Executive Summary
St. Martin is operationally unusual because a single Caribbean island contains two separate jurisdictions. This Country Brief covers the French collectivity of Saint-Martin only. Dutch Sint Maarten has its own Customs, Immigration, port, bridge and clearance procedures.
The most important recent change is the French Antilles clearance reform. French prefectural guidance states that from 1 September 2024 clearance formalities became mandatory under the revised process for pleasure craft entering or leaving Saint-Martin from or for a foreign port, foreign maritime area or the high seas. French Customs directs captains to the official digital process on Démarches Simplifiées.
The clearance filing is not finished simply because a web form was submitted. French Customs states that the authoritative evidence is the clearance attestation bearing the French Customs digital stamp. Customs also recommends printing the attestation and having it validated at an approved Clearance Point while recognition of the digital document by other Caribbean administrations continues to mature.
For most prepared captains, French-side clearance is moderate in complexity. The process is digitally driven, the approved clearance points are identifiable, and Marigot offers established port support. The biggest operational challenges are jurisdiction confusion, obtaining the correct official attestation rather than retaining only a submission receipt, coordinating clearance-point hours, and understanding separate protected-area and bridge restrictions.
Current official travel advice supports a normal-precautions posture. The United States Department of State lists the French West Indies, including French Saint Martin, at Level 1. Government of Canada guidance nevertheless notes petty crime and burglaries involving boats. Current cruiser-reported incident data also shows repeated French-side theft reports. The practical response is disciplined vessel and tender security, not alarm.
| Key Recommendation | Operational Reason |
|---|---|
| Treat French Saint-Martin and Dutch Sint Maarten as separate clearance jurisdictions | The two sides share an island and lagoon but not Customs, Immigration, clearance points, bridge administration or port procedures. |
| Complete the official French Antilles digital clearance before arrival and departure | Since 1 September 2024, pleasure-vessel clearance in Saint-Martin is handled through the French digital clearance process. |
| Print the official Customs-stamped clearance attestation and have it validated at an approved clearance point | French Customs states that the digitally stamped attestation is the authoritative document and recommends approved-point validation for presentation elsewhere in the Caribbean. |
| Use an approved French-side clearance point | The current Customs list includes Marina Fort Louis, Marina Marigot / Gare Maritime and Anse Marcel Marina. |
| Do not land crew before the vessel and persons aboard have been declared | The Port of Saint-Martin states that the captain must declare crew and passengers before disembarkation. |
| Prefer daylight for an unfamiliar arrival or bridge transit | Clearance-point hours, local approaches, bridge timing and security are easier to manage in daylight. |
| Lock the vessel and tender even while aboard at night | Official Canadian guidance notes burglaries involving boats, and current secondary cruiser incident reporting shows repeated French-side yacht theft reports. |
| Check Reserve rules before Tintamarre or other protected-area stops | Anchoring, overnight stays, fishing, collection and discharge are controlled within the Réserve Naturelle. |
Table of Contents
Country Overview
For a cruising captain, the first question is not simply “Am I on St. Martin?” It is “Which jurisdiction am I entering, clearing, anchoring or using for a bridge transit?”
| Operating Factor | Current Position |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Covered | Collectivité de Saint-Martin — French side only |
| Overall Complexity | Moderate; digital clearance is straightforward when the captain understands the French/Dutch jurisdiction boundary |
| Primary National Agencies | French Customs (Douane), Police aux Frontières / border police, French state and prefectural services |
| Local Maritime Administration | Établissement Portuaire de Saint-Martin and approved clearance points |
| Clearance System | Mandatory French Antilles digital clearance through Démarches Simplifiées for qualifying foreign arrivals and departures |
| Approved French-Side Clearance Points | Marina Fort Louis, Marina Marigot / Gare Maritime and Anse Marcel Marina on the current French Customs list |
| Typical Timeline | File digitally before arrival or departure; complete approved-point validation during published opening hours. No official processing-time guarantee was confirmed. |
| Safety Posture | Official Level 1 / normal precautions; maintain meaningful yacht, dinghy and shore-side theft precautions |
| Major Cruising Complication | French Saint-Martin and Dutch Sint Maarten share the island and lagoon but operate separate clearance regimes |
National Requirements
French Customs clearance, immigration status, restricted goods, animal-health controls and cash-reporting rules are governed through French and applicable European legal frameworks. The official French digital clearance attestation is the key vessel-movement document.
Local Port Practice
The Port of Saint-Martin and individual approved clearance points administer local validation, office access, mooring, marina support and port procedures. Published marina office hours are not automatically identical to clearance-point availability.
The Shared-Island Problem
Simpson Bay, Princess Juliana International Airport and Dutch-side bridge procedures belong to Sint Maarten. Marigot, Fort Louis, Anse Marcel and the French Reserve belong to Saint-Martin. Crossing a road or water boundary does not merge the two administrations.
Weather planning should include Météo-France marine information for Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy, the Météo-France vigilance system and prefectural cyclone information. The Prefecture identifies June through November as the annual cyclone-risk season.
Ports of Entry / Exit
The current French Customs list identifies three approved French-side clearance points in Saint-Martin. A captain entering from abroad should plan around one of these points rather than assuming any attractive anchorage can function as a first-arrival clearance location.
