SABA/STATIA: Due to the travel restrictions that were introduced on March 14, 2020 in connection with the COVID-19 crisis, people who were, at the time, forced to overstay on Bonaire, Statia and Saba were given a “free period”. That period expires as of July 1, 2021.
The free period applies to people who are not residents of the Caribbean Netherlands. They can stay in the Caribbean Netherlands for a certain period of time without a residence permit or a declaration of legal status. The length of this period depends on the nationality of the person and the country in which the person lives.
If someone overstays the free period then this person can be fined at the exit check. The amount of the fine for overstaying the free period increases as the duration of the overstay becomes longer.
For, among others, Dutch and United States citizens, it has been possible to return to their country of origin for some time now. Now that it is also possible for other nationalities to return, the leniency regulation will be abolished completely.
As of July 1, the immigration chain will resume operations.
