Travel advice for Sint Maarten

Travel to Sint Maarten and the wider Dutch Caribbean is generally safe with usual precautions. From June to November, tropical storms may become hurricanes, with heavy rain and gusty winds creating dangerous conditions; El Niño may intensify the season in some places. On Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius and Saba, follow instructions from local crisis authorities.

Exercise normal security precautions in Sint Maarten. Petty crime, armed robbery, theft from vehicles and boats, card fraud, harassment and sexual assault may occur. Coastal waters have common riptides, beaches often lack lifeguards, adventure activities and some roads can be hazardous, while power outages may disrupt essential services. Secure valuables, avoid isolated areas, use registered taxis and monitor demonstrations, weather warnings and local advice.

Hong Kong advises normal precautions for Sint Maarten.

Japan advises normal precautions for Sint Maarten.

Take normal precautions against petty crime and note that drug offences, including soft drugs, carry heavier penalties than in the Netherlands. Forced prostitution and sexual exploitation occur, and LGBTQ+ travellers should consider local attitudes. Monitor weather and follow local instructions because tropical storms and hurricanes occur from June to November, peaking from mid-August to late September. Obtain insurance, carry a valid passport, and check vaccinations and medication rules.

Travel to Sint Maarten is generally safe, with usual precautions advised. Avoid protest gatherings, safeguard valuables, and be alert for occasional violence linked to drugs, while taking extra care on crowded roads, during heavy rain, and around strong beach currents and watercraft. Obtain suitable insurance for illness, including dengue, Zika, chikungunya, typhus and decompression sickness, and possible costly evacuation, and follow local instructions during hurricanes and earthquakes.

Take normal precautions when travelling to Sint Maarten. Check that your passport is valid for at least six months after arrival and meet visa, yellow fever vaccination and customs requirements. Have suitable insurance, check medical needs, vaccinations, and risks including Zika and dengue, and stay alert to terrorism. Travel freely between Sint Maarten's Dutch side and Saint Martin's French side, as there is no border.

Exercise normal precautions in Sint Maarten, although petty crime occurs in popular tourist locations. Remain alert to theft of unsecured property, vehicle break-ins, overcharges, scams, and aggressive vendors; armed robberies can affect businesses holding large cash or involved in drug or gang activity. Guns, ammunition, and spent shells or casings are prohibited and may lead to arrest and lengthy detention.