Martinique

Recommended Vaccinations For Martinique

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Yellow Fever Vaccine

The yellow fever vaccination is not recommended for this country. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Rabies Vaccine

Rabies may occur in bats in this country. Rabies vaccination is recommended for travellers who may come in contact with bats (i. e. cavers, adventure travellers, researchers, and anyone working with bats).

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Recommended Medications For Martinique

There are no recommendations for Martinique at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Martinique

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Martinique.

Dengue Fever

There is a risk of dengue in Martinique.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

Hepatitis A

There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Martinique through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

For Some Travellers

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in this country, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where water and food may not be safe.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission in this country. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Schistosomiasis

The parasite that causes schistosomiasis is found in rural areas of Martinique. It is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.

Rabies

Rabies may be present in bats.

Zika Fever

There is a very low risk of Zika Fever in this country.

Safety & Security in Martinique

Personal Safety

Martinique maintains very low crime rates. Petty crime like pickpocketing and bag snatching happens mainly in Fort-de-France and its port area. Thefts from vehicles also occur. Avoid deserted beaches and isolated areas after dark. Credit card and ATM fraud is a concern. Violent crime against tourists remains extremely rare. The island experienced violent protests in September and October 2024 over high living costs, resulting in gunfire that injured police officers and one death. Authorities imposed curfews and protest bans in Fort-de-France, Le Lamentin, Le Robert, and Ducos. While these protests reflect local economic tensions, they generally don’t target tourists. Check current conditions before traveling.

Extreme Violence

Martinique has seen a sharp increase in gun violence since 2023, linked to drug trafficking. In 2024, 29 homicides by firearm were recorded, with 17 already occurring in the first half of 2025. Attempted homicides jumped from 88 in 2023 to 199 in 2024, with over 94% involving firearms. Cocaine seizures exploded from 2.7 tonnes in 2023 to 21.8 tonnes in 2024. This violence is primarily connected to organized crime and drug networks, with Martinique serving as a transit point for cocaine trafficking. The violence predominantly affects those involved in the drug trade rather than tourists. Historical data from 2009 showed a homicide rate of 2.8 per 100,000, but recent figures indicate a significant deterioration. Violent crime against tourists remains rare despite the overall increase in island violence.

Political Unrest

Widespread protests erupted in September 2024 over high living costs, with food prices 30% to 42% higher than mainland France. Demonstrations intensified in October 2024, involving gunfire, looting, arson, burning barricades, and clashes with police. One person died during the unrest. Authorities imposed nighttime curfews from 9pm to 5am in Fort-de-France, Le Lamentin, Le Robert, and Ducos through October 2024. The French government deployed riot police units that had been banned from the island for 65 years. Protests focused on economic inequality and colonial legacy issues including the chlordecone pesticide scandal. The unrest caused disruptions to transport networks, airport operations, businesses, and public services. Demonstrations and strikes can occur and may turn confrontational. Even peaceful protests can escalate into violence. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings take place.

Areas To Avoid

Fort-de-France has several neighborhoods requiring caution, especially at night. Volga-Plage, Trénelle-Citron, Texaco, Dillon, Terres Sainville, Godissart, Châteaubœuf, and Sainte-Thérèse show heightened minor delinquency after dark. The city center can become less safe after sunset, particularly in quieter alleys and near the port. Safer residential areas in Fort-de-France include Cluny, Didier, Clairière, and Redoute. Outside the capital, Lamentin industrial areas and ports require increased caution in the evening. Ducos and Rivière-Salée have limited street lighting and low pedestrian traffic after 6pm, making evening visits inadvisable if traveling alone. Mountain roads to Morne-Rouge, Ajoupa-Bouillon, and Morne Vert are prone to slides, dangerous ravines, and poor visibility during rainy periods. These routes demand cautious driving, especially for those unfamiliar with winding roads. Avoid driving these mountain sections at night.