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4 ways to enter

Saint Barthélemy visas

Saint Barthélemy transit visa

Some passengers can transit without a visa. Airport transit exceptions follow the categories that need an airport transit visa for the European part of France.

Ways to get a Saint Barthélemy transit visa

  1. Airport transit without a visa

    Transit without a visa

    Passengers who stay only in an airport's international transit area qualify, except categories that need an airport transit visa for the European part of France.

  2. Crew transit without a visa

    Transit without a visa

    Airline and ship crew members qualify.

  3. Cruise transit with a qualifying visa or residence permit

    Transit without a visa

    Cruise passengers qualify if they hold a visa for any French territory or a residence permit for Andorra, Canada, Japan, Monaco, San Marino or the United States.

    Stay
    Up to 24 hours.
  4. Cruise transit while staying on the ship

    Transit without a visa

    Cruise passengers who do not leave the ship qualify.

Who needs it

Passengers in categories that need an airport transit visa for the European part of France are excluded from the airport transit exemption. Those categories are not listed.

Who doesn't

Eligible passengers staying in an airport's international transit area, airline and ship crew, and certain cruise passengers can transit without a visa.

Changing planes

Can you stay airside?
Yes, without a visa if you stay in the transit area
Leaving the airport
The airport transit exemption only covers staying in the international transit area. Entering Saint Barthélemy requires a visa or an applicable entry exemption.
Transit without a visa
Stay entirely in the airport's international transit area and do not belong to a category that needs an airport transit visa for the European part of France. Separate exemptions cover crew and certain cruise passengers.

Good to know

  • Airport passengers using the transit exemption must stay in the international transit area.
  • The qualifying-document cruise exemption allows a stay of up to 24 hours.
  • No airport transit hour limit or transit visa application details are given.

Questions

Do I need a transit visa for Saint Barthélemy?

Passengers in categories that need an airport transit visa for the European part of France are excluded from the airport transit exemption. Those categories are not listed. Eligible passengers staying in an airport's international transit area, airline and ship crew, and certain cruise passengers can transit without a visa.

What are the ways to get a transit visa for Saint Barthélemy?

There are 4 options: Airport transit without a visa (transit without a visa); Crew transit without a visa (transit without a visa); Cruise transit with a qualifying visa or residence permit (transit without a visa); Cruise transit while staying on the ship (transit without a visa).

Can I stay inside the airport in Saint Barthélemy without a visa?

Yes, staying in the international transit area is allowed for most travellers. To leave the airport: The airport transit exemption only covers staying in the international transit area. Entering Saint Barthélemy requires a visa or an applicable entry exemption.

What rules do I have to follow on a Saint Barthélemy transit visa?

Airport passengers using the transit exemption must stay in the international transit area. The qualifying-document cruise exemption allows a stay of up to 24 hours.

Does my passport change whether I need a transit visa for Saint Barthélemy?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Saint Barthélemy visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a transit visa for Saint Barthélemy be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Saint Barthélemy transit visa rules?

On Saint Barthélemy's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my transit visa once I am in Saint Barthélemy?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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