Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions when traveling to the French West Indies, which includes the islands of Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country. Saint Martin is an overseas region of France. Search under France or nearby Caribbean islands for additional basic information.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 89 days.
US Embassy/Consulate
none (overseas collectivity of France); US citizens may call US Dept of State (202)-501-4444 for emergencies; alternate contact is the US Embassy in Barbados [1] (246) 227-4000; US Embassy in Bridgetown, Wildey Business Park, St. Michael BB 14006, Barbados, WI; BridgetownACS@state.gov; https://bb.usembassy.gov
Telephone Code
590
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 911, 542-2111; Fire: 911,120; Police: 911, 542-2111
Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Temperature averages 27-29°C (80.6 - 84.2°F) all year long; low humidity, gentle trade winds, brief, intense rain showers; hurricane season stretches from July to November
Currency (Code)
Euros (EUR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): C, E
Major Languages
French, English, Dutch, French Patois, Spanish, Papiamento (dialect of Netherlands Antilles)
Major Religions
Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witness, Protestant, Hindu
Time Difference
UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Yes
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Marigot; Pinel Island; Little Bay Beach; Orient Bay Beach; Mullet Bay; Kim Sha Beach
Major Sports
Soccer, sailing, tack and field, rugby
Cultural Practices
Making a circle with the thumb and index finger can be taken as an insult.
Tipping Guidelines
On the French side of the island a service charge is included in the price of a meal. Most guests tip by rounding up and leave a few euros.
Souvenirs
Flavored liqueurs, rum, and wine; guavaberry products; spices; perfumes and cosmetics
Traditional Cuisine
Conch & Dumplings — conch (sea snail) tenderized and pressure-cooked with dumplings, herbs, and spices; the sauce from the conch and dumplings is used as gravy to eat with rice, vegetables, or johnnycakes (pancakes made with cornmeal)
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, November 09, 2022