A. Port Capability Summary Table
| Port / Area | Island / District | Region | Approximate GPS | Entry | Exit | Immigration | Customs | Maritime Authority | Health | Fuel | Marina | Best Use | Primary Caution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marina Fort Louis / Marigot | Saint-Martin | Marigot Bay | 18.069901°N, 63.087788°W | Yes | Yes | PAF / French border controls | French Customs digital process + approved point | Établissement Portuaire / approved point | DAAF as triggered | Published marina service; verify | Yes | Bridge-free marina arrival and clearance | Validate official attestation; lock vessel/tender |
| Marina Marigot / Gare Maritime | Saint-Martin | Marigot / Galisbay | Approx. 18°04.3′N, 63°05.0′W | Yes | Yes | PAF / French border controls | French Customs digital process + approved point | Établissement Portuaire de Saint-Martin | DAAF as triggered | Verify local arrangement | Mooring / port services | Marigot Bay and port clearance workflow | Crew declaration before disembarkation; theft precautions |
| Anse Marcel Marina | Saint-Martin | North coast | Approx. 18.1136°N, 63.0217°W | Yes | Yes | PAF / French border controls | French Customs digital process + approved point | Approved clearance point / local port coordination | DAAF as triggered | Marina service reported; verify | Yes | Northeastern French-side arrival and clearance | Verify approach, VHF and day-specific clearance hours |
B. Individual Port Operating Profiles
Marina Fort Louis / Marigot Bay
Port: Marina Fort Louis, Marigot
Island / District: French Saint-Martin
Region: Marigot Bay, west coast
GPS: 18.069901°N, 63.087788°W as published by Marina Fort Louis. Verify charted approach information independently.
Entry: Yes. Fort Louis appears on the current French Customs list of approved clearance points.
Exit: Yes. Complete the mandatory French departure clearance and validate the official attestation.
Immigration: French border and immigration requirements apply. The Port of Saint-Martin describes systematic Police aux Frontières controls for persons entering French waters.
Customs: Use the official French Antilles digital clearance process. The authoritative document is the digitally Customs-stamped clearance attestation; print it and obtain approved-point validation.
Port Captain / Maritime Authority: Établissement Portuaire de Saint-Martin and approved clearance-point operations.
Health: DAAF or other health/biosecurity authorities become relevant when animals, animal products, plants or other controlled goods are declared.
Fuel: Marina services publish fuel/bunkering capability. Verify current product, operating hours and price before arrival.
Marina: Yes.
VHF: VHF 16 is published by the marina and approved clearance-point list.
Office Hours: Seasonal clearance-point hours are published in the current French Customs approved-point list. Verify the exact high- or low-season schedule before arrival.
Weekend Availability: Published seasonal schedules include weekend access in some periods, but hours are reduced. Verify before arrival.
Website: Marina Fort Louis
Telephone: +590 590 77 31 26.
Typical Processing Time: No official service standard was confirmed. NAVOPLAN suggests a 30–90 minute planning allowance for a prepared vessel during staffed hours, not as a guarantee.
Advantages: Approved clearance point, bridge-free access from sea, marina support, direct Marigot location.
Disadvantages: Seasonal clearance-point hours and local validation still matter even when the national digital filing is complete.
Security / Local Risk Notes: Government of Canada guidance notes burglaries involving boats. Secondary current yacht-incident reporting has recorded repeated Marigot-area thefts. Lock the vessel, companionway and tender and remove easy targets from view.
Operational Notes: Marina Fort Louis also publishes French-side Sandy Ground Bridge information. Do not confuse that bridge schedule with Dutch Simpson Bay or Causeway Bridge procedures.
Marina Marigot / Gare Maritime / Galisbay
Port: Marina Marigot / Gare Maritime clearance point
Island / District: French Saint-Martin
Region: Marigot, Baie de la Potence / Galisbay area
GPS: Approximately 18°04.3′N, 63°05.0′W. Verify the exact landing, mooring and port approach on current charts and with the port.
Entry: Yes. Listed by French Customs as an approved clearance point.
Exit: Yes.
Immigration: French immigration and border requirements apply. Crew/passenger declaration is required before disembarkation under Port of Saint-Martin guidance.
Customs: Complete the Démarches Simplifiées clearance and obtain the official Customs-stamped attestation; use the approved point for validation.
Port Captain / Maritime Authority: Établissement Portuaire de Saint-Martin.
Health: Health or biosecurity authorities as triggered by declarations.
Fuel: Verify local arrangements before relying on this clearance point for fuel.
Marina: Port and mooring services; confirm berth or mooring arrangements separately.
VHF: VHF 16.
Office Hours: The current approved-point list publishes Monday–Friday 08:00–17:00 and Saturday 08:00–12:00. Verify current hours before arrival.
Weekend Availability: Saturday morning is published. Sunday clearance availability was not confirmed; verify before arrival.
Website: Port of Saint-Martin — Clearances
Telephone: Approved-point list: +590 590 78 75 90. Port organization: +590 590 87 59 06.
Typical Processing Time: No official yacht service standard was located. Allow time to finalize the port process and validate the Customs attestation.
Advantages: Established Port of Saint-Martin clearance workflow and logical access for vessels using Marigot Bay.
Disadvantages: The captain must distinguish national Customs digital clearance from local port/mooring administration.
Security / Local Risk Notes: Use deliberate theft precautions at anchor and ashore. Lock the companionway even when sleeping aboard, lock the dinghy and secure the outboard and portable deck gear.
Operational Notes: The Port of Saint-Martin states that clearance is mandatory, asks captains to report movements online and instructs them to bring the last-port clearance, vessel registration, insurance certificate, crew/passenger list and passports to the port office to finalize the process. The port also states that mooring fees are paid on departure.
Anse Marcel Marina
Port: Anse Marcel Marina
Island / District: French Saint-Martin
Region: North coast
GPS: Approximately 18.1136°N, 63.0217°W. A French government project document locates the marina near 18°07′N, 63°03′W. Verify the actual approach on current charts and with the marina.
Entry: Yes. Listed on the current French Customs approved clearance-point list.
Exit: Yes.
Immigration: French immigration and border requirements apply. Verify any required PAF coordination before arrival.
Customs: Official national digital clearance plus approved-point validation.
Port Captain / Maritime Authority: Approved clearance point with French maritime and port requirements.
Health: DAAF / biosecurity controls as required by declarations.
Fuel: Marina service is reported. Verify current availability and price.
Marina: Yes.
VHF: Verify before arrival. Secondary local marine sources report channels 16 and 12, but the current Customs approved-point list should be supplemented by direct marina confirmation.
