Is it safe to travel to Sint Maarten right now?

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 St Maarten’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

St 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.

Passport validity requirements

To enter St Maarten, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

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.

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 stay in St Maarten for up to 90 days without a visa. See St Maarten visa information.

Vaccine requirements

To 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.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s St Maarten guide.

Customs rules

There 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.

Travel between St Maarten and St Martin

There 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.

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.

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 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, 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 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 about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

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