Before you leave for Saint Martin : Practical information

Practical informaiton for Saint Martin : Before you leave

Formalities

French citizens in possession of an identity card or a valid passport have right of residence in the West Indies. Citizens of the United States and Canada are admitted without a visa and are permitted to stay on the islands for a maximum of three months on justification of their identity. U.S. citizens may stay on the island for a period inferior to 20 days on presentation of only a birth certificate or a valid driver’s licence.

A permanent source of conflict when passing Antillean customs is the disagreeable habit of certain compatriots to think that they are arriving in “French territory” and have thus the possibility of entering with any picture I.D. document they wish. This is not the case; remember to have you I.D. card or valid passport ready, and do your best not to make any remarks when passing through customs as they are only very rarely appreciated.

Citizens of a third country residing in Metropolitan France or in the DOM, in possession of a valid residence card are admitted into all French departments, DOM included, on presenting their residence permit.

Children travelling alone must hold an identity card, and are not permitted to travel included in their parents’ passport without being accompanied by them. French children under seven years of age travelling with their parents (exclusively in the case of father or mother), may be admitted to Saint Martin included in the family book or their parents’ passport. French children between the age of seven and fifteen travelling with their parents may be included in their parents’ passport with a recent photograph attached. Children over fifteen years of age travelling with their parents must hold an I.D. card or valid passport to their name.

Children travelling alone

Children under the age of 4 must be accompanied by an adult of 18 years or over, or a hostess (for tariffs see individual companies). From the age of 4 to the day before their 12th birthday, children may travel alone as “UMs” (Unaccompanied Minor). An under-aged child travelling alone must be in possession of an authorisation of leaving the territory. From the age of 15, children are obliged to hold a valid passport. Infants dispose of no baggage allowance. Certain regular airlines may offer catering services specifically for babies, but this service must be booked in advance, on reservation of your flight.

Transporting animals

Pets are accepted on board most flights under certain conditions. Regulations may vary with individual airlines, so ask around for pet transportation norms on reservation of your ticket (compartments, cages, vaccinations, etc). Airlines must be notified in advance of any pets you might wish to take with you, as the number of transportable animals may be limited on certain flights. Animals weighing 5 kg or less are permitted to travel on board, 5 kg or more will be transported in the baggage compartment of the aircraft (ventilated, heated and pressurised).

Time difference

How to pack your bags

What sort of clothes to bring? Summer clothes all year round, such as swimming suits and T-shirts… You can leave your tuxedo at home, as casual wear is encouraged even in hotels and restaurants of higher standing. If you’re not planning to dine in Bermuda shorts and flippers, you will be welcome in these establishments in as little as a polo, no need even of a shirt and a tie. Don’t forget to bring along good pair of walking shoes in case you have programmed a trek.