What you should know before visiting St Martin
Entry Form requirements St Maarten
The government of Sint Maarten has rolled out a new digital entry form to simplify the arrival process for travelers. During this gradual implementation phase, the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, has stated that residents are not yet required to use the system. For the time being, they can continue using the traditional entry process as the system is further refined.
Visitors, however, are encouraged to complete the online form before their arrival. This can help expedite processing at the airport, ensuring a smoother travel experience. Minister Heyliger-Marten highlighted that this initial phase is essential for testing the system, addressing any issues, and making necessary adjustments to guarantee a seamless transition when the digital form becomes fully operational.
To complete the form, you will need the following details:
- Identity Information: Valid travel documents (passport or ID card).
- Contact Information: Your personal details, as well as emergency contact information.
- Accommodation & Flight Information: Flight ticket details.
- Recent Employment Information (if applicable).
Please click entry form link: https://entry.sx/
St Maarten or St Martin?
The island is divided into two distinct sides: the Dutch side, known as Sint Maarten, and the French side, referred to as Saint Martin.
Fun fact: Did you know this island holds the record for having one of the largest varieties of names used by news channels worldwide? Variations such as San Martin, Saint Marteen, Sint Marteen, San Marteen, Sankt Martin, St. Martens, St. Martins, and Saint Martins have all been used at some point.
However, the correct spellings are Sint-Maarten for the Dutch side and Saint-Martin for the French side.
When is the best time to visit St Martin?
It all depends on your preferences! Our high season runs from November to April, when the island is bustling with visitors. This is the perfect time to enjoy the best of both worlds relaxing on the beach and experiencing SXM’s vibrant nightlife. It’s also an excellent opportunity to socialize and meet new people.
During the mid-season, from May to August, the island is quieter, making it ideal for a peaceful beach getaway. This time of year, is also great for families looking for a more relaxed vacation.
In the low season, which falls in September and October, the island is very tranquil due to the hurricane season. This makes it the perfect time to connect with locals and immerse yourself in the authentic Caribbean lifestyle. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live on a Caribbean island, the low season offers the best opportunity to find out!
How do you get to St Martin?
With direct flights available from major cities like New York, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Washington, Charlotte, Fort Lauderdale, Philadelphia, Amsterdam, Paris, Montreal, Toronto, Panama, and numerous Caribbean destinations such as Dominican Republic, you’re just one flight away from us!
How long can I stay in St Martin
All visitors are permitted to stay for a maximum of 30 consecutive days. However, Dutch and American passport holders can stay for up to 6 months consecutively, with the option to extend their stay.
Additionally, nationals from the European Union, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Japan are allowed to stay for a maximum of 3 consecutive months, also with the possibility of extending their visit.
Do I need a visa to visit St Martin
If your stay does not exceed 90 days within any 6-month period, a visa is not required. However, you must meet the following requirements:
- Possess a passport valid for at least six months beyond your departure date and with at least one blank visa page.
- Provide proof of onward and return flights.
- Carry all the necessary documents required for your next destination.
- Present documentation that confirms the purpose of your trip (e.g., a business cover letter, conference registration, or similar proof).
- Show proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.
It is also recommended to check with your airline to ensure you will be allowed to board without a visa.
What language do they speak in St Martin?
English is the most widely spoken language on this cosmopolitan island. While French can be useful on the French side, most locals and tourists speak English. Dutch is Sint Maarten’s official language, used in legal matters, and Papiamento is spoken in many homes due to historical ties with the Dutch Caribbean such as Aruba and Curaçao.
Spanish is common among Dominican immigrants, and Haitian immigrants often speak French-based Creole. Despite this diversity, English dominates public life and politics on both sides, making Saint Martin unique as a French territory where English is often the first language.
The island’s English comes in many accents, from West Indian to American expat drawls, and is often spoken as a second language with varied influences. East Indian merchants speak Indian languages, while Chinese families typically use Mandarin or Cantonese.
What currency do they use in St Martin?
The euros and US dollar is widely accepted as a currency on both the Dutch and French sides of the island.
French Side: The euro is the official currency, but the dollar is accepted almost everywhere. Prices are usually displayed in both euros and dollars, with the exchange rate fluctuating between $1.1 and $1.2 = €1. Some establishments may use a rate of $1.1 = €1, but many simply accept dollars at a 1:1 ratio with euros for convenience.
Dutch Side: The dollar is the standard currency for most transactions. Prices are typically listed in both Antillean Guilders (NAF) and US dollars, with the standard exchange rate set at NAF 1.8 = $1.
Most places accept credit cards, so we recommend paying by card whenever possible, as banks typically offer better exchange rates than cash transactions!
How to get around in St Martin?
When visiting our island, we highly recommend renting a car if you enjoy daily exploration and the convenience of having your own transportation. Rental cars typically cost between $35 and $80 per day, depending on the vehicle. The best GPS apps for accurate navigation on both sides of the island are Google Maps and Waze. Be sure to download offline maps if you won’t have internet access.
For a more budget-friendly option, public transportation is a great way to get around SXM. From 7 am to 8 pm, small buses operate with signs indicating their direction. You can hop on or off at designated bus stops or anywhere along the road—just wave to stop the bus. Fares range from $1 to $3 per person, depending on the distance. However, these buses don’t follow a fixed schedule, and you may need to transfer between buses to reach your destination.
Another option is to hire a taxi. We recommend arranging a taxi in advance and sticking with the same driver throughout your stay for both comfort and potentially better rates. Official taxi rates range from $8 to $35 per trip, but using the same driver often leads to exclusive deals. Taxis are especially ideal for nights out, ensuring everyone can enjoy themselves and return safely. Plus, our taxi drivers are some of the best ambassadors of SXM, with insider knowledge of all the island’s hot spots.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the most reliable and friendly taxi drivers on the island. You can also download the SXM TAXI app from the Play Store or App Store, which offers the same functionality as Uber.
Why should you visit St Martin?
This lush island boasts stunning beaches, a relaxed atmosphere, and is one of the most culturally diverse destinations in the world. It truly has something for everyone: vibrant nightlife, casinos, cocktail bars, beach bars, comforting local cuisine, and upscale fine dining. On top of that, there’s an endless array of boat tours and activities to discover the beauty of this germ.
French Side: Saint Martin is celebrated as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean (Grand-Case and Orient Bay), featuring exquisite fine dining and dishes crafted by world-class chefs. The French side is all about tranquility, offering a relaxed Caribbean vibe with no loud music and a focus on serenity. As part of France, the island embraces a liberal culture, making it a haven for free spirits. This includes several nude beaches where topless sunbathing is widely accepted. Additionally, you’ll find charming boutiques offering European-style clothing—colorful, unique, and perfect for adding a touch of flair to your wardrobe.
Dutch Side: Sint Maarten is often referred to as the Las Vegas of the Caribbean, offering a vibrant nightlife scene with casinos, bars, and a wide variety of restaurants. Thanks to its duty-free status and no additional product taxes, it’s the ideal destination to shop for jewelry, clothing, alcohol, cigarettes, cigars, cosmetics, and more. Pair this with pristine accommodations, stunning beaches, and lively beach bars and restaurants, and your vacation is guaranteed to be unforgettable!