last edited Dec 11, 2019
Health and Safety in Saint Martin
Location Map of Saint Martin
Saint Martin
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Official Recommendations
In France, both for individuals and professionals, the "travel advice" from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding precautions for each country has legal value. A similar online travel advice system exists in several countries:
Health
As always, it's best to be up to date with your vaccinations, even if nothing is officially required to enter the island.
Diseases
Saint Martin doesn’t pose major health problems, though dengue, chikungunya, and more recently Zika—spread by certain mosquitoes—are present. To protect yourself, the best approach is to use a good repellent, cover your arms and legs at dusk when mosquitoes are most active, and bring an impregnated mosquito net if you’re sleeping in a place without air conditioning or airflow.
Hygiene
No real risks here. The water is drinkable everywhere; the island has no springs or rivers, so drinking water is produced in desalination plants. Just remember to stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun during the hottest times, and wash your hands regularly.
Local Healthcare Facilities
Safety
Crime and Delinquency
Scams and "Tourist" Harassment
Socio-Political Risks
Climate, Nature, and Wildlife
Beyond hurricanes, which can hit the island between August and October—like Irma in 2017, which destroyed a large part of the island—the intense sun is the main concern.
Additionally, like other islands in the region, Saint Martin has manchineel trees along its beaches, resembling apple trees, whose fruit and sap are toxic and can cause burns on contact. Another local hazard: some coral fish are toxic if eaten, causing what’s known as ciguatera.
Foreign Consulates on the Island
If you run into trouble while traveling abroad, your country’s consular services can assist you. Also, if you’re an EU citizen and your country isn’t represented, you can contact any other EU member state’s representation.
- Belgium:
No office in Saint Martin; it falls under the representation in Paris: Consulate General, 9 rue de Tilsitt, 75840 Cedex 17 Paris. Tel.: +33 14 409 3939. In case of emergency: +33 68 453 1944.
- Canada:
No office in Saint Barthélemy; it falls under the representation in Barbados: High Commission of Canada in Barbados, Bishop's Court Hill, St. Michael, P.O. Box 404, Bridgetown, Barbados BB11113. Tel.: +1 246 629 3550. In case of emergency: 613 996 8885.
- Switzerland:
No representation.