Office Hours: The current approved-point list publishes split daily operating periods around 08:00–11:30 and 14:00–17:00, with seasonal variation. Verify the exact day and season.
Weekend Availability: Verify before arrival.
Website: Anse Marcel Marina
Telephone: +590 590 87 31 94.
Typical Processing Time: Verify before arrival; no official processing-time standard was confirmed.
Advantages: Approved French-side clearance point on the north coast and direct sea access without a lagoon bridge transit.
Disadvantages: Captains should confirm approach limits, marina instructions and clearance-point staffing before committing to a late arrival.
Security / Local Risk Notes: Maintain normal marina security and secure portable equipment and the dinghy.
Operational Notes: Anse Marcel is a valid French-side clearance point. Do not substitute nearby Grand Case anchoring for formal arrival clearance unless specifically instructed by the authorities.
Before You Leave Home
The captain should arrive with one verified dataset and one clear jurisdiction plan. Most avoidable problems are created by using the wrong side of the island as the reference point or by confusing a digital submission receipt with the official clearance attestation.
| Preparation Item | Captain Action | Timing | Primary Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Confirm jurisdiction | Decide whether the intended first arrival is French Saint-Martin or Dutch Sint Maarten and identify the actual water boundary and clearance point. | Before route finalization | French Customs / Sint Maarten authority as applicable |
| French digital clearance | Open the official French Antilles clearance procedure and prepare vessel, owner, captain, crew, passenger and movement data. | Before arrival | Démarches Simplifiées |
| Last-port clearance | Carry the outbound clearance from the previous foreign jurisdiction. | Before departure | Previous port / Customs |
| Vessel documents | Carry registration and ownership evidence; keep vessel particulars, MMSI, dimensions, tonnage, engine data and hull information available. | Before departure | French Customs clearance data requirements |
| Crew / passengers | Prepare a typed list matching passports exactly, including dates of birth, nationality and passport numbers. | Before digital filing | Customs / PAF |
| Immigration | Use France-Visas to check each non-EU traveller’s exact nationality and passport status for French overseas territory. | Before departure | France-Visas |
| Insurance | Carry current insurance evidence and emergency claims contacts. | Before departure | Port / marina / insurer |
| Approved clearance point | Confirm Fort Louis, Marina Marigot or Anse Marcel operating hours and validation process. | Before arrival | French Customs approved-point list / selected facility |
| Pets | Confirm EU/French animal-health requirements, origin-country classification and direct yacht-arrival inspection arrangements. | Begin weeks or months ahead | DAAF Guadeloupe / French Customs |
| Firearms / weapons | Obtain written instructions from French Customs and security authorities before departure. Do not assume secure onboard storage removes declaration requirements. | Before departure | French Customs / Gendarmerie |
| Medications | Keep prescription medication in original packaging with prescription or physician documentation; verify controlled substances. | Before departure | French health / Customs |
| Drones | Check French airspace and protected-area restrictions; do not plan casual flights near ports, populated areas, airports or at night. | Before use | Prefecture / AlphaTango / Reserve |
| Cash | Plan a declaration for cash or qualifying monetary instruments of €10,000 or more when crossing the applicable external border. | Before departure | French Customs |
| Protected areas | Check Reserve zoning, mooring rules and any Tintamarre overnight authorization. | Before cruising plan is final | Réserve Naturelle Nationale de Saint-Martin |
| Bridge transit | Verify Sandy Ground Bridge schedule if using the French lagoon entrance. Do not use Dutch bridge schedules for a French-side plan. | Day of transit | Marina Fort Louis / Collectivité |
| Weather | Review Météo-France marine forecast, vigilance status and Prefecture cyclone information. | Before passage and daily in season | Météo-France / Prefecture |
| Security | Prepare tender/outboard locks, companionway locking routine and secure storage for fuel cans, paddleboards, bicycles and electronics. | Before arrival | Captain’s security plan |
| Emergency contacts | Record 17, 112, CROSS 196, selected marina security and port contacts. | Before arrival | French authorities / port |
| Digital backups | Save the official Customs-stamped clearance attestation, not only the Démarches Simplifiées submission recap. | After clearance approval | French Customs |
Arrival Procedures
The French-side process is best understood as two connected layers: national digital Customs clearance and local completion or validation at an approved clearance point.
| Step | Captain Action | Operational Meaning | Retain |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm the vessel is entering French Saint-Martin rather than Dutch Sint Maarten. | A shared island and lagoon do not create shared clearance. | Jurisdiction note in vessel log |
| 2 | Complete the official French Antilles digital arrival clearance. | Use Démarches Simplifiées for the mandatory clearance declaration. | Submission record |
| 3 | Wait for and save the official clearance attestation bearing the French Customs digital stamp. | The submission recap is not the authoritative clearance document. | Official stamped attestation |
| 4 | Print the attestation and proceed to the selected approved clearance point during published hours. | French Customs recommends approved-point validation for presentation to other Caribbean administrations. | Printed attestation |
| 5 | Contact the port or marina by the published VHF channel or telephone and follow local landing instructions. | Local validation, berth, mooring and office access remain facility-specific. | Instructions received |
| 6 | Keep crew and passengers aboard until the captain has declared them and the local process authorizes disembarkation. | Port of Saint-Martin guidance requires declaration before persons aboard are allowed to disembark. | Crew/passenger record |
| 7 | Present previous clearance, vessel registration, insurance, passports and crew/passenger list as requested. | These are the documents specifically identified by Port of Saint-Martin clearance guidance. | Validated papers / copies |
| 8 | Declare animals, restricted goods and other Customs or health matters accurately. | DAAF, Customs or other authorities may need to intervene before landing goods or animals. | Permits / inspection records |
| 9 | Confirm mooring, anchoring, bridge or Reserve permissions before moving from the clearance location. | National clearance does not override protected-area or local navigation rules. | Port / Reserve instructions |
| 10 | Photograph and digitally archive every validated document and receipt. | The clearance attestation is evidence for French and foreign administrations. | Digital clearance folder |
The Port of Saint-Martin clearance page specifically asks captains to bring the previous port clearance, vessel registration, insurance certificate, passenger and crew list and passports when finalizing the port process.
