Read the country’s information page for additional information on travel to Sint Maarten.

A. Quick Facts

Passport Validity: Must be valid for duration of stay
Blank Passport Pages: 1 page required for entry stamp
Tourist Visa Required: None
Vaccinations: Yellow fever if arriving from select countries.
Currency Restrictions for Entry: Amounts exceeding USD 11,000 (or equivalent) must be declared.
Currency Restrictions for Exit: Amounts exceeding USD 11,000 (or equivalent) must be declared.

 

B. Safety and Security

Crime: Crimes of opportunity, such as pickpockets and purse snatching particularly at beaches, hotel lobbies, or from cars are common. Accordingly,
– Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to secure personal property.
– Do not leave valuables in cars in plain view or unattended in unsecured hotel rooms and rental homes.
– Avoid withdrawing cash from ATMs after dark and walking in poorly-lit areas.
– Keep a copy of your valid U.S. passport in a secure location in case your passport is stolen.

 

Be sure you are sufficiently insured when renting vehicles, jet skis, and other equipment. Theft of rental cars can occur, and damages may not be fully covered by local insurance when a vehicle is stolen.

 

Parents of young travelers should be aware that the legal drinking age of 18 is not always enforced. Extra parental supervision may be appropriate. Take standard precautions when frequenting nightclubs and bars. Travel in pairs or groups and, if you consume alcohol, do so responsibly. Do not leave your drink unattended or accept open containers from strangers. If you are a victim of a crime, report it immediately to Sint Maarten police (dial 911) and the U.S. Consulate.

 

Watersports Advisory: Be aware of the risks of recreational water activities. Never venture out alone, particularly at isolated beaches or far out to sea. Avoid entering the water above your waist if you have been drinking and always be mindful of watercraft traffic in the area. When in doubt, stay out!

 

Do not attempt to experience the jet blast of approaching and departing aircraft at Maho Beach, which can result in serious injury or death.

 

See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.

 

Victims of Crime: Dial 911 for police assistance in Sint Maarten. Contact the U.S. Consulate at (+599) (9) 461-3066 after you have contacted local police. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

 

Do not rely on hotels, restaurants, or tour companies to make a crime report for you.

 

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

 

We can:
– help you find appropriate medical care
– assist you in reporting a crime to the police
– contact relatives or friends with your written consent
– provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
– provide a list of local attorneys
– provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
– provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
– help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
– replace a stolen or lost passport

 

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

 

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, basic emergency medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. Critical injuries often require medical evacuation.

 

 

C. Local Laws & Special Circumstances
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

 

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

 

Sint Maarten’s enforcement policy concerning drug possession differs significantly from the Netherlands. In Sint Maarten, laws against possession of controlled substances are enforced rigorously, including against tourists in possession of marijuana for personal use.

 

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Consulate immediately. See our webpage for further information.

 

Local law is based on Dutch law, which allows for the detention of subjects during an investigation with the approval of a judge. Persons imprisoned in Sint Maarten do not have the option of posting bond for their release.

 

Dual Nationality: Dutch law, in principle, does not permit dual nationality. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For detailed information, contact The Netherlands Embassy in Washington, DC, or one of the Dutch Consulates in the United States.

 

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

 

Faith-Based Travelers:

See the following webpages for details:
– Faith-Based Travel Information
– International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
– Human Rights Report – see country reports
– Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

 

LGBTQI+ Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Sint Maarten.

 

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

 

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: While in Curaçao, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different than in the United States. Sidewalks and crossings in many areas are not wheelchair accessible, and many buildings lack ramps.

 

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in the Dutch Caribbean prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States. The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, and communication/access to services/ease of movement or access. However, accessibility may be limited in some lodgings and general infrastructure. Sidewalks and street crossings in many areas are not wheelchair accessible. Many buildings lack ramps.

 

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

 

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.

 

 

D. Health
Access to quality medical care is limited in Sint Maarten. Facilities may not meet U.S. standards. There is one hospital on the Dutch Side, St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC), which offers 24-hour emergency services.

 

A list of medical facilities in Sint Maarten is available on our Consulate website. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

 

Many medical specialties are unavailable in Sint Maarten. Critically ill patients must often be transferred to neighboring countries or to the United States.

 

There is no decompression chamber in Sint Maarten.

 

Below are important phone numbers for emergency assistance:
–  Emergency: 911
– Ambulance/EMS: 912
– Hospital (Sint Maarten Medical Center): +1 (721) 543-1111

 

Ambulance services are widely available.

 

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

 

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

 

Medicines: If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Government of Sint Maarten to ensure the medication is legal in Sint Maarten. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.

 

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The following diseases are prevalent:
– Zika Virus
– Dengue
– Chikungunya

 

Use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers even for short stays.

 

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Sint Maarten.

 

Further health information:
– World Health Organization
– U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

 

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

 

 

E. Travel and Transportation
Road Conditions and Safety: Sint Maarten’s main roads are narrow and dimly lit. Driving at night is reasonably safe, as long as drivers are familiar with the route and road conditions. Proceed through intersections with caution.

 

Traffic Laws: Vehicles operate on the right-hand side in Sint Maarten. You can drive in Sint Maarten with a valid U.S. driver’s license. Right turns at red lights are prohibited. There are no border controls separating the Dutch and French sides of the island. Cars pass freely without stopping. Driving while intoxicated may result in the loss of a driver’s license, fine, and imprisonment.

 

Public Transportation: Taxis are unmetered. Passengers should determine the price in advance. Rental car agencies are located near the Princess Juliana International Airport. Be sure you are sufficiently insured. Ask your car rental agency for instructions in case of an accident.

 

See our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the Sint Maarten’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.

 

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Sint Maarten must have completed a Customs Form 1300, Vessel Entrance or Clearance Statement declaring their intention to travel to Sint Maarten prior to their departure from the U.S. port. Mariners failing to fill out and submit this form will be denied entry to Sint Maarten’s ports. Mariners planning travel to Sint Maarten should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website and the NGA broadcast warnings.

 

 

F. If you decide to travel to Sint Maarten:
– Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
– Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
– See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.
– Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
– See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.