ACCOMODATION | SINT MAARTEN | SAINT MARTIN

 A Guide to Sint Maarten Entry Requirements 2025

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Planning a dreamy Sint Maarten vacation? There’s one important step you don’t want to skip.

As part of ongoing efforts to modernize and streamline entry procedures, Sint Maarten now requires all arriving passengers to complete a Digital Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) Card before landing at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM).

This guide breaks down exactly what the ED card is, who needs to fill it out, and the most important Sint Maarten entry requirements – plus tips to make your arrival as smooth as a Caribbean breeze.

New for 2025: Digital ED Card Requirements

As of October 2024, everyone arriving at Princess Juliana International Airport must complete a digital ED Card. 

This online requirement replaces the old paper forms and speeds up the immigration process significantly. This free card is mandatory for all travelers, regardless of whether you're staying on the Dutch side or visiting the French side.

Transit passenger? If you’re going through immigration, you still need an ED card. If you're staying in the international transit area, requirements may vary depending on your final destination and layover length. Make sure you confirm requirements with your airline in advance – nobody wants to miss a connection because they’re stuck in immigration!

Completing the Form

You can complete your ED card up to seven days before your trip on the official website. You'll need basic information, such as your passport details, flight details, accommodation address, and contact information. The form takes just a few minutes to complete online.

An important note: Each traveler must have their own individual ED card, including children. Family members cannot share a single form, but parents can fill out forms for the entire group ahead of arrival.

Forgot to complete your ED card? Don’t panic; you won't be denied entry. However, you'll likely face longer processing times at immigration. Some facilities may be available at the airport to complete the form, but we strongly recommend you fill it in before you go.

Pro tip: Save a screenshot of your confirmation to your phone or print a copy. You can present it either digitally or on paper at immigration.

Do SXM Cruise Passengers Need an ED Card?

Generally, cruise passengers making a port visit to Sint Maarten and returning to the same vessel without an overnight stay are not required to complete the ED card. However, you may still need to fill out a form if:

• Sint Maarten is the homeport for the cruise, meaning the voyage commences or concludes on the island.
• You arrive via or depart from Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM).
• You are transferring to a flight at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM).
• You are overnighting as a member of the cruise line crew.

Make sure to check with your cruise line before your vacation if you’re not sure.

Sint Maarten Visa Requirements

Most travelers, including US, UK, and EU citizens, can stay up to 90 days in a 180-day period in Saint Martin/Sint Maarten without a visa. You can check whether you are visa-exempt here.

Do you need a passport for Sint Maarten? Short answer: Yes. All travelers, regardless of nationality, must present a valid passport when arriving on the Dutch side of the island. 

This includes French and EU citizens, even though Sint Maarten has ties to the Netherlands - it's not part of the Schengen area and operates as an independent territory. You'll also need proof of onward travel (return or connecting flight ticket).

The only exception: French citizens simply need a form of ID if arriving via Grand Case-Espérance Airport (SFG). Everyone else must present a valid passport plus proof of onward travel. Pssst… We recommend a passport with at least six months of validity to avoid any potential issues.

Once you've officially entered either side of the island, crossing between the French and Dutch territories is seamless with no additional passport checks required. This means you can plan the most epic Saint Martin itinerary without restrictions.

Short business trips typically fall under tourist visa requirements. However, longer/significant business activities may require additional documentation. Digital nomads should follow tourist regulations, but check tax implications for extended stays.

Extending Your Stay

What happens when you inevitably fall in love with the island and decide you want to purchase a property and stay forever? Good question. To extend your stay beyond the initial tourist period, apply through local immigration authorities before your current authorization expires. Note that extensions aren't guaranteed and require proof of sufficient funds and accommodation.

If you’re granted an extension on the Dutch side, you must have health insurance valid for the extended period. This is a mandatory requirement, not just a recommendation.

Future Regulation Updates

Starting in 2026, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will require online authorization for visa-exempt travelers to Schengen areas. While Saint Martin's status is still being clarified, American travelers should prepare for potential ETIAS requirements for the French side.

For now, don’t forget the ED Card. Whether you're jetting off for a beach getaway on the Dutch side or heading to the chic cafés of Saint Martin on the French side, this quick online form is now an essential part of your pre-travel checklist.