Sint Maarten

Safety and security

Crime

Crimes of opportunity, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching are common. These occur at beaches, hotel lobbies, or parked cars.

Safety tips

• Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to secure personal property.
• Do not leave valuables in cars in plain view or unattended in unsecured hotel rooms and rental homes.
• Avoid withdrawing cash from ATMs after dark and walking in poorly-lit areas.
• Keep a copy of your valid U.S. passport in a secure location in case your passport is stolen.

Rental insurance

• Make sure you are sufficiently insured when renting vehicles, jet skis, and other equipment. Theft of rental cars can occur, and damages may not be fully covered by local insurance when a vehicle is stolen.

Alcohol

If you are a parent of a minor, be aware that the legal drinking age of 18 is not always enforced. 

• Extra parental supervision may be appropriate. 
• Take standard precautions when frequenting nightclubs and bars. 
• Travel in pairs or groups and, if you consume alcohol, do so responsibly. 
• Do not leave your drink unattended or accept open containers from strangers. 

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 scams and Internet romance scams from individuals claiming to be in Sint Maarten are rare but do occur. 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. 

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 Sint Maarten: 

• 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 911. Do not rely on hotels, restaurants, or tour companies to make a crime report for you.

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

Drones 

Drones are legal in Sint Maarten. However, there are strict rules under Sint Maarten aviation laws. 

• You need a special permit for commercial use.
• You must fly drones during the day, in good weather. 
• You cannot fly above 393 feet (120 meters). You must keep your drone in visual sight. 
• You cannot fly a drone over security-sensitive areas, airports, crowds, or private property. 

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.

Water sports safety 

• Be aware of the risks of recreational water activities. 
• Never venture out alone, especially at remote beaches or far out to sea. 
• Avoid entering the water above your waist if you have been drinking. 
• Always be mindful of watercraft traffic in the area. When in doubt, stay out of the way.
• Do not attempt to experience the jet blast of approaching and departing aircraft at Maho Beach. This can result in serious injury or death.

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 Sint Maarten seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.  

Drug penalties 

• Sint Maarten enforces drug laws more strictly than the Netherlands. Police strictly enforce laws against controlled substances, even for tourists carrying small amounts of marijuana.

Arrest notification 

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.  
• Local law is based on Dutch law. Sint Maarten follows Dutch law. A judge can approve holding a suspect during an investigation without bail.

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 Sint Maarten.  
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

The law in Sint Maarten 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, ease of movement or access. 
• Expect accessibility to be limited in some lodgings and general infrastructure. Sidewalks and street crossings in many areas are not wheelchair accessible. Many buildings lack ramps.
• Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.  

Women travelers  

• Review our information for Women Travelers. 
• Review our information on Marriage. 
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

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) Sint Maarten 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 911 for emergency medical services and police. 
• Dial 912 for ambulance services 
• Dial 913 for the coast guard.
• Dial 120 for the fire department.

Ambulance services

• Ambulance services are widely available. 

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 Sint Maarten. 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 Sint Maarten.
• 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: vaccination is required if arriving from certain countries in Africa and South America with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

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 

Access to quality medical care is limited in Sint Maarten.

• Facilities may not meet U.S. standards. There is 1 hospital on the Dutch Side, St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC). It offers 24-hour emergency services.
• The U.S. consulate maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Sint Maarten lacks many medical specialties. Doctors often transfer critically ill patients to nearby countries or the United States..
• There is no decompression chamber in Sint Maarten.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals. 
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.

Prescription medications 

• 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.

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

If you are considering traveling to Sint Maarten to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad. 

• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Sint Maarten with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents. Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Sint Maarten courts.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Sint Maarten via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status. 
• People who try to avoid local law risk legal consequences.  

Water quality and food safety 

• In Sint Maarten, tap water is not safe to drink. 
• In some locations, tap water is not available every day.
• 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

Sint Maarten’s main roads are narrow and dimly lit. 

• Driving at night is reasonably safe if you are familiar with the route and road conditions. 
• Proceed through intersections with caution.

Traffic laws  

You can drive in Sint Maarten with a valid U.S. driver’s license. 

• Right turns at red lights are prohibited. 
• There are no border controls separating the Dutch and French sides of the island. Cars pass freely without stopping. 
• Driving while intoxicated may result in the loss of a driver’s license, fines, and imprisonment.

Taxis and ride-shares

• Taxis are unmetered. Passengers should determine the price in advance. You can find information on ride share services and apps on the Sint Maarten national tourist website.

Public and commercial transportation 

• The bus system in Sint Maarten consists of minivans operating on semi-fixed routes. It runs along the 5 main routes connecting the popular areas of the island and the beaches.
• Rental agencies are located near Princess Juliana International Airport. Be sure you are sufficiently insured. Ask your car rental agency for instructions in case of an accident.
• Visit the website of Sint Maarten’s national tourist office.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight 

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Sint Maarten for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. 
• FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program. 

Maritime travel

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

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Mariners planning travel to Sint Maarten 

• You must complete Customs Form 1300, Vessel Entrance or Clearance Statement. 
• You must declare your intention to travel to Sint Maarten before your departure from the U.S. port. 
• You will be denied entry to Sint Maarten's ports if you don’t submit this form.

Weather and natural disasters

Helpful resources

Monitor weather forecasts regularly during hurricane season, maintain emergency supplies, and have evacuation plans in place.

• Meteorological Department of Sint Maarten (MDS): Provides weather forecasts, warnings, and hurricane tracking information
• Caribbean Hurricane Network: Regional resource for hurricane tracking and preparedness information

Weather conditions

Hurricanes 

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

• The peak activity typically is in August and September. 
• The island lies in the Atlantic hurricane belt and has experienced devastating storms.
• Even weaker storms can bring heavy rainfall, flooding, and strong winds.

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