Immigration
Immigration is where the shared-island geography creates another easy mistake: French Saint-Martin is not simply an extension of Dutch Sint Maarten, and a Schengen visa assumption can be wrong for French overseas travel.
| Official Requirement or Issue | Operational Meaning | Verification Source |
|---|---|---|
| French overseas immigration rules | French Saint-Martin is an overseas collectivity. Use the rules applicable to the specific overseas territory rather than assuming a Schengen short-stay visa automatically covers Saint-Martin. | Service-Public / France-Visas |
| Visa requirement | Depends on nationality, passport type and the specific French overseas destination. Use the official France-Visas assistant. | France-Visas |
| Schengen visa | A short-stay visa issued for the Schengen area does not by itself necessarily authorize travel to French overseas territory. | Service-Public / Prefecture |
| Visa-exempt travellers | Exemptions vary. Do not infer eligibility from another Caribbean or Schengen entry. | France-Visas |
| Passport standard | French public guidance for overseas travel generally requires a passport issued within the last 10 years, with two blank pages and validity extending at least three months beyond the planned departure from the territory when a passport is required. | Service-Public |
| EU citizens | EU citizens may generally enter and stay for up to three months with a valid passport or national identity card, subject to the applicable freedom-of-movement rules. | Service-Public |
| Short stay | Where a specific overseas short-stay visa is required, the standard short-stay framework is up to three months. Actual permission remains traveller-specific. | Service-Public / Prefecture |
| Arrival by private yacht | Sea arrival does not remove individual immigration requirements. Border authorities may control persons and vessels in French waters. | Port of Saint-Martin / PAF |
| Crew versus passengers | Private recreational crew should not self-declare a professional crew exemption. Verify any claimed exemption with Police aux Frontières. | PAF — verify before departure |
| Extensions | Resolve any extension or longer-stay requirement with the Prefecture before permission expires. | Prefecture of Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin |
| Crew changes | Update the vessel’s crew record, French clearance data as required and PAF information. A person flying through Dutch-side SXM must separately satisfy Sint Maarten air-entry or transit formalities. | PAF / French Customs / Dutch authority for SXM |
| Overstay | Do not remain beyond the authorized immigration period. Resolve status before expiry. | Prefecture / PAF |
Customs & Temporary Importation
The clearance attestation proves the vessel’s reported movement. It should not be confused with a universally published temporary-import permit granting every foreign yacht the same period of stay.
| Issue | Current Finding | Operational Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Vessel entry | Mandatory French Antilles clearance applies to qualifying foreign arrivals. | Complete the official digital declaration and retain the Customs-stamped attestation. |
| Temporary admission / import | A separate Saint-Martin public yacht temporary-admission permit with one universal published vessel-stay duration was not confirmed during this research cycle. | Nonresident or non-EU vessel Customs status can depend on residence, vessel status and use. Obtain written Customs guidance for extended stays. |
| Clearance attestation | French Customs identifies the digitally stamped clearance attestation as the authoritative document. | Do not rely on the submission recap. Print and validate the attestation at an approved point. |
| Length of vessel stay | No universal French Saint-Martin recreational-yacht duration was confirmed in the public clearance guidance reviewed. | Verify directly with French Customs before long storage or an extended stay. |
| Extensions / regularization | Long stays or changes of use may affect Customs status. | Resolve before status expires or the vessel’s use changes. |
| Domestic movement | French-side clearance does not create Dutch-side clearance and does not override local navigation, Reserve or bridge rules. | Confirm the next jurisdiction and local restrictions before movement. |
| Repairs | Repairs do not automatically eliminate Customs obligations. | Keep work orders and invoices and consult Customs for major repair-driven stays or vessel immobilization. |
| Spare parts | Imported parts can be subject to Customs treatment. | Coordinate carrier, marina and Customs; keep invoices and shipping records. |
| Dutiable goods | French Customs controls apply to imports and declared goods. | Declare accurately and do not land or transfer controlled goods without authority. |
| Alcohol and tobacco | Normal Customs allowances and declaration rules may apply depending on origin and status. | Do not treat vessel stores as automatically exempt; verify and declare when required. |
| Cash | French Customs requires declaration of cash and qualifying monetary instruments at or above €10,000 when entering or leaving the applicable external border. | Use the current French Customs declaration process and verify before carrying large sums. |
| Vessel sale / transfer | A vessel under temporary or non-EU Customs status may require regularization before sale or transfer. | Obtain written Customs instructions before advertising a local delivery or completing a transfer. |
| Long-term storage | Storage can outlast an assumed temporary status. | Get written Customs guidance before haul-out or leaving the vessel unattended for a long period. |
| Dinghy and outboard | Normally treated as vessel equipment, but ownership and serial-number questions can arise. | Carry serial numbers and evidence of ownership and declare if asked. |
| Personal property | Permanent landing, sale or transfer can change Customs treatment. | Do not dispose of significant vessel equipment locally without Customs guidance. |
French Customs publishes the regional information contact sgi-antilles-guyane@douane.finances.gouv.fr and a Customs information number for callers from abroad at +33 1 72 40 78 50.
Cruising Within the Country
The French side is compact, but the captain can move from port administration to protected-area rules to an international water boundary in a very short distance.
Domestic Movement
Carry the printed, validated French clearance attestation. Before moving into Dutch waters, confirm Sint Maarten clearance requirements. The lagoon boundary is a jurisdiction boundary even when no physical barrier is obvious.
Sandy Ground Bridge
Marina Fort Louis currently publishes French-side openings at 08:30 and 17:00 daily, with departing vessels given priority. The published bridge data lists a 10 m width and VHF 16. Verify the schedule and dimensional limits on the day of transit because maintenance or local notices can change operations.
