coming days and weeks, it will be worth checking with your travel provider and place of accommodation. At this time, tourists are not permitted to enter the countries.
According to a government update, there will be exemptions to the travel freeze on the Caribbean and French Polynesia islands. For example, those traveling for a serious personal or family-related matter or an emergency health situation may be considered to enter.
On Sunday, France implemented a ban on all non-essential travelers from outside the European Union. Then, on Tuesday, the government imposed the overseas territory restriction.
Top offers from our partners
How we chose these cards
TPG featured card
Rewards
10X | Earn 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner site |
5X | Earn 5x points on eligible travel, dining, and gas |
1X | Earn 1x points on all other purchases |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
The revamped Wander Card from Credit One Bank earns cardmembers up to 10 points per dollar spent on eligible travel purchases. With no foreign transaction fees, the card is also great for international travel. However, points earned from this card can only be used at a fixed value, so it may not be the best option for those striving to get maximum value from their rewards.Pros
- This card has no foreign transaction fees and earns up to 10 points per dollar on travel purchases through the Credit One Bank travel partner site.
Cons
- While cardholders can earn a significant amount of points on travel purchases, there isn't any way to redeem points from the Wander Card for maximum value (beyond 1 cent per point).
- Earn 10,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases in the first 90 days and redeem for a $100 statement credit, gift cards, or travel
- Earn 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel site
- Earn 5x points on eligible travel, dining, and gas
- Earn 1x points on all other purchases
- Redeem your reward points for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, flights, hotels, and more
- With $0 Fraud Liability, you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Free Online Credit Score and Credit Report summary, terms apply
- If you are a Covered Borrower under the Military Lending Act, you may get a different offer
- See Rates & Fees
Rewards Rate
10X | Earn 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner site |
5X | Earn 5x points on eligible travel, dining, and gas |
1X | Earn 1x points on all other purchases |
Intro Offer
Earn 10,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases in the first 90 days and redeem for a $100 statement credit, gift cards, or travelEarn 10,000 Bonus PointsAnnual Fee
$95Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Fair/Good
Why We Chose It
The revamped Wander Card from Credit One Bank earns cardmembers up to 10 points per dollar spent on eligible travel purchases. With no foreign transaction fees, the card is also great for international travel. However, points earned from this card can only be used at a fixed value, so it may not be the best option for those striving to get maximum value from their rewards.Pros
- This card has no foreign transaction fees and earns up to 10 points per dollar on travel purchases through the Credit One Bank travel partner site.
Cons
- While cardholders can earn a significant amount of points on travel purchases, there isn't any way to redeem points from the Wander Card for maximum value (beyond 1 cent per point).
- Earn 10,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases in the first 90 days and redeem for a $100 statement credit, gift cards, or travel
- Earn 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel site
- Earn 5x points on eligible travel, dining, and gas
- Earn 1x points on all other purchases
- Redeem your reward points for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, flights, hotels, and more
- With $0 Fraud Liability, you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Free Online Credit Score and Credit Report summary, terms apply
- If you are a Covered Borrower under the Military Lending Act, you may get a different offer
- See Rates & Fees