Saint Barthélemy
About Saint Barthélemy
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Language | French |
| Capital | Gustavia |
The Territorial Collectivity of Saint Barthélemy is an island located in the Leeward Islands between the North Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, east of the US Virgin Islands and about 35 kilometers from Saint Martin. The population is about 7,200 people. A president of the Territorial Council is the head of government, and the French president is the chief of state.
In 1493, Columbus discovered this island and named it after his brother, Barolomeo. The French settled the island beginning around 1763. This island was part of Guadeloupe as a French commune for many years. The island achieved separation from Guadeloupe and became an Overseas Collectivity of France in 2007.
The economy on this island depends heavily on tourism with about 200,000 visitors a year. Travellers can enjoy beaches, scuba diving, snorkeling, and hiking.
Recommended Vaccinations For Saint Barthélemy
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).
Yellow Fever Vaccine
The yellow fever vaccination is not recommended for this country. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Recommended Medications For Saint Barthélemy
There are no recommendations for Saint Barthélemy at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Saint Barthélemy
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B
There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Saint Barthélemy.
Chikungunya Fever
Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.
Hepatitis A
There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Saint Barthélemy through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.
Dengue Fever
Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.
For Some Travellers
Zika Fever
There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.
Typhoid Fever
Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Saint Barthélemy, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Yellow Fever
There is no risk of yellow fever transmission. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Rabies
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that rabies may be present in bats, but has not been reported in domestic or wild animals in this country.
Safety & Security in Saint Barthélemy
Personal Safety
The crime rate is low in this country, and most travellers have no trouble. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag-snatching, or other theft can occur in any crowded area or tourist destination. Always be alert to your personal safety. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Avoid walking alone at night. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and never leave your drinks out of your sight.
Political Unrest
Protests and strikes do occur and can disrupt transportation and other services. In any country, avoid public gatherings or demonstrations. Even peaceful gatherings can quickly and unexpectedly escalate and become violent.