Dutch Bridges
Simpson Bay and Causeway Bridge schedules are Dutch-side procedures. Do not use those times as Sandy Ground Bridge information and do not treat Dutch bridge transit as French clearance.
Anchoring
Use port mooring areas and Reserve zones only in accordance with current instructions. Do not anchor on coral or seagrass in protected areas.
Tintamarre and the Reserve
The Réserve Naturelle Nationale de Saint-Martin publishes specific anchoring and mooring controls. Its current information states that evening or overnight anchoring at Tintamarre requires advance authorization, with a current public notice calling for a request at least three days ahead.
Protected-Area Moorings
Use ecological mooring buoys only within their published vessel-length or tonnage limits. Some locations permit small vessels to anchor only on sand; verify the site-specific rule.
Fishing and Spearfishing
Fishing and collection are prohibited within the Réserve Naturelle. Outside the Reserve, current French recreational fishing and species restrictions still apply. Verify before fishing or using a speargun.
Diving
Scuba activity in protected areas can be subject to Reserve rules and prior coordination. Do not assume a recreational dive is unrestricted because no commercial operator is involved.
Discharge and Holding Tanks
Use holding tanks in the lagoon, ports, marinas, managed moorings and protected areas. Reserve overnight-use rules expressly prohibit grey- and black-water discharge in the covered context. Follow the more conservative no-discharge practice unless current authority guidance clearly permits otherwise.
Fuel and Water
Marina Fort Louis and Anse Marcel publish or report marina services, but product availability, water service, operating hours and price should be confirmed before relying on a stop.
Local Authorities
Port of Saint-Martin notices can create temporary navigation or anchoring restrictions. Review the port news and notices shortly before moving.
VHF Practice
Maintain a proper watch on VHF 16 when underway and use the channel published by the selected facility. Do not assume a marina working channel from an old cruising guide remains current.
Weather
Use Météo-France marine forecasts and vigilance alerts. The Prefecture identifies June through November as cyclone-risk season.
Basic Security
Lock the dinghy to the dock, secure the outboard, lift or lock the tender overnight, lock companionways and move cash and electronics out of easy view. Section 8 provides the fuller operating posture.
Safety, Security & Local Risk Environment
A. Operational Safety Summary
Official risk posture remains moderate and proportionate: normal precautions. The yacht-specific operating picture nevertheless justifies stronger-than-casual theft prevention.
The U.S. Department of State lists the French West Indies, including French Saint Martin, at Level 1 — Exercise Normal Precautions. Canada's travel advice notes petty crime and burglaries in boats as part of the local crime environment.
The Caribbean Safety and Security Net, a cruiser incident-reporting network rather than an official police statistics source, contains repeated French-side theft and burglary reports from 2025–2026, including Marigot Bay and lagoon locations. These reports are useful as an operational signal, but they do not establish a formal crime rate or prove that every French-side anchorage is unsafe.
B. Risk Matrix
| Risk | Where / When It Matters | Likelihood / Severity | Operational Guidance | Source Type | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petty theft and burglary involving boats | At anchor, moored, in marinas and when the vessel is unattended | Meaningful opportunity risk / Moderate to high operational impact | Lock companionway and hatches, secure electronics and cash, use lighting and do not leave the vessel obviously open. | Official Canadian advisory + secondary yacht incident reporting | Medium |
| Dinghy and outboard theft | Dinghy docks, stern-tied tenders and overnight at anchor | Meaningful opportunity risk / High inconvenience and cost | Cable or chain the tender, separately secure the engine when practical, remove keys and lift or closely secure overnight. | Secondary current yacht incident reporting | Medium |
| Shore-side petty crime | Crowded areas, unattended bags, visible electronics and cash | Possible / Moderate | Carry limited cash, keep phones and wallets controlled and avoid visible high-value items. | Official government travel advice | High |
| Burglary while crew is aboard | Night at anchor or mooring | Lower frequency / High personal impact | Do not assume presence aboard is a deterrent. Lock the companionway and accessible hatches while sleeping. | Current secondary yacht incident reporting | Medium |
| Unfamiliar night arrival | Marigot Bay, Anse Marcel and bridge or lagoon approaches | Operational / Moderate | Prefer daylight unless the arrival, berth and clearance sequence are already confirmed. | NAVOPLAN operational interpretation based on port/clearance constraints | Medium |
| Temporary navigation closures | Events, fireworks, port works and local safety zones | Occasional / Moderate | Check current Port of Saint-Martin and Prefecture notices before moving or anchoring. | Official port notices | High |
| Civil unrest or road disruption | Clearance-office access, fuel, provisioning and crew transport | No current systemic July 2026 disruption confirmed / Variable | Check Prefecture, Port and Gendarmerie information shortly before arrival. | Official sources | Medium |
| Cyclone and severe weather risk | June–November; all anchorages, marinas and passages | Seasonal / Potentially catastrophic | Use Météo-France vigilance and marine forecasts, maintain an exit or hurricane plan and do not let clearance timing create weather pressure. | Météo-France / Prefecture | High |
| Protected-area violation | Tintamarre and Réserve Naturelle zones | Operational and enforcement risk / Moderate | Use moorings correctly, obtain required overnight authorization, do not fish or collect, and avoid prohibited discharge. | Official Reserve rules | High |
| French/Dutch clearance misunderstanding | Shared island and lagoon | Common operational confusion / Potentially serious administrative consequence | Identify jurisdiction before each international movement and retain both sides' clearance records when using both jurisdictions. | French Customs / port rules | High |
C. Practical Security Measures
Arrival and Clearance
Arrive in daylight when practical, use a known approved clearance point and keep the document packet controlled. Do not leave an open vessel and visible electronics while the captain is ashore clearing.
At Anchor
Lock the companionway and accessible hatches at night even while sleeping aboard. Use cockpit and deck lighting appropriate to the anchorage, secure loose equipment and investigate unexplained close approaches.
In Marinas
Use gate and access controls, verify contractors and visitors and report suspicious dock activity. Marina security is a layer, not a substitute for locking the vessel.
