Sint Maarten is a unique destination… Besides its cultural, ethnic, climatic or geographical particularities, it remains one of the only destinations to be able to reconcile relaxation, exoticism and security.
Sint Maarten is an overseas community which is an integral part of the French Republic. Like the metropolis, it enjoys political stability which excludes the risk of a coup. Similarly, the island respects the same laws as in mainland France and sex tourism is strongly reprimanded. Before leaving, it is always essential to obtain as much information as possible about your destination.
Do not hesitate to contact the Tourist Office team, whose objective remains the comfort and well-being of our guests. Also, don’t hesitate to meet the people of Sint Maarten, who are proud of their “Friendly Island” and will always be of great help. Sint Maarten more than elsewhere…
Airlines companiesThe island of Sint Maarten has an international airport in the Dutch part and a regional airport in the French part. More than 20 airlines serve the island.
CruisesEach year Sint Maarten welcomes more than 2 million cruise passengers with its 2 ports. The port of Galisbay favors medium cruising with high-end customers. The Sint Maarten Port Authority on the Dutch side welcomed its millionth passenger on September 13th! The biggest cruise lines dock in Sint-Maarten every year.
Entry and immigration formalities
All travelers arriving from Juliana International Airport (partly Dutch) must present a FULLY completed immigration card. This card is generally given on the plane.
It is ESSENTIAL to know before your arrival, the exact address of the place of your stay in Saint Martin.
French citizens
If the arrival is at Juliana International Airport code SXM, in the Dutch part, French nationals must present a valid passport as well as a return or continuation of travel ticket.
For French nationals arriving at Grand-Case airport , in the French part, a valid identity card is sufficient.
EU nationals
Passport without visa serving as an official identity card or valid French residence card for Grand-Case airport.
Nationals of the USA and CANADA
A valid passport as well as a return or continuation of travel ticket and for naturalized citizens, an original of the naturalization certificate with photo ID.
Other countries
A valid passport and a return or onward travel ticket.
Visas are required to enter Saint Martin for the following countries (alphabetical order):
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Belarus, Bosnia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo (Democratic Republic ), Congo, North Korea, Ivory Coast, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica (Island), Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ecuador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea Bissau , Guinea 2quatoriale, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Laos, Lesotho, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Morocco, Northern Mariana Islands (Marshall Islands), Mauritius (Island), Mauritania, Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Mozambique, Myanmar (ex Burma), Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Uganda , Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua / New Guinea, Peru, Philipp ines, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, St Christophe (St Kitts) & Nevis, Saint Vincent, Saint Lucia, Solomon (Islands), Western Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Tajikistan, Taiwan, Tanzania, Chad, Thailand, East Timor, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Tuvalu, Ukraine, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
No vaccine is required.
Pets
Pets over three months old are allowed on presentation of a recent good health certificate, issued by your veterinarian and up-to-date vaccination book (notably rabies vaccine).
It is imperative to inquire with its carrier to know the conditions of transport and formalities.
Between Saint-Martin and Sint-Maarten
There is no material border between the French and Dutch territories.
The movement of goods and people is completely free …
Customs formalities
at the arrival…
Saint-Martin / Sint-Maarten is a free port. There are no customs formalities in particular to operate. Introduced in small quantities, products for personal use (tobacco, cameras, …) are authorized without specific formalities or taxes to be paid.
On the return …
Although many other tourist destinations proclaim themselves “duty free”, Saint-Martin is the only destination in the Antilles that can claim to be so. The absence of customs duties, VAT and other indirect taxes guarantee unbeatable prices on many items.
It is good to inquire to know under what conditions these purchases can be brought home.
Residents of the European Community, having made a stay in Saint-Martin or Saint Barthélemy benefit from the following franchises: per traveler over 16 years old, 200 cigarettes (or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars), 2 liters of still wines, and 1 liter of alcohol over 22 °, or 2 liters of alcohol under 22 °. For perfumes: 50 g of extract or 50cl of eau de toilette.
Other goods: 183 euros in values, if the value is higher, the VAT rights will apply to the entire amount.
The above limits are not cumulative.
These deductibles can vary, it is prudent to inquire directly with the customs services of your country.
The addresses
As in all the Caribbean, it is relatively complicated to find your way around Saint-Martin even if there is only one main artery: Route Nationale 7 (it seems that this is an extension of the mainland …).
The indications are often very vague and do not be surprised if your hotel is located: “just after the mailbox tree on the left …” or “on the right after the palm tree …”.
Don’t worry, you just have to ask for directions (which is often done in Saint-Martin) and everything gets back to normal very quickly …
Road maps are distributed free of charge at the Saint-Martin Tourist Office and in various shops and other places on the island.
