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Saba and Sint Eustatius

Review the latest State Department Travel Advisory about Saba and St. Eustatius. You can plan for safe travel by following the entry and exit requirements and reviewing local laws and other travel guidance from the U.S. embassy or consulate. 

Visit cw.usconsulate.gov

Learn more about U.S. and Saba and Sint Eustatius relations at State.gov

Travel advisory levels

Learn more about Travel Advisory levels

  1. Exercise normal precautions
  2. Exercise increased caution
  3. Reconsider travel
  4. Do not travel

Travel advisory - Saba and Sint Eustatius

Level 1 - Exercise normal precautions

Date issued: August 20, 2026 -

Exercise normal precautions

in Saba and Sint Eustatius.

Advisory summary

Saba and Sint Eustatius are generally safe destinations for travelers. 

  • Petty crime is most likely to occur in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings. 
  • Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, such as theft of unsecured property or vehicle break-ins. 
  • Beware of overcharges and scams in tourist areas. Some sellers may be aggressive. Most sites have tourist police available to help in uncomfortable situations. 
  • Crime rates are low. However, armed robberies occur at businesses storing large amounts of cash or involved in drug or gang activity. 
  • It is illegal to bring guns, ammunition, and even spent shells or casings into Saba and Sint Eustatius. You may face arrest and detention for long periods of time. 
  • Medical services for routine and emergency procedures are limited. Read the Health section of the Travel Guidance for more information. 

Review our Travel Guidance for Saba and Sint Eustatius to learn how to prepare for a safe trip. 

If you decide to travel to Saba and Sint Eustatius: 

  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency. 
  • Review the Country Security Report for the Dutch Caribbean. 
  • Consider using different bags for travel than ones you use to store or carry weapons and ammunition at home. This may help you avoid accidentally bringing illegal items into Saba and Sint Eustatius. 
  • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Saba and Sint Eustatius. 
  • Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist. 
  • We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.  
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Travel advisory levels

Learn more about Travel Advisory levels

  1. Exercise normal precautions
  2. Exercise increased caution
  3. Reconsider travel
  4. Do not travel
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About Saba and Sint Eustatius

Saba and Sint Eustatius are islands located in North America, in the Northern and Western Hemispheres. They have maritime borders with the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Saba and Sint Eustatius are smaller in size than most U.S. cities. Saba is only 5 square miles, and Sint Eustatius is 8 square miles.  

Saba and Sint Eustatius are special municipalities of the Netherlands. They are part of the Caribbean Netherlands along with Bonaire. Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius are known as the BES Islands. There is 1 time zone, Atlantic Standard Time (AST). They do not observe daylight saving time. Saba and Sint Eustatius are 1 hour ahead of Washington, D.C. during Eastern Standard Time. 

Travel requirements

Tourist visa requirements

  • A visa is required for stays over 180 days.

Vaccinations

  • Yellow fever: Required if arriving from certain countries in Africa and South America with a risk of yellow fever transmission. 

Valid passport requirements

  • Your passport must be valid for period of stay.  
  • 1 blank page available per stamp.  

Currency on entry and exit

  • Entry maximum: Amounts above $10,000 must be declared upon arrival.
  • Exit maximum: Amounts above $10,000 must be declared upon departure.

Tips from the U.S. State Department

  • It is illegal to bring marijuana, cannabis, or cannabidiol (CBD) products or derivatives into Saba or Sint Eustatius, even with a prescription.  
  • It is illegal to bring guns, ammunition, and even spent shells or casings into Saba or Sint Eustatius. You may be arrested and detained for long periods of time. 

Help for U.S. citizens

U.S. Consulate General Curacao and U.S. Mission to the Dutch Caribbean

J.B. Gorsiraweg 1,
Willemstad, Curaçao

Main telephone:

+1-503-420-3115 or +5999-433-2200 or + 1-301-985-8733
Emergency after-hours:

From within Curacao: +503-420-3115 or 433-2200

From the United States: +503-420-3115 or +1-301-985-8733
Fax:

+5999-461-6489
Website: https://cw.usconsulate.gov/

U.S. Citizen Services Appointments

 

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Travel guidance for Saba and Sint Eustatius

Explore our travel guidance topics to prepare for your trip abroad.

