No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of St Maarten’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nSt Maarten is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It sets and enforces its own entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Netherlands Embassy in the UK.
\n\nTo enter St Maarten, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou can stay in St Maarten for up to 90 days without a visa. See St Maarten visa information.
\n\nTo enter St Maarten, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s St Maarten guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of St Maarten. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nThere is no border between St Maarten (Dutch side of the island) and St Martin (French side). People and goods may travel freely. See St Martin travel advice.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nAlthough there’s no recent history of terrorism in St Maarten, attacks cannot be ruled out.
\n\nThere is a risk of petty theft and street crime. The main tourist areas are generally safe.
\n\nTo reduce the risk to yourself and your belongings:
\n\nSt Maarten is used as a drug passageway from South America to Europe and North America. There can be drug-related violent crime, but this rarely affects tourists. Do not leave bags unattended or agree to carry a package for anyone.
\n\nThe authorities use body scanners and baggage screening for passengers. There are severe penalties for possessing and trafficking narcotics.
\n\nProstitution is not illegal, but facilitating prostitution without a licence is illegal. St Maarten has adopted a ‘tolerance approach’ to foreign workers in certain establishments on the island. This means that criminal law is not enforced in those locations as long as people follow set requirements.
\n\nIt is a legal requirement to carry ID with a photo, for example a passport or photocard driving licence. A printed copy of your ID is not usually acceptable.
\n\nSt Maarten is generally accepting of the LGBT+ community. There have been no reports of incidents directed against members of the LGBT+ community.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in St Maarten, check local requirements. See information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the Dutch motor association guide (in Dutch).
\n\nIf you plan to hire a car, check ahead for the requirements of the hire car company.
\n\nMain roads are in relatively good condition. Roads can become slippery in wet weather and potholes can appear, especially on unsurfaced roads.
\n\nBe alert in traffic on St Maarten, as it can be crowded and lacks traffic signs. Adapt your driving as much as possible.
\n\nDrink-driving is a serious offence in St Maarten. If you are tested and found to have more than two-thirds the legal limit for England and Wales in your system, you could get a fine and possible imprisonment.
\n\nUse registered taxis with the word ‘taxi’ on the number plate. Taxis are not metered, but there are fixed rates for standard routes. Always agree the fare before setting off.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nThe hurricane season in St Maarten normally runs from June to November. Monitor local and international weather updates from:
\n\nBefore you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 911 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in St Maarten, including:
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThe level of medical care on St Maarten is reasonable. The St Maarten Medical Center has an emergency room that is always open and staff speak English. There are also Dutch general practitioners based on St Maarten.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nAmbulance: 911
\n\nFire: 919
\n\nPolice: 911
\n\nCoastguard: 913
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
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