French Saint Martin travel advisory today

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of current rules for the most common types of travel.

St Martin and St Barthélemy are French overseas territories. The French authorities set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Consulate General of France in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave St Martin and St Barthélemy.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You 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.

Residents

Carry your residence document, as well as your passport, when entering or exiting St Martin or St Barthélemy.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You can visit St Martin and St Barthélemy without a visa for up to 3 months.

To stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, check the visa application process and timelines on the French visa website.

Travel between St Martin and St Maarten

There is no physical border between the French and Dutch territories on the island of St Martin. People and goods may travel freely between the 2 sides of the island.

Vaccine requirements

To enter St Martin and St Barthélemy, 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.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s French overseas territories in the Carribean guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of St Martin or St Barthélemy. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

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

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide 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 local 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're travelling with.

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 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Saint Martin.

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, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

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

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

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

Departure tax

A departure tax is charged for all international departures from Princess Juliana International Airport (Sint Maarten) and by sea. Some airlines include the departure tax in the price of the ticket. There are no departure taxes from the Grand Case-Espérance airport.

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them:

• a return or onward ticket
• proof that you have a place to stay
• proof that you have sufficient funds for the duration of your stay

Border with Sint Maarten

There are no border formalities when crossing Saint Martin from the French side to the Dutch side.

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

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