Dinghy and Outboard
Lock the tender to the dock with more than a light painter. Secure the engine separately when practical, remove keys or kill-switch lanyards and lift or lock the dinghy overnight.
Shore Visits
Carry limited cash, keep cards and phones controlled and avoid leaving bags unattended. Use normal urban awareness without turning the visit into a high-risk posture.
Transportation and Cash
Use known taxis or transport arranged through a marina or local contact. Confirm the fare before travel. French Customs cash-declaration rules become important at €10,000 or more.
Remote Cruising
Share the itinerary, carry working VHF and satellite or mobile backup and verify Reserve permissions before isolated stops. Weather and security support can be farther away than the chart suggests.
Reporting Incidents
For Police or Gendarmerie emergencies call 17; 112 is the European emergency number. For maritime distress use VHF 16 or CROSS via 196. Photograph damage, preserve serial numbers and CCTV times and request a written case reference for insurance.
D. Areas Requiring Additional Verification
| Area / Issue | Why It Matters | What To Verify | Who To Verify With |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marigot Bay theft pattern | Current secondary incident reporting shows repeated reports, but it is not an official crime rate. | Most recent dinghy, boarding and burglary reports; current marina advice | Gendarmerie, Port, marina and current local yacht contacts |
| Marina security procedures | Gate, patrol and CCTV arrangements can change. | After-hours contact, visitor policy and CCTV retention | Selected marina |
| Out-of-hours Fort Louis contact | Published marina notices can age. | Current security hotline and duty contact | Marina Fort Louis |
| Temporary navigation restrictions | Events and safety zones can be imposed for limited periods. | Current Port and Prefecture notices | Établissement Portuaire / Prefecture |
| Civil disturbance or road closures | Can affect office access and shore transport quickly. | Current local notices | Prefecture / Gendarmerie |
| Night-arrival guidance | Office hours, berth instructions and bridge schedules vary. | Where to wait and whether late clearance is possible | Selected clearance point |
| CROSS and local emergency contacts | Telephone presentation can differ for local versus international dialing. | Current local and international format | CROSS / marina / Port |
| Reserve enforcement and overnight rules | Site-specific permissions and mooring limits can change. | Current authorization deadline and buoy limits | Réserve Naturelle |
Fees & Costs
The captain should separate the national Customs clearance process from local port, mooring and marina charges. A mandatory clearance declaration does not mean every associated service is free.
| Fee Category | Published or Known Basis | Planning Note | Verify With |
|---|---|---|---|
| French digital Customs clearance | The official clearance guidance reviewed does not publish a filing fee for the Démarches Simplifiées declaration itself. | Do not assume this eliminates local port, mooring or marina charges. | French Customs / selected clearance point |
| Clearance-point service or validation | No single universal French Saint-Martin validation fee was confirmed. | Verify current fee. | Selected approved clearance point |
| Port / mooring fee | Port of Saint-Martin states that mooring fees are paid on departure. | Rate can depend on the vessel and service. Verify current tariff. | Établissement Portuaire de Saint-Martin |
| Marina Fort Louis berth | Commercial marina tariff. | Verify current berth, electricity, water and service charges. | Marina Fort Louis |
| Anse Marcel berth | Commercial marina tariff. | Verify current fee. | Anse Marcel Marina |
| Sandy Ground Bridge | Marina Fort Louis publishes bridge passage as free. | Verify current operation and any changed rule before transit. | Bridge operator / Marina Fort Louis |
| Customs / temporary admission | No universal separate yacht temporary-import fee was confirmed. | Customs status may depend on vessel circumstances. | French Customs |
| Immigration / visa | Visa fees depend on traveller status and application type. | Use France-Visas; do not invent a universal crew fee. | France-Visas / consulate |
| Overtime / weekend | Approved-point schedules vary and no universal after-hours yacht fee was confirmed. | Verify before planning late or holiday clearance. | Selected clearance point |
| Agent | Commercial quotation. | Separate official charges, port charges and the agent’s service fee. | Selected agent |
| Réserve / protected-area authorization | Current site rules and mooring arrangements can change. | Verify current fee or reservation basis. | Réserve Naturelle |
| Fishing authorization | Current recreational fishing restrictions vary by area and species. | Verify permit or fee if applicable. | French maritime / fisheries authorities |
| Pet entry / inspection | No current yacht-specific Saint-Martin pet inspection fee was confirmed. | Verify current fee and inspection arrangement. | DAAF / Customs |
| Security | No mandatory national yacht security charge was confirmed. | Marina-specific services may be included or separately charged. | Marina |
| Taxi / shore transport | Commercial price. | Confirm fare before travel. | Provider / marina |
Controlled & Restricted Items
French Saint-Martin applies French Customs, security, animal-health and airspace controls. The safest captain’s habit is advance written verification for any item that could reasonably be classified as a weapon, controlled medicine or regulated import.
