Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon travel advice

Latest updates: Safety and security – updated information on crime, demonstrations and strikes

Last updated: ET

On this page

Risk level

Saint Pierre and Miquelon - Take normal security precautions

Take normal security precautions in Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

Back to top

Safety and security

Crime

The crime rate is low in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon.

Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

Demonstrations and strikes

Demonstrations and strikes occur sometimes.

They can lead to disruptions to traffic and public services.

  • Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
  • Follow the instructions of local authorities
  • Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Roads

Road conditions

There are no traffic lights in Saint Pierre and Miquelon. The road system includes stop signs.

Public transportation

There is no public transportation, but taxis are available.

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Back to top

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the French authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

While the archipelago of Saint Pierre and Miquelon is a French territory, it is not part of the Schengen area and has its own entry and exit requirements.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules. 

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

If you arrive directly from Canada for a stay of 90 days or less, an official Canadian photo identification, such as your citizenship card, driver's licence or student card, suffices.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days
Business visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days
Work permit: not required for stays of up to 90 days
Student visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days

Visas are not issued on site. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days in Saint Pierre and Miquelon, you must obtain your visa in Canada before going there.

Do I need a visa? – Government of France

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section). 

Back to top

Health

Relevant Travel Health Notices

This section has information and advice about health risks you might face when travelling. Following this advice can help reduce your risk of getting sick. Not all risks are listed here.

It's best to talk to a healthcare provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before your trip to get personalized health advice. Even if your travel date is coming up soon, it's still worthwhile to make an appointment.

Routine vaccines

Make sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel, no matter where you’re going.

These may include vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, varicella (chickenpox), meningococcal disease, seasonal flu, and others.

Provincial and Territorial Immunization Information

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

When travelling in this destination, you might be at risk for diseases that can be prevented with vaccines or medications. Talk to a travel health care provider about which ones are right for you based on your travel plans.

The highlights below will also tell you if your destination may require that vaccine for entering or exiting.

Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

Risk

  • There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

  • Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

  • Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

Measles

Measles is a serious viral infection that spreads easily. It spreads through the air, and can stay in the air for up to 2 hours. You can also get measles by direct contact with an infected person or by touching a surface with the virus on it and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth before washing your hands.

Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and others from measles. In Canada, the measles vaccine is part of the routine immunization schedule. If you’re unsure whether you’re protected, talk to a healthcare provider.

Learn more:

Measles

COVID-19

COVID-19 is an infectious viral disease. Most of the time, it spreads when people are in close contact with others who are infected with the virus. It spreads through respiratory particles, or through an infected surface or object.

Vaccination is one of the most important ways to protect yourself from developing serious complications from COVID-19. Talk to a healthcare provider about the COVID-19 vaccine before travelling. Evidence shows that the COVID-19 vaccines used in Canada are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19.

In addition to vaccination, use personal protective measures to help protect yourself and others.

Learn more :

Vaccine for COVID-19: How to get vaccinated
COVID-19: Spread, prevention and risks

Influenza

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

  •  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
  •  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
  •  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Hepatitis B

 Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Rabies

In this destination, rabies may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Safe food and water precautions

Eating or drinking unsafe food or water, or swimming in contaminated water can make you sick while travelling. Take precautions by following these tips:

  • Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it (only eat food that is prepared safely)
  • Avoid, if possible, getting water in your eyes, mouth, or nose when swimming in freshwater (like streams, lakes, or canals), especially after heavy rain or flooding - the water might look clean but can still be contaminated 
  • Don’t swallow water when bathing, showering, swimming in pools, or using hot tubs 

Eat and drink safely abroad

Tick and insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by bites from infected ticks and insects like mosquitoes, fleas, or flies. Before you travel, find out what types of ticks or insects are in the area, when they’re most active, and what diseases they can spread.

To protect yourself from bites:

  • use an approved bug spray (insect repellent) on exposed skin
  • wear light-coloured, loose clothing made of tightly woven materials like nylon or polyester
  • wear socks and closed-toe shoes
  • sleep under mosquito netting if you’re outdoors or staying in places that aren’t fully enclosed
  • do a full body tick check on yourself, your children, your gear, and any pets you’re travelling with when you return from outdoor activities

Insect bite and pest prevention
Personal insect repellents

Animal precautions

Some infections, like rabies and bird flu (avian influenza), can be spread from animals to humans. Certain activities can increase your chances of coming into contact with animals, like:

  • travelling in rural or forested areas
  • camping, hiking, or visiting caves
  • visiting places where live animals are sold or killed for food, like wet markets

To reduce your risk of getting sick, avoid contact with animals like stray dogs, livestock (such as pigs and cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Avoid eating undercooked meat.

