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5 ways to enter

Saint Martin visas

Saint Martin transit visa

Some passengers can transit without a visa. An airport transit visa is required for the same passenger categories that need one for mainland France.

Ways to get a Saint Martin transit visa

  1. Airport transit without a visa

    Transit without a visa

    Passengers staying only in the international transit area qualify, except those in categories that need an airport transit visa for mainland France.

  2. Airport transit visa

    Visa needed

    Passengers in the same categories that need an airport transit visa for mainland France need one here.

    1. Apply at a French embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
    2. Request the transit permission needed for your journey.

  3. Crew transit without a visa

    Transit without a visa

    Airline and ship crew members qualify.

  4. 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.

  5. Cruise transit while staying on board

    Transit without a visa

    Cruise passengers who do not leave the ship qualify.

Who needs it

Passengers in the categories that need an airport transit visa for mainland France also need one when using an airport's international transit area in Saint Martin. Those categories are not listed here.

Who doesn't

Other 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 exemption only covers the international transit area. To enter Saint Martin, you must qualify for an entry exemption or hold a visa that covers it.
Transit without a visa
Stay in the airport's international transit area and do not fall within a category that needs an airport transit visa for mainland France. Separate exemptions apply to crew and certain cruise passengers.

Good to know

  • For the airport exemption, remain in the international transit area.
  • For the cruise exemption based on a visa or residence permit, the stay must not exceed 24 hours.
  • No airport transit time limit is stated.
  • The passenger categories that need an airport transit visa are not listed.

Questions

Do I need a transit visa for Saint Martin?

Passengers in the categories that need an airport transit visa for mainland France also need one when using an airport's international transit area in Saint Martin. Those categories are not listed here. Other 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 Martin?

There are 5 options: Airport transit without a visa (transit without a visa); Airport transit visa (a visa from an embassy); 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 board (transit without a visa).

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

Yes, staying in the international transit area is allowed for most travellers. To leave the airport: The airport exemption only covers the international transit area. To enter Saint Martin, you must qualify for an entry exemption or hold a visa that covers it.

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

For the airport exemption, remain in the international transit area. For the cruise exemption based on a visa or residence permit, the stay must not exceed 24 hours.

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

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

Can a transit visa for Saint Martin 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 Martin transit visa rules?

On Saint Martin'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 Martin?

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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