Passports, Visas and Consideration for Minors
Visitors to St. Martin are required to have a valid passport.
For visitors from around the rest of the world, the regulations for entering the French Antilles are the same as those for entering France, with only a passport required. For non-EU citizens who wish to stay longer than three months, extended visas are required. Visitors entering from any of the following countries require visas:
- Australia
- South Africa
- Bolivia
- Dominica
- El Salvador
- Dominican Republic
- St. Lucia
- Barbados
- Jamaica
- Honduras
- Haiti
- Trinidad
- Turkey
There is a USD $20 departure tax on Saint Martin, payable only at Juliana International Airport.
In the case of minors, when traveling with your children, but without your spouse or partner, please have a notarized letter from the non-present parent authorizing the child’s travel. If not, the child may be held at security and unable to travel.
General Weather Conditions
Temperatures in January and February average 70°F to 81°F. Between July and October temperatures are at their highest averaging 76°F to 88°F. Summer rains from May through November are likely in the Lesser Antilles with regular daily showers as opposed to all-day or week-long downpours. The winter months of December through April is considered the dry season. The Caribbean Sea is generally a pleasing 80°F throughout the year.
Currency
The currency of the French Antilles is the Euro; however, the United States dollar is accepted in Saint Martin. There is no limit to the amount of traveler’s checks and letters of credit being imported although a declaration of foreign banknotes in excess of USD $500 must be made.
In Dutch Sint Maarten, the currency is the Netherlands Antilles Florin (NAF), which exchanges at a fluctuating rate.
Credit cards and traveler’s checks are widely accepted. (Credit card transactions are usually in United States dollars.)
Time Zone
Saint Martin is in the Atlantic Standard Time Zone, which is four hours behind than Greenwich Mean Time and one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time. Saint Martin does not observe Daylight Saving Time; when the United States is observing DST, it is the same time in Saint Martin as in New York.
Voltage
The island is split when it comes to voltage, with 220 volts, 60 cycles in Saint Martin and 110 volts in Sint Maarten.
Tipping Guide
If the itemized bill says “Service Compris,” then no tip is necessary.
- Taxi Drivers: $1 to $2
- Baggage Porters: $1 to $5, or more if the service was particularly friendly and helpful
- Cloakroom Attendants in Nightclubs, et al: $1 to $2
- Restaurants: 20 percent, or gratuity may be included in your final bill
- Bars and Lounges: $1 to $2 per drink
- Spa Treatments: 20 percent, or gratuity may be included in your final bill
- Tours and Tour Guides: 15 to 20 percent, at your discretion, based upon your experience
- Golf Club Cleaning: $3 to $5 per bag
- Fishing Guide: $60 to $100 for a full day
- In-Home Chef: 20 percent, or gratuity may be included in your final bill
- Private Butler: $15 to $20 per day for seven hours of service
- Housekeeping: Your housekeeping team may be tipped at your discretion, based upon your experience. A general guideline is $10 or more per night based upon your travel party size and in-residence activities.
- Destination Host: Your Destination Host may be tipped at your discretion, based upon the amount of travel planning you required and your overall in-residence experience.
Traveling with Prescription Medicine
If you are traveling with prescription medicines, carry them in their original containers and bring a copy of your prescription. If you buy medications abroad, be aware that they may not be FDA-approved or allowed into the United States. For more information on customs rules and regulations, please contact 202.354.1000 or visit www.cbp.gov.