Date issued: September 03, 2026

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Entry, exit, and visa requirements

Helpful resources

Traveling with children  

  • Always bring a copy of each child’s birth certificate or other evidence of your legal relationship to each child.   
  • When 1 parent is traveling with a child, a notarized consent letter is required from the absent parent along with a copy of their passport. Otherwise, you must show proof of sole custody.   
  • If you have concerns that your child may be abducted abroad by their other parent or guardian, review our information on how to prevent an international parental child abduction. You can also review our information on Parental Child Abduction in Saba and Sint Eustatius. 

Review our information on Traveling with Minors.  

HIV and AIDS restrictions  

  • The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV and AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents Saba and Sint Eustatius. 

Currency  

  • The U.S. dollar is the official currency of Saba and Sint Eustatius.   
  • Only larger establishments such as hotels and car rental agencies accept credit cards. Be prepared to pay bills in cash.   
  • Saba and Sint Eustatius have ATMs that accept U.S.-issued bankcards. ATMs are limited on the islands and are frequently out of order or run out of money. 

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers  

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

Saba 

Sint Eustatius 

Crime  

Saba and Sint Eustatius are low-crime areas with professional and responsive police forces.  

  • Crimes are generally non-violent, financially motivated, and opportunistic. They include pickpocketing, thefts of unattended bags, and smash and grabs of empty vehicles.  
  • Do not leave valuables unattended in public areas or in unsecured hotel rooms and rental homes.  
  • Keep a copy of your valid U.S. passport in a secure location in case it is stolen. 
  • Car theft, especially of rental vehicles, can occur. Local insurance may not fully cover theft or damage to a rental car. Be sure you are sufficiently insured when renting vehicles and jet skis. 
Alcohol 
  • The legal drinking age of 18 is not always rigorously enforced on the Saba and Sint Eustatius. Extra parental supervision may be appropriate. Travel in pairs or groups and be responsible with alcohol consumption. 

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. 

Common scams 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  

If using dating apps or websites in Saba and Sint Eustatius:   

  • Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.  
  • Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone. 
  • Meet in a popular public place. 
  • Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).  
  • Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person.   
  • Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.  
  • Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.  
  • Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.  
  • Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.  
  • Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule. 

Victims of crime  

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing +599 461 3237 in Saba and 911 in Sint Eustatius.  

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 local law enforcement for immediate assistance and later report the assault to the U.S. consulate general.  
  • U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact local law enforcement for immediate assistance and later report the incident to the U.S. consulate general.  

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.  
Drones  

Drones are legal in Saba and Sint Eustatius but highly regulated. Most drones heavier than 250 grams require registration.  

  • You must have a special permit for commercial use of drones.  
  • Do not fly drones above 400 feet. They must be in visual sight.  
  • Do not fly drones over crowds, government buildings, national parks, marine reserves, or residential areas.  

Tourism safety  

The tourism industry is not well regulated:  

  • Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.  
  • Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.   
  • Staff may not be trained or certified.   
  • If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.   
  • First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.   
  • U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.   

Review our information on Travel Insurance.   

Adventure travel   

  • 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 Saba or Sint Eustatius 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.  

A judge can order suspects held during an investigation, without a hearing.. 

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:   

Faith-based travelers  

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

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 Saba or Sint Eustatius.    
  • Public attitudes towards same-sex relationships in Saba and Sint Eustatius are largely positive and supportive. 
  • Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.  

Travelers with disabilities or accessibility needs  

The law in Saba and Sint Eustatius prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, psychosocial, intellectual, or mental disabilities. The law is enforced.  

  • Social acceptance of persons with disabilities is like the United States. 
  • The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, and communication/access to services/ease of movement or access.   
  • Expect accessibility to be limited in some lodging and general infrastructure.  
  • Contact the Saba Tourist Bureau for information, +599-416-2231.
  • Contact St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation, +599-318-2433. 
  • Review our information on Accessibility Needs.  

Students  

Women travelers    

Human rights  

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

Health

Health resources  

Emergency phone numbers 

For emergency medical services:  

Ambulance services  

  • Ambulance services are available. Medical services for routine, specialized, and emergency procedures are limited. 