Driving in Saint-Martin / Sint-Maarten
Driving is carried out according to French standards on the right lane, in application of the Highway Code.
A French or international driving license is sufficient to drive on the whole territory.
The road network of Saint-Martin mainly consists of a belt that surrounds the island and small roads that connect the towns.
A legendary courtesy exists between motorists, for whom the horn is used to greet knowledge. It is the reign of “No-stress” despite the few traffic jams that plague the tourist high season due to the low number of roads.
Sandy Ground and Simpson Bay Bridges
Two mobile bridges, one partly French, the other partly Dutch, provide boat access to the Simpson Bay lagoon, interrupting road traffic for a few minutes.
Opening time :
• Sandy Ground Bridge (French side, at the exit of Marigot in the direction of Nettle Bay):
Monday to Saturday: 8:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sunday: 8:15 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Information: 0590 87 20 43 / VHF channel 16
• Simpson Bay Bridge (Dutch side)
7 days a week: 9 a.m. – 9.30 a.m. – 11 a.m. – 11.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. – 5.30 p.m.
Information: VHF Canal 12
Taxis
There are many regular connections between Marigot, Philipsburg, other towns and airports.
Useful numbers
Marigot: 0590 87 56 54
Philipsburg: (1-721) 542 2359
Princess Juliana International Airport: (1-721) 546 7713
Departure airport. Gd-Case Espérance: 0590 87 53 03
Note: taxis do not have a meter, but they respect an established price list. Some taxis, especially those on the Dutch side, only accept US dollars.
Many taxis are departing from the departmental airport of Grand-Case, from the ferry terminal on the seafront of Marigot (French part), and from Princess Juliana International Airport (Dutch part).
The buses
Collective taxis (mini-buses) provide a relatively complete service to all points of the island. There are no fixed timetables or material stops. Just stand on the side of the road and raise your hand when a collective taxi arrives. They generally accept two currencies, the euro and the US dollar.
Car rental in Saint Martin
To make the most of your stay in Saint Martin and visit the island, it is imperative to use a rental company.
Sunscreen
Located between the Tropic of Cancer and the equator, Saint-Martin receives strong solar radiation. A high coefficient sun protection is essential and the total screen is even recommended for those who only know the Mediterranean sun.
It is also very strongly recommended to bring high-performance sunglasses and always have a hat available.
Dengue
Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti in the Caribbean). The disease results in a high fever accompanied by headache, body aches and asthenia which can last for several weeks. It occurs 2 to 7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. In the majority of cases, dengue does not present complications. However, mainly due to the decrease in the number of platelets, there is a risk of bleeding during this viral infection. That is why it is necessary to protect yourself from mosquito bites. If in doubt, it is imperative to consult a doctor and avoid taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs.
With regard to Chikungunya and avian flu, no case has been detected on the island to date by the Directorate of Health and Social Development (DSDS).
Some precautions to observe:
Protect yourself individually against mosquito bites: use of mosquito nets, wearing long clothing, use of repellents (lemongrass) and insecticide products.
Avoid the proliferation of vectors by regularly eliminating all breeding places for mosquitoes that are outside and inside homes.
Poisonous plants
Some plants can cause severe allergies, including mancenillier (from the Spanish manzana, which means apple). This tree, 2 to 5 meters high, which resembles an apple tree, is found in dry and sandy soils, especially on the beaches. Its abundant foliage provides shaded areas, but beware, it is very dreaded. A simple contact with any part of the Mancenillier can cause more or less serious burns. Do not take shelter under this tree when it rains. Its sap and fruit are extremely toxic. As a general rule, it is recommended not to eat the fruit without first having inquired from competent people or organizations about the nature of the fruit.
Ciguatera
Some fish, especially those found on coral reefs, contain toxins which can lead, when consumed, sometimes serious disorders (paralysis, drop in blood pressure) and always unpleasant (itching, tingling, dizziness … ). This is called ciguatera or “scraper”. Avoid eating fish before taking information from the competent people or organizations, especially if you have caught them yourself. Large fish (over 1 kg) are the ones that store the most of this toxin.
AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases
Located within the Caribbean region, the island of Saint Martin hosts many different populations and remains a so-called high prevalence area. In Saint Martin, like everywhere else in the world, the only precaution to be observed during sexual intercourse is the use of condoms.
The association “Les Liaisons Dangereuses”, 6 rue Fichot in Marigot (tel: 0590 87 01 17) provides free anonymous screening consultations.
Medical and emergency services
The medical system is identical to that of the mainland. All common medications can be found locally.
