last edited Dec 11, 2019
Health and Safety in Martinique
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
Although no vaccinations are mandatory for staying on the island, it is still best to be up to date with your "basic vaccinations."
Diseases
Martinique does not pose any major health problems, even though dengue, chikungunya, and more recently Zika, transmitted 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 sleep in a place without air conditioning or airflow. In a completely different area, it is important to note that STIs and HIV are present and require the usual precautions.
Hygiene
There are also no major risks here, and the water is drinkable everywhere. Just remember to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun during the hottest periods.
Healthcare Facilities on Site
Martinique has a very good healthcare system, one of the best in the Antilles. As for how it works, reimbursement for care, etc., everything functions as it does in mainland France.
Safety
Crime and Delinquency
As everywhere, there is some crime and delinquency on the island, but in recent years, it has tended to become more severe with the normalization of firearms and recurring issues of drugs and alcohol among some of the youth. While the numbers are rising and well above the national average, incidents very rarely involve visitors, and there is no need to "overthink it" as long as you do not act recklessly and avoid walking around at night in isolated areas or certain neighborhoods. Quite logically, the Fort-de-France area is the most affected.
Scams and "Tourist" Harassment
Socio-Political Issues and Terrorism
There are no terrorism-related issues on the island. However, even if it should be kept in perspective, Martinique's socio-economic situation and its specific history—particularly the period of slavery, which is still not fully "integrated" by part of the population—give rise to certain recurring movements, one of the most "well-known" being the "general strike in the French Antilles in 2009". While it is certainly not a reason to generalize, this may also explain the poor welcome, or even disparaging remarks, that some islanders may sometimes direct toward white or mainland visitors.
Climate and Nature
Beyond the usual precautions for swimming in the sea, the main natural risk is hurricanes, which are most common between August and October. In any case, the authorities do (and do well) what is necessary to inform and protect the population.
In another category, like elsewhere in the region, Martinique has manchineel trees, which are toxic plants whose fruit—and even simple contact—can cause burns. They are generally well-marked to prevent accidents.
Finally, Martinique is located in a seismic zone and has experienced volcanic eruptions in the past, the most dramatic being that of Mount Pelée in 1902, which devastated the city of Saint-Pierre.
Animals
Beyond mosquitoes and other biting insects that require repellent, you should watch out for centipedes, whose bites are painful, and especially for fer-de-lance vipers, which can be very dangerous and are found particularly in tall grass. On beaches or by rivers, it is also advisable to wear shoes or use a towel to avoid contact with sand or soil where some parasites may be present.
Foreign Consulates on Site
Around twenty countries (but not Canada) have consular representations in Martinique. Among them:
- Belgium : c/o Ets COTTRELL, Zone Industrielle de la Jambette 97292, Lamentin, Cedex 2, Fort-de-France. Tel.: +596 782 080.
- United States : Hôtel Valmenière, 615 av. des Arawaks, 97200 Fort-de-France. Tel.: +596 75 6754.
- Mexico: 31 rue Moreau de Jones, 97200 Fort-de-France. Tel.: +596 72 58 12.
- Dominican Republic: Zone du Bac, 97220 La Trinité. Tel: +596 58 24 24.
- Switzerland: Centre d'Affaires Californie II, 97232 Le Lamentin. Tel.: +596 50 12 43.
- Venezuela: 19 rue Georges Raveneau, Lotissement les Tropiques, Route de Didier, 97200 Fort-de-France. Tel.: +596 63 34 16.
The neighboring islands of Barbados, Dominica, Haiti, and Saint Lucia are also represented.