Travel requirements
What to know before you fly
Before you fly
Quick checklist for most travelers
Most visitors arrive in St Maarten without any difficulty. The island is used to welcoming travelers from the United States, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean every day.
If you are flying into Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), this is the simple version to follow before departure.
Two airports
SXM or SFG: the airport changes the formalities
St Martin is one island shared by two administrations — French Saint-Martin in the north and Dutch Sint Maarten in the south. For most vacationers, that does not complicate the trip once you are here. There are no border checks between the two sides. The important part is knowing which airport you are arriving through.
Most international travelers arrive at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side. This is the main airport for flights from the United States, Canada, Europe and many Caribbean connections. If you are landing at SXM, plan on completing the digital ED card before travel.
Grand Case–Espérance Airport (SFG) is on the French side and mainly handles regional flights, especially from Guadeloupe, Martinique, St Barth and other nearby islands. The formalities there follow French-side rules and are generally simpler for French and EU travelers.
ED card
The digital ED card: the form travelers forget
The ED card is the digital Embarkation / Disembarkation form used for travel to Dutch Sint Maarten. It replaces the old paper form many travelers remember receiving on the plane.
The official website is entry.sx. The form is free. You should not pay a third-party website to complete it for you. In 2026, several travelers were targeted by scam sites charging fees for a form that should cost nothing.
Complete it before you fly, ideally at least 24 hours before departure. You will need your passport details, flight information, accommodation address and basic travel information. Families can use the group registration option, but each traveler still needs to be included.
Passport and visa
Passport and visa requirements
For many visitors, St Martin / St Maarten is easy to enter. The key is to check the rules for the passport you are actually traveling with, not only the country where you live.
US and Canadian travelers
US citizens do not need a tourist visa for Sint Maarten for typical vacation stays, and a valid passport is required. Canadian travelers should follow Canadian government advice and travel with a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond their expected departure date.
You may also be asked for a return or onward ticket and the address where you are staying. This is normal immigration practice and not something to stress about when your trip is properly booked.
European travelers
EU travelers generally do not need a visa for short tourism stays. If you arrive at SXM on the Dutch side, travel with a valid passport. If you are using the French-side airport and have French or EU documents, check the rules that apply to Saint-Martin and your route.
Other nationalities
If your passport is not visa-exempt, you may need a Caribbean visa for Sint Maarten. This is not the same as a Schengen visa. Travelers with certain valid residence permits or multi-entry visas may qualify for exemptions, but this should always be verified before booking.
At immigration
What to have ready when you arrive
The arrivals experience at SXM is usually straightforward, especially when your documents are ready. You do not need a folder full of paperwork, but you do want the basics easy to access.
Travel insurance is not usually requested at immigration, but it is still one of the smartest things to have for a Caribbean trip, especially during hurricane season or when flights are tight.
Customs
Customs and duty-free rules
Sint Maarten is known for duty-free shopping, but arrival rules still apply. Bring personal-use items, travel documents, medication in its original packaging, and reasonable quantities for your stay.
Do not bring firearms, ammunition, illegal drugs, live plants, cuttings, raw fruits or vegetables. These are the kinds of items that can create real trouble at customs and are not worth the risk.
If you make expensive purchases on the island — especially watches, jewelry or electronics — keep your receipts for your return home. Your home country’s customs rules matter when you land back, not just the island’s rules when you arrive.
Cruise arrivals
Arriving by cruise ship
If you arrive in Philipsburg by cruise ship for the day, the process is different from flying into SXM. In general, day-visit cruise passengers are handled through the ship’s passenger manifest and do not complete the same airport arrival process.
If you are flying into St Maarten to board a cruise that starts here, treat yourself as an air arrival. That means completing the ED card before your flight and following the SXM arrival requirements.
Leaving SXM
Departure tax and airport fees
Airport taxes and fees for international flights out of Princess Juliana International Airport are usually included in the price of your airline ticket. That is why most travelers do not pay a separate departure tax at the airport anymore.
The safest approach is simple: check the tax and fee breakdown on your airline ticket, especially if you are booking through a smaller carrier or a regional route. Children and infants may have different fee rules depending on the airline and route.
Before landing
Stay connected from the moment you arrive
Having data when you land makes the first hour easier: maps, WhatsApp, hotel messages, rental car directions, restaurant bookings and the inevitable “where are you?” texts.
An eSIM is usually the simplest option because you can install it before leaving home and activate it when you arrive. Check that your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible before buying.
Browse Airalo eSIM plans →FAQ
Travel requirements for St Martin / St Maarten: practical questions
Do I need a visa to visit St Martin / St Maarten?
US and Canadian citizens usually do not need a visa for a normal tourism stay in Sint Maarten. Many EU travelers are also visa-exempt. Travelers from other countries should check the Caribbean visa rules for their passport before booking.
What is the ED card for St Maarten?
The ED card is the digital Embarkation / Disembarkation form used for travelers arriving in Dutch Sint Maarten. Complete it for free on the official entry.sx website before you fly.
Is the ED card free?
Yes. The official ED card is free. Use entry.sx and avoid third-party sites that charge processing or assistance fees.
Do children need an ED card?
Yes, each traveler should be included, including children. Families can use group registration, but every traveler needs their own details included.
Do I need a passport for St Maarten?
If you are flying into SXM from the US, Canada or most international origins, yes. A valid passport is required. A driver’s license or birth certificate is not enough for air travel.
Are the French side and Dutch side entry rules different?
Yes. SXM is on the Dutch side and uses the Sint Maarten arrival process, including the ED card. SFG is on the French side and follows French-side rules. Once on the island, there are no border checks between the two sides.
Do cruise passengers need the ED card?
Day-visit cruise passengers are generally handled through the cruise ship process, not the airport arrival process. If you fly into SXM to board a cruise, complete the ED card as an air arrival.
Is departure tax included in my ticket?
For most international flights out of SXM, airport taxes and fees are included in the ticket price. Check your fare breakdown if you are unsure.
