St Maarten Visa & Entry Requirements (2025 Guide)

Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling

Planning a trip to St Maarten? Whether you're arriving for a tropical vacation, a family visit, or a business trip, this guide breaks down the latest visa and immigration requirements so you can enter the island stress-free. Most travelers don’t need a visa, but there are important conditions to keep in mind.

Passport control and immigration machines at SXM Airport

Do You Need a Visa to Visit St Maarten?

Most travelers do not need a visa to visit St Maarten for short stays of up to 90 days, including citizens and legal residents of:

  • The United States
  • Canada
  • European Union (EU) countries
  • United Kingdom, Ireland, and Switzerland

Check if your nationality is exempt from a Caribbean visa using the official Kingdom of the Netherlands visa list (link opens in a new tab).

General Entry Requirements

Upon arrival in St Maarten, you must present the following to immigration officials:

  • A valid passport for the duration of your stay
  • A valid return or onward ticket Documents proving re-entry to your country of origin (e.g. valid residence or re-entry permit)
  • Proof of accommodation (e.g. hotel or villa rental reservation)
  • Proof of sufficient financial means or a guarantee letter from a legal resident
  • All final decisions regarding entry are made by the immigration officer at the port of entry
  • SXM Entry Form: All travelers are required to complete the St Maarten Electronic Immigration Card (ED Card) prior to travel. Submit your entry form online at https://entry.sx.

Need a place to stay? Book a villa or hotel with flexible cancellation options before you fly.

Permitted Duration of Stay

  • Visa-Exempt Travelers: Up to 90 days per calendar year for tourism, business, or family visits
  • Caribbean Visa Holders: Up to 30 days per visit, valid for multiple entries over a 6-month period

Always check your entry stamp for the authorized duration granted at arrival.

Who Needs a Caribbean Visa for St Maarten?

You will need a Caribbean visa if:

  • Your country is not on the exemption list
  • You are a legal resident of the Netherlands without a residence permit
  • You are a citizen of a country such as India, Nigeria, China, Pakistan, etc.

Apply at the nearest Dutch embassy or consulate in your country of residence. A Caribbean visa is not the same as a Schengen visa and must be requested separately.

Who Is Exempt from a Caribbean Visa?

Visa exemption also applies to:

  • Holders of valid U.S., Canadian, EU, UK, Irish, or Swiss residence permits
  • Residents of the French side of St. Martin
  • Residents of Bonaire, St Eustatius, and Saba

Bringing Pets to St Maarten

Yes, your furry friend can come along! Pets must have:

  • A health certificate dated within 10 days before arrival
  • Proof of rabies vaccination administered no more than 30 days prior to arrival

St Maarten Immigration Contact

For official information or visa questions, contact:

Admittance and Residency Office

A.T. Illidge Road #8, Philipsburg

+1 (721) 543-0355 / 543-0365

Additional Info: 543-0353 / 543-0354

Plan Your Visit to St Maarten

Looking to finalize your travel plans? Start here:

St Maarten Visa FAQs

How long can U.S. citizens stay in St Maarten?
Up to 90 days without a visa for tourism or business.
Do Green Card holders need a visa for St Maarten?
No, valid U.S. Green Card holders are visa-exempt.
Where do I apply for a Caribbean visa?
At a Dutch embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
Can I enter St Maarten with a Schengen visa?
No. A Schengen visa is not valid for St Maarten. You need a Caribbean visa.
Do I need travel insurance for entry?
It’s strongly recommended to have travel insurance, though it is not mandatory. Let Travelex Insurance protect your trip investment starting at $20!