St Martin

Most travellers enter St Martin on the Dutch side of the island. Upon arrival at Princess Juliana International Airport, all passengers must present: - a passport valid at least until the end of your stay; - a completed and signed Embarkation and Disembarkation card (ED-card); - a return or onward ticket; - a reservation for an accommodation in Sint Maarten; - proof of sufficient financial means. Visitors and goods can travel freely between the French and Dutch sides of the island. The maximum stay allowed on St Martin is 30 days uninterrupted for tourists in general. For Dutch and American passport holders, maximum stay is 6 months uninterrupted with the possibility to extend. Nationals of Canada, the European Union, Australia, New Zealand and Japan can stay for 3 months uninterrupted with the possibility to extend.

The best time to visit St Martin is between May and June or November and mid December: torrential rains are not frequent in these weeks and airfare and room prices lower consistently. The weather on the island is generally pleasant throughout the year, but bear in mind that the rainy season starts in June and protracts until the end of October. Try to avoid the period between winter and spring, which is peak season in St Martin. The island gets very crowded and prices rise dramatically.

Hiring a car is the best way to get around. Motorcycles and mopeds are also available for hire, or you can just hop on a jitney — the usual mode of transport for islanders, which is an inexpensive way to explore the island. Group taxis (minibuses) cover most areas of the island, however, there is no strict schedule.

Taxis can be hired at Princess Juliana International Airport and at all major hotels. They aren't metered, but drivers must follow official rates for travel throughout the island. Marigot: +590 590 87 56 54 Philipsburg: +1 721 542 2359 Princess Juliana International Airport: +1 721 546 7713 Grand Case Esperance Airport: +590 590 87 53 03