Sailing Saint Martin / Sint Maarten
Clearance in Saint Martin - Sint Maarten
Saint Martin / Sint Maarten is quite unique, as it is one island which is composed of two territories, often called the French and the Dutch sides.
Surprisingly you will find no border between these two zones! This means that you are free to circulate on the whole island, however arrival and departure custom requirements are mandatory and comply with the corresponding areas. Both territories have different custom procedures.
Clearance in French Saint Martin
When sailing in the French territorial waters, the boat captain needs to do the clearance, to register himself and his crew and passengers with the French Immigration office. You may start your French Saint Martin clearance online on the official website.
Please note that you will still need to go to the Immigration office at the Ferry terminal in Marigot (Waterfront in Marigot Bay) to proceed with the boat papers, last clearance and get passports stamped. Opening hours are 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and Saturday morning until 12pm.
Marinas like Marina Fort Louis or Marina Royale may help you with yacht clearance for a 15 euros fee.
Formalities to enter French Saint Martin
- EU citizens require: a valid passport or French identity card or residency card (carte de séjour). No visa needed.
- US and Canadian nationals require: a valid passport and a return or continuying ticket.
- Travelers from other countries require: a valid passport and a return or continuying ticket. Please note many countries also require a visa: please consult the link below.
This is for indication only. Please consult Saint Martin Tourism pages for more information.
Clearance in Dutch Sint Maarten
All boats sailing in Dutch Sint Maarten waters must clear in through Great Bay or Simpson Bay Immigration offices. Please note that these offices are closed on public holidays, however for your departure, you have the possibility to do the clearance in advance.
- In Simpson Bay, the Immigration office is located in the Police station on the side of the channel to the lagoon. Opening hours are Monday-Saturday 8:00am to 12:30pm/1:30pm to 4:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday: 7:30am to 3:30pm.
- In Great Bay, the Immigration office is located at the entrance of the commercial port. Opening hours are Monday-Friday: 8:00am-noon and 1:00pm-4:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday: 9:00am to noon.
For your clearance, you will need to provide your last clearance, the Immigration clearance documents, Customs clearance documents, the yacht registration, your crew list.
The Sint Maarten Marine Trade Association provides valuable information and can help you with further enquiries.
Formalities to enter Dutch Sint Maarten
You will need a valid passport for all boat passengers and when required a valid visa sticker. For full information about identity and visa requirements, please consult the official Sint Maarten government document.
- The maximum stay for tourists is usually 30 days, but an extension can be obtained.
- For Dutch and American nationals, the maximum stay is 6 months, with extension possibility.
- Whereas for EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan nationals, the maximum stay is 3 months, with extension possibility.
Boatyards in Saint Martin and Sint Maarten
Boatyards in Saint Martin
Geminga Boat Yard
Sandy Ground Road, Marigot, Saint Martin
+590 590 293 552
geminga@domaccess.com
Geminga Boat Yard is conveniently located very close to the center of Marigot, and is accessible by boat in the lagoon. The shipyard has a 30 tons trailer for boats up to 50 feet.
The shipyard also shelters many appreciated specialists: welder, sails maker and repairer, yacht architect Mayrik, etc.
Polypat Caraïbes
Sandy Ground Bridge, Marigot, Saint Martin
+590 690 654405 (mobile)
https://www.saintmartinboatyard.com
contact@saintmartinboatyard.com
Fred and Bea opened Polypat Caraïbes, the first shipyard on the French side, in 1994. With direct access from Marigot Bay, this boat yard is conveniently located right after the Sandy Ground Bridge, on the right hand side of the passage on the lagoon side.
The team of 7 offers repairs of all types, maintenance and secure storage for the hurricane season. Polypat Caraibes is renown in the repair of polyester and composites, and offers all types of other works.
A floating dock is available right after you pass the bridge. The crane can lift up to 20 tons.
T.O.B.Y. Time Out Boat Yard
91 rue Morne Rond, Sandy Ground Bridge, Marigot, Saint Martin
+590 590 520288 (landline)
timeoutboat@hotmail.com
http://facebook.com/timeoutboatyard
TOBY Time Out is well known for the shipyard services as well as the various boat specialists working there (paint, upholstery...). The yard offers showers, laundry area, wifi, bar...
TOBY Sarl on Facebook is a very active page which shares a lot of valuable up to date information. They also administrate the SXM Cruisers and Boaters group which is a great local community.
Marine Professionals in St Martin / Maarten
Engine / Motorisation
Caraïbes Diesel
