Musings on Bonaire reopening to tourists

[SkyQueen]

Thanks for all the info. I am from the US and I am very depressed over the US being excluded from Bonaire. Don't get me wrong, I think Bonaire is being very responsible about keeping Covid 19 off the island. I'm just depressed that even though I social distance and wear a mask, not everyone in the US is taking this seriously. I doubt whether we will be able to go to Bonaire for Christmas which is another reason to be depressed. Looking at insurance for COVID after purchasing my tickets in February is over $500

Stay safe.

[sidemount]

Frankly, I'd be more concerned about whats coming off cruise ships than whats coming off aircraft from the U.S. where everyone is required to wear mask in flight and, I assume, would also be required to present a negative COVID test....unless of course cruise ship passengers are seen as presenting shorter term exposure as they typically arrive and depart the same day....I suppose thats a possible consideration...

[Kate B]

I hear you. We had a trip planned next week to NY where we rented a lake house for 2 weeks (answering the question “if you live on Bonaire, where do you vacation?”). We planned to visit our children, family and friends. We’re so disappointed that we can’t go. However, I’m so grateful that the Dutch and island government has responded so well and kept us safe.

I do think by mid fall they will allow US flights to resume assuming that the flights from the Netherlands go well, and assuming the US manages to drop the Infection rates.

I’m hopeful your Christmas trip will go as planned.

All the best,

[Kate B]

Original articles said there would be no cruise ships till 2021, then the latest press said not before November. Apparently only one cruise ship line has expressed a desire to come back before 2021, I believe it was Pullmantour. I’d be surprised if ships return here before 2021 though.

[susan]

Hi folks, here is the latest on the extended flight bans to Bonaire: https://www.infobonaire.com/flight-b...ome-countries/

[ChrisL]

I am pretty disappointed. The latest extension of the flight bans means the earliest date I can return to Bonaire is August 1st. I had to refund my July 11th renter. When I called United and tried to change my July 18th flight from Newark on United to August 1st, United said they are not resuming flights to Bonaire until September 19th from Houston. I booked Delta August 1st. I have my fingers crossed.

[smits]

I am pretty disappointed. The latest extension of the flight bans means the earliest date I can return to Bonaire is August 1st. I had to refund my July 11th renter. When I called United and tried to change my July 18th flight from Newark on United to August 1st, United said they are not resuming flights to Bonaire until September 19th from Houston. I booked Delta August 1st. I have my fingers crossed.

Unfortunately, the flight ban has a good reason. It is not that we do not want people from the USA coming to Bonaire (or one of the other islands)
Its caused by a large number of COVID cases in the USA.
Social distancing seems to be a problem, and the number of COVID cases keeps increasing.
I’m afraid that August 1^st will be a challenge, because during the celebration of the 4^th of July a lot of people will come together.
The election meetings of one of the candidates might also play a role.
The Bonaire health system cannot handle a massive outbreak and want to protect its citizens.

[ChrisL]

Good reason or not, there should be a work around for real property owners like myself who pay 3x the property taxes residents pay. I, like many people I know, have maintained social distancing and would gladly subject ourselves to and pay for testing to be allowed entry. The fact that I can not enter until the rest of the USA gets their act together is disappointing. I did not say or imply that I did not understand the reasons behind the ban, I only shared that I miss my home and my friends on Bonaire and I am disappointed. I’m not overly optimistic about August 1st.

[eve_b]

Hi All, we just bought a house on Bonaire, and will be moving to the island full time.... when we are allowed in. We are in agreement with the caution that the government is taking, and it affirms our choice to move to Bonaire. We are hoping for the best, and also fearing we may not get there for many many many months. Trying to stay positive, but as we all know, the US, in general is a mess. We live in NYC, and have been through 4 months of this horror with front row seats. We got back from Bonaire on March 7, and put on masks and started working from home right away - grateful we could. It is so so upsetting on many levels to see what is happening in the rest of the country - I don't wish a covid spike on anyone. Thank you for this thread, and for any on-the-ground info anyone has. We are checking bonaire.nu daily, and also with friends on island.

Stay safe, stay healthy!

[eve_b]

Does anyone know if someone travelling form the US, stopping in Aruba for a first quarantine there, would be able to get the need health certificate to be allowed into Bonaire?
Or anyone know who I could check in with about this, on Bonaire?

https://bonaire.nu/2020/07/09/ondank...izigers-aruba/

Thanks,
Eve