| Item | Status / Risk | Operational Guidance | Verification Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firearms | High legal and declaration risk | Obtain written French Customs and security-authority instructions before departure. Declare accurately. Do not assume a firearm may remain undisclosed because it is locked aboard. | French Customs / Gendarmerie |
| Ammunition | High legal and declaration risk | Inventory exact calibre and quantity and obtain instructions together with the firearm. | French Customs / Gendarmerie |
| Knives / weapons | Classification-dependent | Ordinary vessel tools differ from weapons. Verify unusual tactical, prohibited or self-defense items before arrival. | French Customs / Gendarmerie |
| Drones | Airspace, populated-area, airport, port and Reserve restrictions | Check current French drone rules, AlphaTango / airspace information and local restrictions. Night flight requires authorization under published prefectural guidance. | Prefecture |
| Prescription medications | Documentation risk | Carry in original labelled packaging with prescription or physician documentation. | French health / Customs |
| Controlled drugs | High legal risk | Verify legality before departure and carry required medical documentation. | French health / Customs |
| Alcohol | Customs allowance / declaration risk | Verify allowance based on origin and status; declare when required. | French Customs |
| Tobacco | Customs allowance / declaration risk | Verify allowance and declare when required. | French Customs |
| Food and meat | Animal-health and Customs controls | Do not assume galley stores may be landed. Declare controlled animal products and follow DAAF / Customs instructions. | DAAF / French Customs |
| Plants and fresh produce | Plant-health risk | Verify phytosanitary controls before landing or importing plants or significant produce. | DAAF / Customs |
| Pets | EU/French animal-health entry controls | Microchip, valid rabies vaccination and required health documentation must be arranged before arrival; titre may depend on origin-country status. | DAAF / French Agriculture / Customs |
| Cash | Mandatory declaration threshold | Declare €10,000 or more in cash or qualifying monetary instruments when the French Customs external-border rule applies. | French Customs |
| Satellite communications | No routine personal-yacht ban confirmed | Normal onboard communications were not identified as prohibited. Verify any unusual commercial or imported equipment. | French Customs / telecommunications authority |
| Spearguns | Fishing and weapon-control risk | Do not use in the Réserve Naturelle. Verify carriage and use rules outside protected areas before use. | Reserve / maritime authorities |
Pets
Pet entry is an animal-health process, not an extension of the captain’s vessel clearance. Direct yacht arrivals should be coordinated with DAAF and Customs before departure because the public guidance does not describe one universal marina-side inspection workflow.
| Preparation Item | Published Requirement / Current Finding | Timing | Proof or Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Species | Standard non-commercial pet framework generally covers dogs, cats and ferrets; other species require separate review. | Before passage planning | French Agriculture / DAAF |
| Microchip | Identification should be completed before the rabies vaccination used for travel. | Before vaccination or travel process | Microchip record |
| Age | Primary rabies vaccination is not valid before the minimum eligible age; French guidance does not provide a general exemption for young unvaccinated pets entering under the reviewed third-country process. | Before booking passage | French Agriculture |
| Rabies vaccination | Valid rabies vaccination is required under the applicable non-commercial movement rules. | At least 21 days after the first valid vaccination before travel | Vaccination record |
| Rabies antibody titre | May be required depending on the animal’s country of origin and EU listing status. | Complete early enough for laboratory and waiting requirements | DAAF / official EU pet-travel rules |
| Health certificate | Third-country arrivals generally require the prescribed EU animal health certificate and supporting documents. | Within the applicable certificate validity window | Official veterinarian |
| Number of pets | The normal non-commercial framework generally covers up to five pets unless a specific exception applies. | Before departure | French Agriculture |
| Arrival inspection | Customs / animal-health checks apply to third-country pet arrivals. | On arrival as instructed | Customs / DAAF |
| Direct yacht-arrival logistics | A single public Saint-Martin yacht-specific inspection sequence was not confirmed. | Obtain written instructions before departure | DAAF / selected clearance point |
| Landing the animal | Do not land the pet until the captain has confirmed clearance and animal-health instructions. | Arrival | Customs / DAAF |
| Quarantine / refusal risk | Incomplete documents can result in restrictive official measures, including isolation, return or other action under animal-health controls. | Avoid through advance preparation | DAAF / Customs |
| Restricted breeds | French dangerous-dog classifications can create separate possession or import issues. | Verify before departure | Prefecture / French authorities |
| Dutch-side transit | A pet arriving by air at Princess Juliana International Airport enters Dutch Sint Maarten first and can require Dutch import or transit authorization even when the destination is French Saint-Martin. | Before any SXM itinerary | Dutch authority + French DAAF |
Current French animal-health information is available through DAAF Guadeloupe and the French Ministry of Agriculture.
Yacht Agents & Clearance Services
An agent is not generally necessary for a prepared private yacht using the official French digital process and an approved clearance point. The value of an agent rises quickly when vessel status, animals, weapons, crew logistics or cross-border operations become unusual.
| Scenario | Direct Clearance Appropriate? | Potential Agent Value | Question to Ask First |
|---|---|---|---|
| Routine private yacht, complete digital filing, normal hours | Generally yes | Limited; approved clearance point can validate the process | Can the approved point validate my official Customs-stamped attestation during my arrival window? |
| Captain unfamiliar with French/Dutch boundary | Possible | Confirm jurisdiction and clearance sequence | Which authority am I clearing with before the vessel crosses the water boundary? |
| Late, Sunday or holiday arrival | Possible but pre-arrange | Office and validation coordination | Which approved clearance point will actually validate my clearance and at what time? |
| Large yacht or complex ownership | Possible | Customs-status and port coordination | What vessel-status documents does French Customs need before arrival? |
| Pet aboard | Possible with advance coordination | DAAF and arrival-inspection logistics | Do you have written current direct-yacht-arrival instructions from DAAF? |
| Firearm or ammunition | Do not improvise | Advance written Customs and Gendarmerie coordination | What written authorization, declaration or custody instruction will I have before entering French waters? |
| Spare parts or major repair | Possible | Carrier, marina and Customs coordination | What Customs treatment, brokerage or storage charges apply to the shipment? |
| Crew changes via SXM airport | Possible | French PAF plus Dutch air-arrival coordination | Who handles the Dutch air-entry side and the French vessel crew-record update? |
| Long storage, sale or transfer | Obtain Customs advice | Customs-status regularization | What written French Customs status applies to my vessel and planned use? |
| Security or transport concern | Usually direct local coordination | Known taxi, marina security and current location advice | Who is the current after-hours contact and what recent local incident pattern should I know? |
Departure Procedures
Outbound clearance is a mandatory French-side process for qualifying departures to a foreign port, foreign maritime area or the high seas. A departure for Dutch Sint Maarten is not a domestic relocation simply because the destination is on the same island.
