Genvisec advises that all travel can continue to St Maarten.

 

Crime

 

Most visits to the Dutch Caribbean are trouble-free. However, petty theft and street crime occur. There is violent crime amongst members of the illegal drugs world, but this rarely affects tourists. The main tourist areas are generally safe, but you should take sensible precautions. Avoid remote areas at night. Do not take valuables to the beach. Make sure purses and handbags are closed and not easy to snatch.

 

The islands of the Dutch Caribbean continue to be used to smuggle illegal drugs from South America to Europe and North America. You should have a heightened sense of awareness of this problem and never leave bags unattended. Under no circumstances should you discuss or agree to carry a package for anyone. Some airports have installed “body scanners” and you may be required to have a scan. Dutch authorities generally screen all baggage and passengers from the Dutch Caribbean.

 

Local travel

 

When taking a taxi, always check that it is a registered one and negotiate the price before taking the ride. Most taxis do not have meters.

 

Road travel

 

Traffic drives on the right-hand side. Main road conditions are relatively good, but roads can become slippery when wet.

 

Political situation

 

St Maarten is an autonomous country within Kingdom of the Netherlands, together with Aruba and Curacao. It has a separate government, and currently shares a central bank with Curacao. The island lies about 100 miles east of Puerto Rico. St Maarten is the Dutch side of an island that is half French (St Martin).

 

Language

 

English is the dominant language in St. Maarten although Dutch, Papiamento, and Spanish are also spoken. The Creole language, Papiamento, is a mixture of Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, English and French.

 

Local laws and customs

By Dutch law, you must always carry your ID. You should have a copy of your passport with you at all times.

 

Local laws are similar to Dutch law.

 

Money

The official local currency is the Antillean guilder (ANG) and has been fixed to the US Dollar at approximately 1.80 ANG to 1USD for over 35 years. The US Dollar is accepted everywhere on the island. Local currency and US Dollar ATM machines (Maestro/Cirrus) are situated throughout the island. Major credit cards are accepted in most tourist establishments.

 

Health

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

Cases of Chikunyunga virus have been confirmed in St Maarten and the number of reported cases in the region is increasing. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. For more details about this outbreak, see the website of the National Health Network and Centre .

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Natural disasters

The hurricane season in the Dutch Caribbean normally runs from June to November. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the Meteorological department of Curacao (servicing all Islands within the Dutch Kingdom) and the National Hurricane Centre. 

 

See our tropical cyclones page for advice about what to do if you are caught up in a storm.

 

Entry requirements

 

Visas

 

EU passport holders do not require a visa for stays of up to three months. For further information about entry requirements, contact the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

 

There are no border formalities when crossing St Maarten from the Dutch side to the French side.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into St Maarten.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers who are arriving from, or have transited through, countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.