St Maarten and St Martin Travel Guide

Passports and Visas

All tourists must have return or onward tickets, all documents needed for next destination and sufficient funds. Passports must be valid for the length of stay. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travelers traveling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Americans

United States citizens require a valid passport. No visa is needed for a stay of up to three months in the Netherlands Antilles, but passengers are required to show proof of funds for the duration of their stay (generally calculated as $500 per week).

UK Nationals

British passport holders endorsed British Citizen, British Subject, British Overseas Territories Citizen, or European Community do not require a visa for a stay of up to three months in the Netherlands Antilles. Passports endorsed British National (Overseas) also do not require a visa for a stay of 90 days. In all other cases a visa is required. Passengers are required to show proof of funds for the duration of their stay (generally calculated as $500 per week).

Canadians

Canadians must have a valid passport. No visa is needed for a stay of up to three months in the Netherlands Antilles. Passengers are required to show proof of funds for the duration of their stay (generally calculated as $500 per week).

Australians

Australians must have a valid passport. No visa is needed for a stay of up to three months in the Netherlands Antilles. Passengers are required to show proof of funds for the duration of their stay (generally calculated as $500 per week).

South Africans

South Africans must have a valid passport and Schengen visa for entry into the Netherlands Antilles. Passengers are required to show proof of funds for the duration of their stay (generally calculated as $500 per week).

Irish Nationals

Irish nationals require a passport valid for at least the period of intended stay. No visa is needed for a stay of up to three months in the Netherlands Antilles. Passengers are required to show proof of funds for the duration of their stay (generally calculated as $500 per week).

New Zealanders

New Zealand citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is needed for a stay of up to three months in the Netherlands Antilles. Passengers are required to show proof of funds for the duration of their stay (generally calculated as $500 per week).

Healthcare

No vaccination certificates are required for entry into either St Maarten or St Martin, however a yellow fever certificate is required for travelers arriving within six days from infected areas. The Manchionneel tree that grows all over the island, mainly along the beaches, is extremely poisonous: the sap and fruit, which look like small green apples are caustic and burn the skin. Water is safe to drink. Medical care on the island is good, but patients are likely to be transferred to the US for anything serious. Medical insurance is strongly advised.

Safety

Most visits to the island are trouble-free, however crime has been increasing in recent years and visitors should refrain from leaving valuables unattended on beaches, in cars and hotel lobbies. Burglaries and break-ins occur sometimes at resorts, beach houses and hotels and there have been incidents of armed robbery. Precautions should also be taken against car theft and insurance cover is advisable.