Travel Requirements: Unlocking The Beauty Of St. Maarten

To enter St. Maarten, you must have a valid passport and may need a visa. You will also need to fill in an immigration form before arrival, which is usually handed out on the plane. You must know the exact address of where you will be staying, and you will need to provide proof of your accommodation. You will also need to show proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket. Due to COVID-19, all travellers were required to submit a negative COVID test and apply through an Electronic Health Authorisation System (EHAS) before arrival. However, as of November 2022, this is no longer necessary.

COVID-19 Requirements: Pre-travel application, negative test, vaccination proof, and insurance

All travellers to St. Maarten must adhere to the following COVID-19 requirements:

Pre-travel application

Due to COVID-19, every traveller must submit an application through an Electronic Health Authorization System (EHAS) before arriving on the island. Without pre-authorisation, you will not be able to board your plane. The processing time for this application can take up to 12 hours, so it is important to complete it well in advance.

Negative test

When applying, you will be required to submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test. For fully vaccinated travellers, a negative Ag test result is required within 48 hours before departure. For non-fully vaccinated travellers, a negative rt-PCR test result is required within 48 hours before departure. Antigen test requirements state that travellers from the USA and Canada can do an antigen test for the SARS-COV-2 virus obtained from a naso-pharyngeal swab performed within 48 hours before departure.

Vaccination proof

Official proof of vaccination status (national vaccination card) must be uploaded to the EHAS application.

Insurance

When completing your EHAS application, you will be required to purchase COVID-19 insurance. This is a mandatory step integrated into the application process and costs $30 per person.

Travel Documents: Passport, visa, immigration form, proof of accommodation, and funds

To enter St. Maarten, you must have a valid passport. Your passport must be current, and have an 'expiry date' that is at least 6 months after the date of your arrival. You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid passport or travel document.

US citizens do not need a visa to enter St. Maarten. This allows for a 90-day stay, with a maximum of 180 days per 365 days. Citizens of the European Union also do not need a visa, and can stay for up to 3 months. However, for people from most other countries, a visa is necessary when travelling to St. Maarten. You will also need a valid passport and a connecting flight or return ticket.

Before arriving at Princess Juliana International Airport on the Dutch side of St. Maarten, you must fill in an immigration form. This form is usually handed out on the plane. You will need to know the exact address of where you will be staying.

If you are travelling from a country listed as a transmission risk, you must have a certificate to prove you have had a yellow fever vaccination.

You must also have proof of sufficient funds relative to your intended length of stay.

Pet Travel: Health certificate, vaccination record, import permit, and microchip

When travelling with pets to St. Maarten, there are several requirements that must be met. These include a health certificate, vaccination records, an import permit, and a microchip.

Firstly, a health certificate is required for your pet to enter St. Maarten. This certificate must be completed by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin, in English or Dutch, within 14 days of travel. The certificate must be endorsed by the USDA or CFIA if travelling from the United States or Canada. Endorsement may also be required for other countries, depending on their export procedures. The health certificate should include details such as the product information, treatment date, and validity period of any treatments administered.

Additionally, your pet must be vaccinated against certain diseases. For dogs, this includes vaccinations against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, parainfluenza (DHLPP Vaccine), bordetella, and rabies. Cats must be vaccinated against feline leukemia, feline rhinotracheitis, feline calcivirus, feline panleukopenia, feline pneumonitis, and the rabies virus. It is important to note that the rabies vaccination must have been administered at least 21 days and not more than 12-36 months prior to entry.

An import permit is also necessary for entering St. Maarten with a personal pet. This permit is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. It is important to ensure that all required documents are in English or accompanied by an English translation and in Adobe PDF format to be successfully attached to the application.

Furthermore, your pet must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 pet microchip that has 15 digits and is non-encrypted. Alternatively, if your pet's microchip is not ISO 11784/11785 compliant, you can bring your own microchip scanner.

By ensuring that you have the necessary health certificate, vaccination records, import permit, and microchip, you can confidently travel to St. Maarten with your furry companion.

Currency: Euro, US dollar, and Netherlands Antillean guilder

St. Maarten is an island in the Caribbean with a fascinating history and a diverse culture. The island is divided into two parts, one French and the other Dutch, each with its own unique character and attractions. When it comes to currency, St. Maarten accepts the Euro, US dollar, and Netherlands Antillean guilder. Here are some important details to know about the currency requirements when travelling to St. Maarten:

The Euro

The Euro is the official currency on the French side of the island, known as Saint-Martin. This side of the island is considered a part of France, so it follows the same currency regulations. It's important to note that some establishments on the French side may only accept euros or credit cards, so it's advisable to have some euros on hand when visiting this part of the island.

The US Dollar

While the official currencies on the island are the Euro and the Netherlands Antillean guilder, US dollars are widely accepted on both the French and Dutch sides. In fact, US dollars are often preferred by many businesses, especially on the Dutch side. This means that you can use your US dollars for most purchases and services during your stay in St. Maarten.

The Netherlands Antillean Guilder

The Netherlands Antillean guilder, also known as the "Florin," is the official currency on the Dutch side of the island, known as Sint Maarten. This currency is divided into 100 cents and is accepted at most businesses on this side of the island. It is always a good idea to have some local currency when exploring the Dutch side of St. Maarten, as it may be required for certain purchases or transactions.

When travelling to St. Maarten, it is recommended to have a mix of currencies, including Euros, US dollars, and the Netherlands Antillean guilder. This will ensure that you are prepared for various expenses and can take advantage of the wide acceptance of multiple currencies on the island. Additionally, credit cards are widely accepted everywhere, so you can also rely on them as a backup option.

Transport: International flights, cruise ships, car, and local buses

The Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) is located on the Dutch side of St. Maarten. Many major airlines operate international flights to St. Maarten from cities such as New York, Newark, Miami, Chicago, Atlanta, and Fort Lauderdale. Paris and Toronto also have one flight each per day. Additionally, there are several flights from other Caribbean islands, including San Juan, Tortola, St Barts, Jamaica, and Antigua.

Alternatively, you can reach St. Maarten by sea, as it is a popular cruise ship destination. Most major cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Disney, include St. Maarten as a day trip on their itineraries. The port is located on the Dutch side of the island, in the capital of Philipsburg.

If you want to explore the island, it is recommended to rent a car or an ATV. The highway system is circular and follows the coast, with minor routes connecting the interior. The roads can become slippery in wet weather, and potholes can appear, especially on unsurfaced roads. Driving in St. Maarten is on the right-hand side of the road.

Local buses run throughout almost the entire island and are a much cheaper option than taxis, which are extremely overpriced. Buses are also a good option for getting from the cruise port into the town of Philipsburg.

Frequently asked questions