US citizens do not need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days. Visitors from EU countries, Australia, and New Zealand are also visa exempt. Visitors from these countries will be granted a 90-day stay for tourist purposes on arrival, although they are required to have at least six months’ validity on their passport and possess a return ticket.
Health and Safety
There is no risk of yellow fever in St Maarten; however, a certificate is required to enter the country if you have visited an at-risk area within the previous week. If you have visited an infected area and do not possess a valid yellow fever certificate, you should seek a vaccine eight weeks before you travel. It is recommended that you also seek the following routine vaccinations before you travel: hepatitis A, diphtheria, MMR, and tetanus. If your vaccines are not up to date, you should renew six to eight weeks before your intended travel date. There is no risk of malaria on St Martin Island, although it is recommended to use mosquito repellent and to cover up exposed skin at night in order to defend against insect bites.
St Maarten is an extremely safe country, and incidences of crime against tourists are rare, although they are reported on occasion. Most common are muggings and thefts from hotels and yachts, occasionally accompanied by violence if met with resistance. It is best not to resist any muggings, and you should avoid walking alone in isolated areas at night, including beaches.
Being in the tropics, St Maarten is at risk of violent storms, and hurricane season lasts from June to November each year. If traveling somewhere remote in St Maarten during this season, it is best to check weather reports or visit the US National Hurricane Center website.