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Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen� passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of current rules for the most common types of travel.

St Martin and St Barthélemy are French overseas territories. The French authorities set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the .

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must have an ‘expiry dateâ€� at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave St Martin and St Barthélemy.Ìý

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Residents

Carry your residence document, as well as your passport, when entering or exiting St Martin or St Barthélemy.

Visa requirements

You can visit St Martin and St Barthélemy without a visa for up to 3 months.

To stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, check the on the French visa website.

Travel between St Martin and St Maarten

There is no physical border between the French and Dutch territories on the island of St Martin. People and goods may travel freely between the 2 sides of the island.

Vaccine requirements

To enter St Martin and St Barthélemy, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a .

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in St Martin and St Barthélemy

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in St Martin or St Barthélemy, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Crime

Protecting your belongings

Crime levels are low in St Martin and St Barthélemy, but you should take sensible precautions.

You can reduce your personal risk if you:

• avoid isolated areas, including beaches, after dark
• do not show large amounts of cash
• take care if wearing expensive-looking jewellery or watches in public
• put valuables and travel documents in safety deposit boxes and hotel safes

Laws and cultural differences

St Martin and St Barthélemy are French overseas territories and French laws apply. See France travel advice.

Personal ID

You must be able to either by providing documents when asked or within 4 hours at a police station. Identity documents can be:

• a passport
• a photocard driving licence
• other documentation provided by a government body

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in St Martin or St Barthélemy, see information on driving abroad and check the as French driving rules apply. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.

You can drive using your UK driving licence in St Martin and St Barthélemy.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Hurricanes

The hurricane season in St Martin and St Barthélemy normally runs from June to November. Monitor local and international weather updates from the and the .

See Extreme weather and natural hazards for advice about how to prepare and what to do if you’re likely to be affected by a hurricane.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 15 or 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the

See , including:

• Zika virus
• dengue

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read .

Healthcare in St Martin and St Barthélemy

Healthcare facilities, including emergency services, hospitals and the availability of doctors (GPs), are good and of an equivalent standard to those found in mainland France. Some specialist treatment may only be available on the larger French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique.

Healthcare for residents

If you’re planning a permanent move to St Martin or St Barthélemy, consult the UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for advice on long-term entitlement to healthcare under the French national system. You should phone the DWP Overseas Medical Benefits helpline on +44 (0)191 218 1999.

Alternatively, you can get information from the English-language service of the Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie (the French social security service) on +33 (0)820 90 42 12 or .

Health insurance cards

St Martin

St Martin is an outermost region of the EU. Apply for a free or before leaving the UK. If you already have an EHIC, it will still be valid if it remains in date.

The GHIC or EHIC entitles you to state-provided medical treatment necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms as St Martin nationals. If you do not have your card with you or you’ve lost it, .

It’s important to take out appropriate travel insurance for your needs. A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and you should have both before you travel. A GHIC or EHIC does not cover all health-related costs, for example, medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment and non-urgent treatment. Read more about what your travel insurance should cover.

GHIC and EHIC cover state healthcare only, not private treatment. You will be responsible for the cost of any treatment provided by a private doctor or private clinic.

For more information read guidance on healthcare when travelling in Europe.

St Barthélemy

St Barthélemy is not part of the EU, for the purposes of the EU regulations governing access to healthcare. You cannot get any form of free healthcare there. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in St Martin and St Barthélemy

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

or

Ambulance: 15

Fire: 18

Police: 17

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

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Help in the UK  �

You can call�FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  �

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  �

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Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in France on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.