Sint Maarten travel advice

Risk level

Safety and security

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. There have been reports of theft from vehicles, especially rental cars, and boats. Armed robberies and tourists being followed by people on motorcycles have also been reported. Burglaries and break-ins have occurred, with villas bring more vulnerable to these incidents.

• Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Avoid isolated or poorly-lit areas, including beaches
• Don’t leave valuables unattended on the beach or on boats
• Don’t carry large amounts of cash or jewellery
• Check with local authorities to determine which beaches are safe
• Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers

Sint Maarten regularly experiences power outages. Local authorities may limit electricity usage.

Power outages could impact essential services, such as:

• public transportation, including flights
• medical services
• the public water supply
• telecommunications
• banking transactions
• the supply of basic necessities

Not all buildings are equipped with generators.

• Keep a supply of water, food, fuel and an emergency kit on hand
• Monitor local media for the latest information

Public transportation

Minibuses

They service most major locations on both sides of the island.

Taxis

Taxis are plentiful and service the entire island.

If you use a taxi:

• use registered taxis only
• note the driver’s name and plate number
• negotiate the fare before getting in the vehicle

Ride-sharing apps

There are no ride-sharing apps in Sint Maarten.

Ferries

There are only private ferry services in Sint Maarten. Ferry services are available to Anguilla, Sint Eustatius, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saba and Saint-Barthélemy.

Air travel

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

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Sint Maarten is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and encompasses approximately half of the island of Saint Martin. It is referred to as the “Dutch side”. The other side is a "collectivité d'outre-mer" of France named Saint Martin.

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 Dutch authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

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 the expected duration of your stay in Sint Maarten. Permanent residents of Canada must travel with their Permanent Resident Card and a valid passport from their country of origin.

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

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 3 months
Business visa: not required
Work permit: required
Student visa: required

All tourists who wish to stay longer than their allotted time can request an extension; however, the possibilities to obtain an extension may differ for those travellers requiring visas.

Departure tax

You must pay a departure if you leave by Princess Juliana International Airport (Sint Maarten) and by sea. There are no departure taxes from the Grand Case-Espérance airport.

Health insurance

Tourists who have received an extension of stay are required to have health insurance valid for the duration of the extended stay.

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them:

• a return or onward ticket, with documents required for next destination
• proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay
• provide the address where you will reside during your stay in Sint Maarten

Immigration form

Upon arrival at Princess Juliana International Airport, you must present a fully completed immigration form to immigration authorities. These forms are generally handed out in the plane before landing.

Border with Saint Martin

There are no border formalities when crossing Sint Maarten from the Dutch side to the French side.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

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

Health

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.

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 can spread directly from animals to people, like rabies or bird flu (avian influenza). Others don’t spread directly from animals but can infect people who visit areas animals have contaminated with their droppings or body fluids.

Certain activities can increase your chances of coming into contact with animals, their droppings, or their body fluids, 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.
• stay away from places where animal waste can build up, such as caves
• 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

Medical care is generally good, though limited as there is one hospital in Sint Maarten, the St. Maarten Medical Center in Cay Hill. You will have to pay in advance of treatment.

Mental health facilities are provided at the Sint Maarten Mental Health Foundation. The hotline number is 520 – 5556.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive, and you may need it for neighboring countries or the United States in case of serious illness or injury. Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

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

Health and safety outside Canada

Medications

Some prescription medications may not be available in Sint Maarten.

If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality in the country.

• Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you 
• Always keep your medication in the original container 
• Pack them in your carry-on luggage 
• Carry a copy of your prescriptions 

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.

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.

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and the Netherlands are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Sint Maarten to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Sint Maarten authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Drugs

There are severe penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs. If you are convicted, you 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

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Sint Maarten law doesn’t criminalize sexual acts or relationships between persons of the same sex.

However, 2SLGBTQI+ persons could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in the Netherlands, with some exceptions.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of the Netherlands, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Useful links

• More about dual citizenship – Government of the Netherlands
• Dual citizens

Driving

You may use a Canadian driver’s license to drive in Sint Maarten.

Traffic regulation is different from Canada:

• turning right on red lights is prohibited
• legal age to drive is 18

There is no physical border between the French and Dutch sides of the island and people and vehicles may travel freely between the two.

You should carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

Car rentals

Be cautious when renting vehicles, especially when arranging for insurance and liability. Ask questions and obtain detailed written information regarding your personal responsibilities before finalizing any rental arrangements. Inquire about insurance coverage options for roadside assistance when renting a car.

Identification

The law requires that everyone over the age of 12 be able to show valid identification to law enforcement authorities at all times. A passport photocopy or other forms of government issued identification are accepted.   

Imports

You must complete an application if you intend to bring a pet or plant to Sint Maarten.

Application process – Government of Sint Maarten

Pets

You must have an International Health Certificate that is signed and stamped by a Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Official Veterinarian prior to travel. You must also obtain an Import Permit from Sint Maarten prior to travelling.

Additional certificates may be required if you travel across the border to Saint Martin.

Useful links

• Animal Health Office – Canadian Food Inspection Agency
• Export of dogs, cats and ferrets to Sint Maarten – Government of Canada

Investments

Disputes related to property acquisition or other investments are costly and take time to resolve.

If you plan on buying property, or making other investments in Sint Maarten:

• seek legal advice in Canada and in Sint Maarten before making commitments
• choose your own lawyer
• avoid hiring a lawyer recommended by a seller

Marriage abroad

If you wish to marry in Sint Maarten all marriage arrangements must be done at the Civil Registry Department. You must :

• have an interview with the immigration department at the Ministry of Justice
• must make an appointment at the Civil Registry Department to review your documents that must have an Apostille
• register your intent to marry 14 days before the date of marriage.

You will need the following documents, in English or Dutch, to complete the application for intent to marry:

• your passport
• passport copies of witnesses
• statement confirming place of residency, nationality and marital status
• your birth certificate
• declaration of marital status not older than 3 months
• return flights
• a divorce certificate if you are a divorcee
• a death certificate if you are a widow

Same-sex marriages are legal but are not performed in Sint Maarten.

Useful links

• Online Appointment Booking – Government of Sint Maarten
• Office of Civil Registry – Government of Sint Maarten
• Register a Marriage – Government of Sint Maarten
• Marriage outside Canada

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 the Netherlands.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Sint Maarten, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Sint Maarten 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 Sint Maarten 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

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Drones

You must have drone permission and insurance to fly drones in Sint Maarten.

The following is forbidden when flying drones in Sint Maarten:

• flying over airports or airfields
• flying over crowds
• flying at night
• filming or recording people or properties with permission

Money

The currency of Sint Maarten is the Netherlands Antillean guilder.

U.S. dollars are widely accepted.

Natural disasters and climate

Hurricane season

Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services. You could face serious safety risks during a hurricane.

If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:

• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities

Useful links

• Severe storms outside Canada
• Large-scale emergencies outside Canada
• Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings – U.S. National Hurricane Center

Rainy season

The rainy season extends from May to October and can lead to severe flooding.

Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable due to mudslides and landslides. Bridges, buildings, and infrastructure may be damaged.

• Monitor local media for the latest updates, including those on road conditions
• Stay away from flooded areas
• Monitor weather reports
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders