Saint Martin: main airports
Saint-Martin (French side) is served by L'Espérance Airport, in Grand Case, a smaller and quieter alternative to the large international Princess Juliana airport on the Dutch side of the island (Sint Maarten).
The Caribbean island, divided between a French overseas collectivity and an autonomous Dutch country, offers beaches, a lively Franco-Caribbean food scene and duty-free shopping.
Saint Martin: recommended activities
Saint Martin: visa and entry requirements
Being a French overseas collectivity, the same entry rules apply as for metropolitan France for EU citizens (valid ID card) and non-EU citizens (up to 90 days in 180 for Schengen-exempt countries).
A valid ID document or passport is required; crossing to the Dutch side (Sint Maarten) involves no border checks.
Saint Martin: safety
The French side of Saint-Martin is generally safe for visitors, with the usual tourist precautions.
Always check your country's updated travel advisories, especially during hurricane season (June-November), which has historically hit the island hard.
Saint Martin: health situation
No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry from Europe. Tap water is generally drinkable on the French side, being a territory with European health standards.
The local healthcare system is of good standard, although for serious emergencies transfer to Guadeloupe or mainland France may be necessary.
Saint Martin: currency, payments and connectivity
The currency is the euro (EUR) on the French side, while the Dutch side uses the Netherlands Antillean guilder/US dollar: many businesses on both sides nonetheless accept both currencies.
The official language is French, with English and Creole widely spoken; the island is known for free movement between the two sides, French and Dutch, with no physical border.
