Q&A: Do You Need a Passport for St. Maarten?

Question: Do You Need a Passport for St. Maarten?

Answer

In most cases, yes, a passport is required for travel to St. Maarten. However, there are a few specific cases where travelers do not need a passport to enter St. Maarten, but these exceptions are limited and generally apply to certain territories or countries closely linked with the island.

1. Dutch Nationals: Citizens of the Netherlands and residents of other Dutch Caribbean territories, such as Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire, can enter St. Maarten using a national ID card or a government-issued identification rather than a passport.
2. French Nationals: Because St. Martin (the northern side of the island) is part of France, French citizens can fly in to the French side of the island via Grand Case L'Espérance Airport (SFG) using only a valid national ID card. However, if traveling to the Dutch side (St. Maarten), a passport is typically required unless specific agreements are in place between the countries.
3. Caribbean Nationals: Certain Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries have agreements with St. Maarten, allowing citizens to enter with a regional travel card or national ID. However, it is generally advised to travel with a passport in most cases, as entry requirements can change.

For travelers from most other countries, a passport is required to enter St. Maarten.

For U.S. and Canadian citizens traveling to St. Maarten, a valid passport is required for entry, however, no visa is required. U.S. and Canadian travelers must present this passport when arriving in St. Maarten (the Dutch side) as well as when departing the island. The passport should remain valid for the duration of your stay.

Other entry requirements for U.S. and Canadian citizens include:

• Return or onward ticket: You must show proof of a return or onward flight to your home country or next destination.
• Sufficient funds: While it’s rarely checked, you may be asked to provide evidence that you have enough money to cover your stay.
• Length of stay: U.S. and Canadian citizens can stay in St. Maarten for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism or business purposes.

For entry into St. Martin (the French side of the island), U.S. citizens can use the same passport, as no additional documents are needed to cross between the Dutch and French sides of the island.