Make sure to closely watch children; they are more likely to try to touch animals.

Person-to-person infections

When travelling, you can reduce your risk of getting or spreading respiratory infections, like the flu or COVID-19, by:

  • staying at your accommodation and limiting contact with others if you’re sick
  • wearing a well-fitting mask, especially: 
    • if you’re sick and need to be around others 
    • when you’re at large indoor events or in crowded settings, like sporting events, concerts, and airports
  • cleaning your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
  • covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, not your hands

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Clean your hands to help reduce the spread of infectious diseases
Respiratory infectious diseases: How to reduce the spread with personal protective measures

To lower your risk of getting sexually transmissible infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox, you can:

  • get vaccinated against mpox if you’re eligible
  • practise safer sex methods
    • use barrier protection during sexual activity, like condoms and dental dams.

Mpox vaccines
Sexual health and travel
HIV and AIDS: Travel health advice

Medical services and facilities

Health care is very good and available throughout the territory.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Medication

Some prescription medications may not be available in Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

If you take prescription medications, you’re responsible for determining their legality in Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

  • Bring enough medication for your stay
  • Always keep your medication in the original container and carry a copy of your prescriptions
  • Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage

Travelling with medication – Government of France (French only)

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Back to top

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

  • Pack your own luggage and monitor it closely at all times
  • Never transport other people’s packages, bags or suitcases

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in France.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of France, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and France.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Saint Pierre and Miquelon, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Saint Pierre and Miquelon court.

If you are in this situation:

  • act as quickly as you can
  • contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
  • consult a lawyer in Canada and in Saint Pierre and Miquelon to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
  • report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

Driving

You must be at least 17 years old to drive a car in Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

As a tourist, you can drive with a valid Canadian driver's licence for up to 90 days.

If you are a resident of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, you can drive with a valid Canadian driver's licence for up to a year, after which you will need to exchange it for a French driver’s licence.

If you are travelling to Saint Pierre and Miquelon by car, make sure your vehicle is covered by your insurance policy, as the archipelago is not considered to be in North America.

Right of way

The “right of way” system is in effect in Saint Pierre and Miquelon. Drivers must give way to vehicles approaching from the right at intersections, even on secondary roads. This often comes as a surprise to unaccustomed foreign drivers.

Vehicles already in a roundabout have priority over those trying to enter it. In this case, priority is given to the left rather than the right.

Pay attention when driving in Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

Money

The currency of Saint Pierre and Miquelon is the euro (EUR).

However, Canadian dollars are widely accepted.

Back to top

Natural disasters and climate

Climate change

Climate change is affecting Saint Pierre and Miquelon. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and can affect your travel plans. Monitor local media for the latest information.

Flooding

Heavy rains, particularly in the fall and winter, can cause flooding. Roads may become impassable and infrastructure damaged.

  • Exercise caution, particularly in areas around rivers
  • Stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
  • Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Useful links

Back to top

Need help?

Local services

Emergency services

Dial 112 for emergency assistance.

Consular assistance

Saint-Pierre - Honorary consul of Canada
Street Address11, rue Docteur Dunan, 97500, Saint-Pierre, Saint-Pierre et MiquelonPostal AddressP.O. Box 4370, Saint-Pierre, Saint-Pierre et MiquelonTelephone508 41-55-10Fax508 41-55-10Emailsaint-pierre@international.gc.caInternethttps://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/saint_pierre_miquelon/saint-pierre.aspx?lang=engX (Twitter)@CanEmbFrance
Paris - Embassy of Canada
Street Address130, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris, FrancePostal Address130, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris, FranceTelephone+33 (0)1 44 43 29 02Fax+33 (0)1 44 43 29 86Emailparis-consulaire@international.gc.caInternethttps://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/france/paris.aspx?lang=engFacebookEmbassy of Canada to FranceX (Twitter)@CanEmbFranceOther social mediaCanEmbFrance
Embassy of Canada in France
Consular district

French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, Monaco, La Réunion, Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Martin, Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to France, in Paris, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

Disclaimer

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services.

Date modified: