Before you go to St. Martin: what to know
Must know
- Check entry rules for both French Saint Martin and Dutch Sint Maarten.
Entry and visas
French Saint Martin has separate overseas entry rules. British visitors can visit visa-free for up to 3 months; check French overseas visa requirements for other passports. The island also includes Dutch Sint Maarten, whose entry rules differ.
Passport validity: British passports: at least 3 months beyond planned departure.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, legifrance.gouv.fr ↗
Money
Cash and cards are both common. Cards are accepted mainly in cities and tourist areas.
Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data
- The euro is the official currency. Large retailers accept cards; keep a cash reserve.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.state.gov ↗, legifrance.gouv.fr ↗
Rules and bans
Laws visitors break unknowingly
- French laws and road rules apply. Carry official identification.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, legifrance.gouv.fr ↗
Culture and clothing
Religion: Ask before entering a place of worship; respect services and local customs.
Clothing: Choose clothing appropriate to the venue and activity.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, legifrance.gouv.fr ↗
Climate
Atlantic hurricane season runs June-November; follow local forecasts and evacuation instructions.
Month by month
- January: Jan: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- February: Feb: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- March: Mar: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- April: Apr: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- May: May: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- June: Jun: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- July: Jul: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- August: Aug: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- September: Sep: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- October: Oct: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- November: Nov: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- December: Dec: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
Best season: December-May avoids the official hurricane season; check local rainfall and forecasts.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗
What to pack
- Travel documents and insurance details
- Medicines in original packaging
- A backup payment method
Do not bring / prohibited to import
- Carrying packages for strangers
Practical
Plugs: Ask your accommodation about sockets and voltage before packing an adapter.
Water: Use sealed drinking water if the local supply is uncertain.
Traffic: drives on the right
Insurance: Arrange cover for medical care, evacuation and planned activities.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, travel.state.gov ↗, legifrance.gouv.fr ↗
Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.