Sint Maarten
About Sint Maarten
| Currency | Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG) |
| Language | English; Dutch |
| Capital | Philipsburg |
Sint Maarten is located in the Caribbean in the Leeward Islands east of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The northern half of this island is Saint Martin, a French Overseas Collectivity. The southern half of the island is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with a population of about 39,000 people. The government is a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy. Sint Maarten’s chief of state is the King of the Netherlands represented by a governor, and the head of government is a prime minister. The Netherlands retains responsibility for defence and foreign affairs.
Christopher Columbus sighted the island in 1493, and over the years, the island was claimed and/or occupied by the Spanish, French, and Dutch. When the Eighty Years’ War ended, the Spanish left the island since they no longer needed a base in the Caribbean. The French and Dutch claimed the island, and after some clashes, a treaty was signed in 1648, which divided the island between them.
In 1939, the island became a free port, and thus began a boom in international trade and tourism. The Princess Juliana International Airport opened in 1943, and four years later, the island’s first hotel opened.
Today tourism plays a large part in the economy of Sint Maarten. Hundreds of thousands of people visit every year and enjoy the beaches, hiking, water sports and casinos.
Recommended Vaccinations For Sint Maarten
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Yellow Fever Vaccine
There is no risk of yellow fever transmission in this country. Sint Maarten requires a certificate of yellow fever vaccination from all travellers 9 months of age or older if arriving from a region where there is a risk of yellow fever.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination for rabies is recommended only for persons who may come in contact with bats.
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 Sint Maarten
There are no recommendations for Sint Maarten at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Sint Maarten
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A
There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Sint Maarten through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.
Dengue Fever
Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.
Chikungunya Fever
Chikungunya fever occurs in Sint Maarten.
Hepatitis B
There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Sint Maarten.
For Some Travellers
Zika Fever
Local transmission of Zika virus infection has been reported.
Typhoid Fever
Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Sint Maarten, 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 in this country. Sint Maarten requires a certificate of yellow fever vaccination from all travellers 9 months of age or older if arriving from a region where there is a risk of yellow fever.
Rabies
Rabies occurs only in bats in Sint Maarten. There is a risk of exposure to bat bites for travellers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that might bring them into direct contact with bats (such as adventure travellers and cavers).
Safety & Security in Sint Maarten
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 does occur. Always be alert to your personal safety and security. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. There have been reports of armed robberies and also reports of visitors being chased by people on motorcycles. Avoid walking alone at night. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and never leave your drinks out of your sight. Avoid isolated areas. Avoid beaches after dark.
