French Saint Martin

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 112 for general emergency
• Dial 17 for police
• Dial 15 for ambulance
• Dial 18 for fire department
• The French national domestic violence line 3919 – Violences Femmes Info (from a French phone), which is free and anonymous

Crime

• Petty street crime, including purse snatching, does occur. Do not leave valuables unattended in public areas, unsecured hotel rooms, rental homes, or visible in vehicles.
• Exercise caution, especially at night. Roads may be unmarked and unlit.
• Be vigilant when using public telephones or ATMs, especially in secluded areas.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
• Avoid carrying expensive objects or large amounts of cash.
• Keep doors and windows locked, especially at night.
• Use caution when dealing with beach merchants.
• For boaters: Be wary of unfamiliar people or crafts approaching your boat, whether at anchor or at sea.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.

Financial and internet romance scams are not common in French Saint Martin, but may happen. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Scams may include:

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Grandparent and relative targeting
• Free trip or luggage
• Lotteries
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits and job offers

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 17.

Review our information for Victims of Crime.

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is regulated:

• Rules and safety inspections are regularly enforced.
• Dangerous areas and activities are marked with signs.
• Trained and certified staff are usually there to help with organized activities.
• If you get injured, you can usually get medical help locally.
• In rural areas, it might take longer for medical help to arrive and help.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Lodging safety  

Exercise safety when picking places to stay.  

• Research hotels or lodgings carefully. Book accommodations before traveling and have backup options ready in case you have to switch locations.  
• Consider accommodations with safety measures like 24-hour lobby service, gates, or security guards.  
• Ensure all doors and windows lock properly.  
• Always meet new visitors or strangers in the public lobby, not in your room.
• Review our information on Lodging Safety.

Adventure travel

• Carefully assess the potential risks of recreational water activities. Consider your physical capabilities and skills.
• Never venture out alone, particularly at remote beaches or far out to sea.
• Avoid entering the water above your waist if you have been drinking.
• Always be mindful of jet ski and boat traffic in the area. When in doubt, stay out the water.
• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in French Saint Martin seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws.
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

• There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in French Saint Martin.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

• The law in French Saint Martin prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, psychosocial, intellectual, or mental disabilities. The law is enforced.
• The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, and communication or access to services.
• Expect accessibility to be extremely limited in public transportation, lodging, and general infrastructure.
• General public sentiment around disability is similar to that in the United States.  However, limited infrastructure may make mobility and accessibility difficult.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers

• Review our information for Women Travelers.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Saint Martin Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 112 or 15 for emergency medical services.

Ambulance services

• Ambulance services are widely available. However, training and response time of emergency responders may vary.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care in French Saint Martin is not free for non-residents. If you require medical attention, you will be responsible for expenses, even when treated at public healthcare facilities.
• Hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient. 
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

• French Saint Martin and the Dutch side of the island offer adequate care for basic medical conditions.
• For more specialist treatment or elective surgery, you need to travel to the United States.
• In the event of major medical accidents, an evacuation to the United States is often necessary. Such evacuations can be extremely expensive.
• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Prescription medications

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

• ART may not be available in Saint Martin, but is available in mainland France.
• Surrogacy is illegal for foreigners and residents in French Saint Martin under France’s 1994 bioethics law.
• If you are considering traveling to have a child through use of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water is generally safe to drink and use in cooking.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.

Air quality

• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

• The roads in French Saint Martin are usually well paved and well maintained.
• Main roads are well marked. Secondary roads and tourist sites are adequately marked.
• Excellent maps are available and residents are helpful.
• The police enforce traffic safety.
• Night driving can be dangerous, especially in the mountains and on winding rural roads.

Traffic laws

• Driving is on the right-hand side of the road.
• Children under 12 are not legally allowed in the front seat.
• Seatbelt laws are strictly enforced.
• Tourists can drive in French Saint Martin using their valid U.S. driver's license.
• For information concerning driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax,  and mandatory insurance, contact the Road Safety Department.

Taxis and ride-shares

• Taxis are widely available. They are not metered. Instead, they use fixed rates based on zones. Fares generally range from $8 to over $30 depending on the distance.
• No ride-share apps exist. However, there are services like SXM Taxi for calling licensed taxis.

Public and commercial transportation

• Minibuses are available throughout French Saint Martin. There is no fixed schedule, and the stops are not always visible.
• Minibuses only accept cash. Both U.S. dollars and euros are accepted.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation safety oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that France’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to French Saint Martin should check the following: 

• U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Advisories
• MARAD Active Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

• Hurricanes and tropical storms are the most significant threat. They occur during the Atlantic hurricane season from June to November, peaking in September.
• Heavy rainfall is common in the wet season from May to November. It can trigger flash floods and slope failures.
• While earthquakes are less frequent than storms, the island is seismically active year-round.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates

There is no U.S. consular presence in French Saint Martin.
Please contact the U.S. Embassy in Barbados for assistance.