Saint Martin

Recommended Vaccinations For Saint Martin

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

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).

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 or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

The yellow fever vaccination is not recommended. However, a certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required for all persons 1 year of age or older if arriving from a region where there is a risk of yellow fever, including transiting 12 hours or more through an airport in a country with a risk of yellow fever.

Recommended Medications For Saint Martin

There are no recommendations for Saint Martin at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Saint Martin

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Saint Martin.

Hepatitis A

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

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

Dengue Fever

Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.

For Some Travellers

Rabies

Rabies may be present in bats, but has not been reported in domestic or wild animals in this country.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Saint Martin, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission in this country. However, this country requires a certificate of yellow fever vaccination for all persons 1 year of age or older if arriving from a region where there is a risk of yellow fever, including transiting 12 hours or more through an airport in a country with a risk of yellow fever.

Zika Fever

There is transmission of the Zika virus in this county.

Safety & Security in Saint Martin

Personal Safety

Petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching occurs on both sides of the island. Main tourist areas are generally safe during the day, though you should watch your belongings in crowded spots. Violent crime, including armed robbery, does happen and criminals sometimes target tourists. Recent statistics show in July 2024, five shootings occurred within a two week period. The island functions as a drug transit point from South America, which means drug related violent crime exists but rarely affects tourists directly. At night, exercise caution, particularly in downtown Philipsburg and certain neighborhoods like Marigot and Sandy Ground. The U.S. Department of State maintains a Level 1 advisory for the island, suggesting normal precautions. Burglaries occur in resorts, hotels, boats and beach properties. You must carry photo ID at all times, as this is a legal requirement on both sides. Rental car theft is an issue, with 62 vehicles stolen in the first half of 2023, including 21 rental cars. Safety walking alone during daylight rates high at 86 out of 100, but drops to moderate at 58 out of 100 at night.

Extreme Violence

Violent crime exists on the island but remains relatively rare, with most incidents affecting locals rather than tourists. Armed robbery does occur occasionally. The island serves as a major transit point for international drug smuggling, weapons trafficking and counterfeit goods moving from South America to Europe and North America through its busy ports and airport. When violent incidents do occur, they are often drug related or connected to organized crime. This organized criminal activity rarely impacts tourists directly. Gun violence saw a spike in July 2024 with five shootings and one fatality reported within a two week period. Eight non violent yacht related crimes were reported in 2022, mostly thefts in the lagoon and Simpson Bay area. The problem of drug use and dealing rates low at 34 out of 100 on safety perception indices. While serious violent crime against tourists is uncommon, the small size of the island means criminal activity is not isolated to specific zones away from tourist areas.

Political Unrest

The French side experienced significant protests and civil unrest in 2021, including strikes and demonstrations over multiple issues. Three separate protest movements occurred simultaneously: a Collectivité strike, the Webster land protest, and protests against mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations and health passes. In November and December 2021, protests occasionally turned violent, particularly in Sandy Ground and Baie Nettle, with roads blocked, vehicles burned and some property damaged. During one period, 57% of demonstrations on the French side turned violent or destructive. The unrest led to cruise ship cancellations and business disruptions, with hotels losing bookings. By late 2021, Royal Caribbean advised cruise passengers to stay on the Dutch side due to roadblocks on the French side. Protests in French territories are influenced by developments in mainland France, meaning strikes and demonstrations announced in France often cause disruptions on the island. The 2021 unrest has since ceased and both sides of the island are now peaceful. Demonstrations can lead to traffic disruptions and roadblocks. Even peaceful demonstrations have the potential to turn violent. The Dutch side experiences less frequent protest activity than the French side.

Areas To Avoid

Exercise extra vigilance in certain neighborhoods, particularly at night. In Philipsburg, the capital on the Dutch side, street crime increases after dark. Avoid walking in neighborhoods that feel unsafe or down deserted streets at night. On the French side, be cautious in Marigot and Sandy Ground after dark. These areas are not necessarily dangerous but warrant increased awareness. Avoid isolated areas at night, especially deserted beaches and dark alleyways where muggers may take advantage of the cover. The scenic coastal route from Oyster Pond to Orleans is very dark and winding at night, though it takes only 10 minutes to traverse. Local residential areas like Dutch Quarter, French Quarter, Lower Prince Quarter, Upper Prince Quarter, Cole Bay and Mary’s Fancy are primarily for locals with limited tourist infrastructure. While not inherently dangerous, these neighborhoods don’t offer much for visitors. Popular tourist beaches and areas like Grand Case, Orient Bay, Simpson Bay, Maho Beach and Philipsburg are generally safe during daylight hours when well populated. Stick to well lit, populated areas frequented by tourists for added safety, especially after dark.