Medical payments and insurance  

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses 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 is not free in Saba or Sint Eustatius. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.  
  • Lack of payment may bar future travel to Saba and Sint Eustatius.  
  • Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.  
  • Credit card payment is not always available.  
  • Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.  
  • Public and private 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  

Yellow fever: Required if arriving from certain countries in Africa and South America. 

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

Healthcare facilities   

Health facilities in Saba and Sint Eustatius have limited capacity and capabilities. 

  • The U.S. Consulate General Curacao and U.S. Mission to the Dutch Caribbean maintains a list of doctors and hospitals for Saba and Sint Eustatius. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.  
  • Because local care is limited, patients are often flown to nearby Sint Maarten for treatment. Insurance covering medical emergencies is strongly recommended. 
  • Saba has a Divers Alert Network (DAN) certified hyperbaric chamber for the diving community. Sint Eustatius does not. 
  • Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.    
  • Hospitals and doctors require payment upfront prior to service or admission.   
  • Medical staff speak English.   
  • Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.   
  • Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.  

Hospital-based care is available through private and government institutions.

Prescription medications   

Drug stores or “boticas” provide prescription and over-the-counter medicine. Visitors need a local prescription and may not be able to find medications normally available in the United States. 

  • Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.  
  • For medications containing controlled substances, it is strongly advised you travel with a note from your doctor. 
  • Saba and Sint Eustatius do not allow the importation of marijuana, cannabis or CBD, even with a prescription, and could result in criminal liability.

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:   

Water quality and food safety   

  • In Saba and Sint Eustatius, tap water is not safe to drink.   
  • 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.   
  • You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.   
  • Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.  
  • Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.   
  • Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.  

Air quality  

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.   

  • 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  

Street signs can be hard to find. Some are missing, hidden, or damaged. Go slowly through intersections and look carefully in all directions.  

  • Dial 911 for emergency services. Police and ambulances tend to respond quickly. 
  • Roads can be extremely slippery during rainfall.  
  • Night driving is safe if you are familiar with the route and road conditions. However, many streets are poorly lit or not lit at all.  
  • Use caution when driving in Saba as roads are steep and have many sharp turns. 

Traffic laws  

A valid U.S. driver's license is recognized in Saba and Sint Eustatius.  

  • Right turns on red are prohibited and traffic conditions require defensive driving.  
  • Local laws require drivers and passengers to wear seat belts and motorcyclists to wear helmets.  
  • Children under 4 years of age must be in child safety seats, and children under 12 must ride in the back seat. 

Taxis and ride-shares    

Taxis are an easy form of transportation on the islands. Verify the price before entering the taxi. There are no meters. Fares are quoted in U.S. dollars. There are no ride-share apps available. 

Public and commercial transportation   

Aviation safety oversight   

  • The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Saba and Sint Eustatius meet international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel  

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Saba and Sint Eustatius should check the following:    

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Both Saba and Sint Eustatius have a tropical marine climate with warm temperatures year-round. The islands experience 2 main seasons: 

  • Dry season: December to April 
  • Wet season: May to November, with increased rainfall and humidity. 

Trade winds provide cool breezes throughout the year, making the climate generally pleasant. 

Natural disasters 

Hurricanes  

Hurricanes are the primary natural disaster threat. The official Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.  

  • The peak activity is in August and September.  
  • Both islands are on the hurricane belt and have experienced significant storms. These cause flooding and structural damage.  

Even weaker storms can bring heavy rainfall, flooding, and strong winds. 

Earthquakes 

These islands sit in an active earthquake zone. Because of their volcanic origin, small tremors happen sometimes, though major earthquakes are rare. 

Drought 

Long dry periods can happen, especially during El Niño years. 

Helpful resources 

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.  

Embassies and consulates

U.S. Consulate General Curacao and U.S. Mission to the Dutch Caribbean

J.B. Gorsiraweg 1,
Willemstad, Curaçao

Main telephone:

+1-503-420-3115 or +5999-433-2200 or + 1-301-985-8733

Emergency after-hours:

From within Curacao: +503-420-3115 or 433-2200

From the United States: +503-420-3115 or +1-301-985-8733

Email:

[email protected]

Fax:

+5999-461-6489

Website: https://cw.usconsulate.gov/

U.S. Citizen Services Appointments

 

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Last Updated: September 03, 2026

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