{"slug":"st-maarten","title":"St Maarten travel advice","updated_at":"2025-12-10T12:38:22+00:00","reviewed_at":"2025-12-10T12:38:22Z","change_description":"New information about dual nationals returning to the UK (‘ Entry requirements’ page).","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/st-maarten","entry_requirements_html":"<p>This information is for people travelling on a full <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/types-of-british-nationality\">‘British citizen’ passport</a> 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.</p>\n\n<p>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 <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/web/united-kingdom/about-us/contact-embassy-london\">Netherlands Embassy in the UK</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"passport-validity-requirements\">Passport validity requirements</h2>\n\n<p>To enter St Maarten, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.</p>\n\n<p>Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport/renew\">Renew your passport</a> if you need to.</p>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"dual-nationals\">Dual nationals</h2>\n\n<p>When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports\">British passport</a> or <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/right-of-abode/apply-for-a-certificate-of-entitlement\">certificate of entitlement</a>. See <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/dual-citizenship\">Dual citizenship</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"visa-requirements\">Visa requirements</h2>\n\n<p>You can stay in St Maarten for up to 90 days without a visa. See <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/caribbean-visa\">St Maarten visa information</a>.  </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"vaccine-requirements\">Vaccine requirements</h2>\n\n<p>To enter St Maarten, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/65/countries-with-risk-of-yellow-fever-transmission\">country listed as a transmission risk</a>.</p>\n\n<p>For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/44/caribbean-islands-netherlands#Vaccine_Recommendations\">TravelHealthPro’s St Maarten guide</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"customs-rules\">Customs rules</h2>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"travel-between-st-maarten-and-st-martin\">Travel between St Maarten and St Martin</h3>\n\n<p>There is no border between St Maarten (Dutch side of the island) and St Martin (French side). People and goods may travel freely. See <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/st-martin-and-st-barthelemy\">St Martin travel advice</a>.</p>\n\n","safety_html":"<h2 id=\"terrorism\">Terrorism</h2>\n\n<p>There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.    </p>\n\n<p>UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/runhidetell/\">staying safe</a> and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduce-your-risk-from-terrorism-while-abroad\">how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"terrorism-in-st-maarten\">Terrorism in St Maarten</h3>\n\n<p>Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in St Maarten, attacks cannot be ruled out.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"crime\">Crime</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"protecting-yourself-and-your-belongings\">Protecting yourself and your belongings</h3>\n\n<p>There is a risk of petty theft and street crime. The main tourist areas are generally safe.</p>\n\n<p>To reduce the risk to yourself and your belongings:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>avoid isolated areas, particularly after dark</li>\n  <li>use licensed taxis</li>\n  <li>avoid taking valuables to the beach</li>\n  <li>avoid carrying large amounts of cash or jewellery</li>\n  <li>make sure purses and handbags are closed and not easy to snatch</li>\n  <li>leave valuables in a safety deposit box or secure hotel safe</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3 id=\"drug-related-crime\">Drug-related crime</h3>\n\n<p>St Maarten is used as a drug passageway from South America to Europe and North America. There can be drug-related violent crime, but this rarely affects tourists. Do not leave bags unattended or agree to carry a package for anyone.</p>\n\n<p>The authorities use body scanners and baggage screening for passengers. There are severe penalties for possessing and trafficking narcotics.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"prostitution-\">Prostitution  </h3>\n\n<p>Prostitution is not illegal, but facilitating prostitution without a licence is illegal. St Maarten has adopted a ‘tolerance approach’ to foreign workers in certain establishments on the island. This means that criminal law is not enforced in those locations as long as people follow set requirements.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"laws-and-cultural-differences\">Laws and cultural differences</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"personal-id\">Personal ID</h3>\n\n<p>It is a legal requirement to carry ID with a photo, for example a passport or photocard driving licence. A printed copy of your ID is not usually acceptable.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"lgbt-travellers\">LGBT+ travellers</h3>\n\n<p>St Maarten is generally accepting of the LGBT+ community. There have been no reports of incidents directed against members of the LGBT+ community.</p>\n\n<p>Read more <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-foreign-travel-advice\">advice for LGBT+ travellers</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"transport-risks\">Transport risks</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"road-travel\">Road travel</h3>\n\n<p>If you are planning to drive in St Maarten, check local requirements. See <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad\">information on driving abroad</a> and check the rules of the road in the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.anwb.nl/vakantie/sint-maarten/reisvoorbereiding/verkeer\">Dutch motor association guide</a> (in Dutch).</p>\n\n<p>If you plan to hire a car, check ahead for the requirements of the hire car company.  </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"driving-conditions\">Driving conditions</h3>\n\n<p>Main roads are in relatively good condition. Roads can become slippery in wet weather and potholes can appear, especially on unsurfaced roads. </p>\n\n<p>Be alert in traffic on St Maarten, as it can be crowded and lacks traffic signs. Adapt your driving as much as possible.</p>\n\n<p>Drink-driving is a serious offence in St Maarten. If you are tested and found to have more than two-thirds the legal limit for England and Wales in your system, you could get a fine and possible imprisonment.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"taxis\">Taxis</h3>\n\n<p>Use registered taxis with the word ‘taxi’ on the number plate. Taxis are not metered, but there are fixed rates for standard routes. Always agree the fare before setting off.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"extreme-weather\">Extreme weather</h2>\n\n<p>Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tropical-cyclones\">extreme weather and natural hazards</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"hurricanes\">Hurricanes</h3>\n\n<p>The hurricane season in St Maarten normally runs from June to November. Monitor local and international weather updates from:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li><a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/\">US National Hurricane Center</a></li>\n  <li><a rel=\"external\" href=\"http://www.meteo.cw/\">Meteorological Department Curaçao</a></li>\n  <li><a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://severeweather.wmo.int/\">World Meteorological Organization</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n","customs_snippets":["You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.","avoid carrying large amounts of cash or jewellery"]}
