Before you go to Sint Maarten: what to know
Must know
- Use entry.sx for the official digital ED card; confirm current boarding requirements.
- The Caribbean guilder (XCG) replaced ANG; do not rely on older currency advice.
Entry and visas
British visitors can stay visa-free for up to 90 days. Complete the official digital ED entry form before travel. The entry portal calls it required, while the Minister Plenipotentiary FAQ still describes pre-boarding completion as optional during testing; confirm with your carrier.
Online arrival forms and permits
- Digital ED entry form ↗ required
Complete before travel; confirm current boarding requirements. · Portal says all travellers, including transit and residents; official FAQ conflicts on advance completion.
Passport validity: UK guidance: at least 6 months beyond arrival; check rules for your passport nationality.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, entry.sx ↗, centralbank.cw ↗, visitstmaarten.com ↗, kgmsxm.com ↗
Money
Cash and cards are both common. Cards are widely accepted.
Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data
- The Caribbean guilder is the official currency. US dollars and major cards are widely used.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.state.gov ↗, entry.sx ↗, centralbank.cw ↗, visitstmaarten.com ↗, kgmsxm.com ↗
Rules and bans
Laws visitors break unknowingly
- Do not bring cannabis, CBD products, firearms or ammunition.
- Right turns at red lights are prohibited.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, entry.sx ↗, centralbank.cw ↗, visitstmaarten.com ↗, kgmsxm.com ↗
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 ↗, entry.sx ↗, centralbank.cw ↗, visitstmaarten.com ↗, kgmsxm.com ↗
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 ↗, entry.sx ↗, centralbank.cw ↗, visitstmaarten.com ↗, kgmsxm.com ↗
Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.