What do I need to know before going to Sint Maarten?

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements Upon arrival in Sint Maarten, you must have: a U.S. passport valid for the duration of your stay; a completed Embarkation and Disembarkation Card (ED-Card).



Sint Maarten is a unique island divided into two territories: the Dutch side (Sint Maarten) and the French side (Saint-Martin). You can cross freely between them, but they have different vibes, laws, and currencies (though USD is widely accepted everywhere). For 2026, ensure your passport is valid for your stay and you've completed the mandatory Electronic Admission Card (ED-card) online before arrival. Maho Beach is world-famous for plane spotting, but stay behind the safety fences; the jet blast from departing planes is powerful enough to cause serious injury. While safe, use standard precautions against petty theft, especially at beaches or in rental cars. If you are a foodie, head to Grand Case on the French side, often called the "culinary capital of the Caribbean," for high-end dining and authentic "lolos" (local open-air BBQ stalls).

Before traveling to Sint Maarten (the Dutch side of the island, which shares the island with Saint Martin, the French side), here are the key things you should know:

1. Entry Requirements

  • Passport: Required for most travelers (valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay).
  • Visa: Depends on your nationality. U.S., Canadian, and EU citizens can stay visa-free for up to 90 days.
  • Return Ticket & Proof of Accommodation: May be requested upon arrival.
  • COVID-19 Restrictions: Check for any updated entry requirements (vaccination, testing, etc.).

2. Currency & Payments

  • Official Currency: The Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG) is used, but U.S. Dollars (USD) are widely accepted.
  • Credit Cards: Major cards (Visa, MasterCard) are accepted in most places, but carry cash for smaller vendors.

3. Language

  • Dutch & English are widely spoken on the Dutch side (Sint Maarten).
  • French & Creole are common on the French side (Saint Martin).

4. Weather & Best Time to Visit

  • High Season: December–April (warm, dry weather).
  • Hurricane Season: June–November (higher chance of storms; travel insurance recommended).

5. Transportation

  • Car Rentals: Useful for exploring both sides (drive on the right side of the road).
  • Taxis: Available but expensive; agree on fares beforehand.
  • Public Buses (Minivans): Cheap but not always reliable.

6. Safety & Health

  • Crime: Petty theft can occur; avoid leaving valuables unattended, especially at beaches.
  • Tap Water: Generally safe to drink, but bottled water is recommended.
  • Health Care: Adequate medical facilities on both sides, but serious cases may require evacuation.

7. Top Attractions

  • Maho Beach (famous for low-flying planes at Princess Juliana Airport).
  • Orient Bay Beach (nude beach on the French side).
  • Loterie Farm (zip-lining & nature reserve).
  • Fort Amsterdam (historic Dutch fort).
  • Marigot Market (French-side shopping & food).

8. Cultural Etiquette

  • Tipping: 10–15% in restaurants (check if service charge is included).
  • Dress Code: Casual beachwear is fine, but cover up when leaving beach areas.
  • Island Split: The Dutch side is more lively (nightlife, casinos), while the French side is more relaxed (fine dining, beaches).

9. Electricity & Connectivity

  • Power Outlets: 110V (Type A/B, same as U.S. and Canada).
  • SIM Cards: Local providers like TelCell and Chippie offer affordable data plans.

10. Border Crossing

  • No formal border between Dutch Sint Maarten and French Saint Martin—just drive or walk across.

Final Tips

  • Rum & Duty-Free Shopping: Great deals on alcohol, jewelry, and electronics.
  • Island Hopping: Consider day trips to nearby islands like Anguilla, Saba, or St. Barths.

Would you like recommendations for specific activities or areas? Enjoy your trip! ?✈️

People Also Ask

Yes, you can use your cell phone on St. Martin to call inside the island or to anywhere else.

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Hurricane season is generally June through November though historically and statistically, more hurricanes occur in September than any other month. If it's more important to you to avoid hurricanes and rain than people, the best time to head to St. Maarten might be from December to May.

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The euro is used in the North (in St. Martin). Despite having two different official currencies, the US Dollar is accepted on both sides, with St. Maarten using the US Dollar the most.

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-Note: many (but not all) hotels and restaurants include a 15% service charge, in which case no further tipping is necessary (otherwise, add 15% to the bill). The tap water in Sint Maarten/St. Martin is safe to drink in most places. Many establishments serve desalinated water.

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VERDICT: If you want more of a European feel, stay on the French side. If you want more of an Americanized feel, stay on the Dutch side. FYI, the cruise ships and the airport are located on the Dutch side.

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The wettest months on the island are from July to November. There are 145 days of rain a year on average and it rains usually the most in November (15 days). However, December, May and June are the transition months from dry to wet season.

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Upon arrival in Sint Maarten, you must have: a U.S. passport valid for the duration of your stay; a completed Embarkation and Disembarkation Card (ED-Card).

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No. As of August 1, 2022, Saint Martin no longer has COVID entry requirements for any travelers. There are NO testing or vaccine requirements. Effective Nov 01st, 2022 the Electronics Health Authorization System (EHAS) Application is no longer required.

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When you arrive St. Maarten, you will pass through Immigration, which can take 10 minutes or 90 minutes, depending on which flights have arrived just prior to yours.

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Why the two spellings? Well, this 37-square-mile-island is governed by both France and the Netherlands. The French side of the island refers to itself as Saint Martin, while the Dutch side is known as Sint Maarten.

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St. Maarten (and its French counterpart, St. Martin) is considered the melting pot of the Caribbean. Three days are enough time to experience the island's rich diversity of cultures and activities, and even venture farther afield in the Lesser Antilles.

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The hurricane season usually lasts from early June to late November. The most severe hurricane to make landfall in Sint Maarten in the past 12 months was »Philippe«. It reached a wind speed of up to 83 km/h on October 2, 2023 at 2:00 am local time near Philipsburg and was 148 kilometers in diameter at the time.

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On the westernmost point of the French side of St. Martin lies La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, St Martin, a full-service, 83-room resort whose private, secluded nature has attracted its fair share of celebrity guests (Oprah, Salma Hayek, Kevin Kline).

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You can drive from one end of the island to the next in as little as 30-45 minutes (without traffic), and explore the best things to do on St Maarten.

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If you want to talk about worst area, then we can talk about Sandy Ground and Agrement (both in Marigot). Best Area : The French Low lands, Orient Bay residencial Park and Oyster Pond..

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Bugs, Bites & Other Wildlife Concerns -- The biggest menaces on all three islands are mosquitoes (none are disease vectors) and no-see-ums, which appear mainly in the early evening. Window screens aren't always sufficient, so carry insect repellent.

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English is the most commonly spoken language along with a local dialect. The official languages are French for Saint-Martin, and both Dutch and English for Sint Maarten.

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