• Saint-Martin
Louis Constant Fleming Hospital, Concordia, Marigot – Emergency Department: 0590 52 25 52
SAMU: 15
Police: 17
Firefighters: 18
Doctors on call center (ADGUPS): 0590 90 13 13
Medicall / Medical assistance: 0590 29 04 04
Erick Ambulances: 0590 29 29 34
North Island ambulances: 0590 52 00 52
“Dangerous connections”, Health prevention center (6, rue Fichot, Marigot): 0590 87 01 17
Fire brigade, La Savane area: 0590 29 02 86
Firemen, Grand Case Airport: 0590 87 95 01
Gendarmerie, Marigot: 0590 52 21 90
Gendarmerie, La Savane: 0590 52 30 00
Gendarmerie, Orleans district: 0590 52 35 95
Police, Marigot: 0590 87 88 33
Police, Grand Case: 0590 87 19 76
Police Air et Frontières, Marigot: 0590 87 57 13
CROSS Sea rescue in the area between Eel and Guyana: 0596 70 92 92
SNSM Saint Martin – 24 hour service: 0690 76 75 00 – 0690 41 17 07 – 0690 72 59 59 – 0690 31 37 47
• Sint-Maarten
Emergencies: 911
Doctors on call: (1-721) 5111
Hospital: (1-721) 543 1111
Ambulance: 912 or (1-721) 542 2111 or (1-721) 520 6262
Firefighters: 120 or (1-721) 542 6001
Police: 111 or (1-721) 542 2112
Maritime police: (1-721) 542 2277
Practical Information, Miscellaneous
Local hour
Compared to mainland France
– 5 hours in winter (from the end of October to the end of March)
– 6 hours in summer (from the end of March to the end of October)Compared to New York
+ 1 hour in winter (from the end of October to the end of March)
Compared to universal time (GMT)
– 4 hours
Languages spoken in Saint Martin
The aptly named “Friendly Island” has more than 120 nationalities.
The French part of the island, Saint-Martin, uses the French language in administrations and schools but with the bilingualism to which the Saint Martinois are attached, English is also widely spoken, including in French.
In the Dutch part, Sint-Maarten, English is the official language.
However, on both parts of the island, besides the English and French languages, Spanish, Dutch, Creole and Papiamento are also commonly spoken.
Coins
The Euro, partly French and the Netherlands Antilles Florin (NAF) or guilder, partly Dutch, are the two official currencies.
However, the US dollar is accepted throughout the island.
Many “change points” and banks are available on the island.
Please note that many establishments refuse off-site checks, but most accept the main credit cards.
Electricity and water in Saint Martin
Electricity
In the French part: 220 Volts / 60 Hertz. European sockets
In the Dutch part: 110 Volts / 60 Hertz. American plugs
On both parts of the island, the shops for household appliances, Hi-Fi devices, cameras, etc. offer electricity transformers as well as American and European plug ends. Electrical devices can therefore be used on both sides of the island.
Water
The island has neither source nor river. The drinking water distributed comes only from desalination plants. As on the rest of the planet, water has become a scarce commodity, and therefore expensive. Spring and mineral waters are available for sale in all shops.
Telephone and internet in Saint Martin
Phone
The international codes are: for Saint-Martin +590 and for Sint-Maarten + 1-721.
From Saint Martin
• To Saint-Martin: 10-digit number for the correspondent
• Towards Sint-Maarten
– Landline: 00 1 721 54 + the 5 digits of the corresponding landline
– Mobile: 00 1 721 55 + the 5 digits of the correspondent’s mobile
• To mainland France: 10-digit number for the correspondent
• To the United States: 001 + State code + correspondent number
From Sint-Maarten
• Towards Saint-Martin:
– Landline: 00 59 + the 10 digits of the correspondent’s landline
– Mobile: 00 59 + the 10 digits of the correspondent’s mobile
• To Sint-Maarten: 7-digit number of the correspondent
• To mainland France: 00 33 + 10-digit number for the correspondent
• To the United States: 001 + State code + correspondent number
Internet
The access providers are: Orange Caribbean, Dauphin Telecom, Médiaserve and Caribserve.
The connections are made in broadband (ADSL) in most districts, or in Wifi for some areas in the North of the island and in Terres Basses.
Many internet cafes offer Internet access.
The hotels are almost all equipped, as well as the Marinas.
Pets
It is quite possible to come to Saint Martin with your “companion”. It is imperative to check with your accommodation to find out if your pet is accepted.
In the French part, most of the time, small dogs kept on a leash are accepted, except on the beaches. It is very rare for restaurants on the Dutch side to allow them to accompany you.
