Q&A: Is St. Martin Part of the U.S. Virgin Islands?

Question: Is St. Martin Part of the U.S. Virgin Islands?

Answer

While both Saint Martin and the U.S. Virgin Islands are popular vacation destinations in the Caribbean, it’s important to note that they are not the same place, nor is Saint Martin part of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This means that travelers from the United States need a valid passport to visit St. Maarten and St. Martin. Despite their close proximity in the Caribbean, they are distinct in geography, governance, and culture. Keep reading below as we will explain the key differences between these two destinations, clarify why Saint Martin is not part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and discuss some common points of confusion.

Geographic and Political Differences

Saint Martin is a unique island divided between two nations. The northern part, Saint Martin, is a French overseas collectivity, while the southern part, Sint Maarten, is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Together, the island offers a blend of French and Dutch cultures, languages, and governance.

In contrast, the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) are a group of islands and islets that are an unincorporated territory of the United States. The three main islands in the U.S. Virgin Islands are Saint Thomas, Saint John, and Saint Croix. These islands are known for their lush landscapes, beaches, and as a tax-friendly destination for U.S. citizens. Although Saint Martin and the U.S. Virgin Islands share the Caribbean Sea and are relatively close to each other, they operate under entirely different national frameworks.

Common Point of Confusion: The “Saint” Islands

One point of confusion between Saint Martin and the U.S. Virgin Islands is the presence of islands in both regions that begin with “Saint.” For instance, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Saint Thomas and Saint John are two well-known islands, both under U.S. jurisdiction. This often leads people to mistakenly assume that Saint Martin (due to the similarity in name) is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, Saint Martin is a completely separate destination with its own unique blend of European influences.

Proximity and Accessibility

Geographically, Saint Martin and the U.S. Virgin Islands are relatively close to each other, making them both accessible destinations for Caribbean travelers. Saint Martin is located about 230 miles southeast of Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Both destinations are well connected by air and sea, making it easy for tourists to visit both islands during a Caribbean vacation. However, despite their proximity, the two locations have distinct identities.

Governance and Currency

Another clear difference is in governance. As mentioned, Saint Martin is split between France and the Netherlands. The French side, Saint-Martin, operates under French law, while the Dutch side, Sint Maarten, has its own government under the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

In contrast, the U.S. Virgin Islands fall under U.S. federal law, and the currency used in the U.S. Virgin Islands is the U.S. dollar (USD). In Saint Martin, the euro (EUR) is the official currency on the French side, and the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG) is the official currency on the Dutch side, although U.S. dollars are widely accepted throughout the island.