| Step | Captain Action | Operational Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm the vessel’s next actual jurisdiction and port. | A short move to Dutch Sint Maarten is an international departure from French Saint-Martin. |
| 2 | Reconcile final crew and passengers. | Resolve crew changes and SXM-airport complications before the departure declaration. |
| 3 | Complete the mandatory French digital departure clearance. | Use the official French Antilles Démarches Simplifiées procedure. |
| 4 | Obtain the official Customs-stamped departure clearance attestation. | The submission recap is not the authoritative clearance document. |
| 5 | Print and validate the attestation at an approved clearance point. | French Customs recommends approved-point validation for presentation to other Caribbean authorities. |
| 6 | Complete local port, marina and mooring departure requirements. | Port of Saint-Martin states mooring fees are paid on departure. |
| 7 | Confirm next-country pre-arrival requirements. | The next jurisdiction may require advance notification or its own electronic filing. |
| 8 | Secure dinghy, outboard and deck equipment and lock away portable electronics. | Do not let a final shore visit create a theft problem immediately before departure. |
| 9 | Review Météo-France marine and vigilance information and any Port notices. | Weather or temporary navigation restrictions can affect the departure route. |
| 10 | Retain the validated departure attestation and incident or police reports. | The next administration or insurer may require documentary proof. |
- Confirm the next actual jurisdiction and port.
- Reconcile the final crew and passenger list.
- Resolve fly-in or fly-out crew changes.
- Complete the official French digital departure clearance.
- Obtain the French Customs-stamped clearance attestation.
- Print the attestation.
- Have the attestation validated at an approved clearance point.
- Settle port, mooring and marina charges.
- Verify the next country’s advance-arrival requirements.
- Secure dinghy, outboard, fuel cans, bicycles and deck equipment.
- Review Météo-France marine and vigilance information.
- Review current Port of Saint-Martin navigation notices.
- Retain any Gendarmerie, marina or insurance incident reports.
- Store the departure attestation digitally and with the vessel’s original papers.
Reality Check
Saint-Martin is easy to cruise physically and easy to misunderstand administratively. Most surprises come from assuming that geographic convenience erases jurisdiction or local environmental controls.
| Reality | Why It Surprises Captains | Operational Response |
|---|---|---|
| The island is one geographic place but two clearance jurisdictions. | Roads, bays and the lagoon make the border feel informal. | Identify the jurisdiction before every arrival, departure or lagoon relocation. |
| The online submission is not the clearance proof. | Démarches Simplifiées produces a filing record that looks official. | Retain the attestation bearing the French Customs digital stamp. |
| French Customs recommends a printed, approved-point-validated attestation. | A captain may assume a phone screenshot is enough everywhere in the Caribbean. | Print and validate the attestation before departure. |
| A Schengen visa assumption can be wrong. | Saint-Martin is French, so captains often generalize from mainland France. | Check France-Visas for the specific overseas destination and passport. |
| A Dutch airport arrival is a Dutch entry first. | The crew member’s destination may be a French-side boat. | Plan Dutch SXM air-entry or transit formalities plus the French vessel crew update. |
| A pet flying through SXM can need Dutch authorization. | The final destination is French Saint-Martin. | Resolve both Dutch transit/import and French animal-health requirements. |
| The lagoon is not one administrative water body. | There is no obvious Customs barrier across the water. | Carry both sides' clearance documents when operating in both jurisdictions. |
| Reserve rules can be stricter than general cruising practice. | Tintamarre looks like a normal Caribbean anchorage. | Verify mooring, anchoring, night-stay, fishing and discharge rules before arrival. |
| Normal-precautions advice does not mean leave the boat open. | The official national advisory level is low. | Lock companionways and tenders; current secondary reporting shows repeated yacht theft incidents. |
| Bridge schedules are side-specific. | Captains use “the lagoon bridge” as a generic term. | Use Sandy Ground information for the French side and Dutch schedules only for Dutch bridges. |
Common Cruiser Mistakes
| Mistake | Why It Happens | Consequences | How To Avoid It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clearing into Sint Maarten and assuming the French side is covered | The island and lagoon feel continuous. | Unresolved French clearance status. | Treat each jurisdiction separately and retain both clearances. |
| Keeping only the Démarches Simplifiées submission recap | It looks like the completed online transaction. | Captain lacks the authoritative clearance proof. | Save the Customs-stamped clearance attestation. |
| Failing to print and validate the clearance attestation | Captain assumes all Caribbean authorities will accept the digital French document directly. | Difficulty proving clearance at the next port. | Print and have the attestation validated at an approved point. |
| Landing crew before declaring everyone aboard | Marigot is close and the dinghy landing is convenient. | Conflict with port and border procedures. | Keep crew aboard until the captain completes the required declaration sequence. |
| Using Schengen status as the immigration answer | French territory is equated with mainland France. | Visa or entry problem. | Use France-Visas for Saint-Martin specifically. |
| Planning a crew flight through SXM as a French-side crew change only | The boat is on the French side. | Dutch air-entry and French vessel records can become mismatched. | Plan both jurisdictions. |
| Entering the Reserve and dropping anchor on the first clear patch | Anchorage practice from another island is carried over. | Damage or enforcement issue. | Use designated moorings or confirmed sand-only anchoring areas and obey Reserve rules. |
| Fishing or spearfishing at Tintamarre | The area looks remote and unregulated. | Protected-area violation. | Fishing and collection are prohibited in the Reserve. |
| Assuming a marina’s desk hours equal clearance validation hours | The same building or staff may assist with both. | Arrival delay or incomplete clearance. | Verify the approved clearance point’s current schedule. |
| Leaving the companionway unlocked while sleeping aboard | Crew presence feels like security. | Boarding and burglary opportunity. | Lock the vessel at night and control accessible hatches. |
| Using a light painter as dinghy security | The dinghy is only ashore for a short time. | Tender or outboard theft. | Use a lock and cable or chain; secure the engine separately when practical. |
| Using the Dutch bridge schedule for Sandy Ground | All bridge information is discussed in the same cruising community. | Missed opening or route confusion. | Verify the French bridge directly on the day of transit. |
Captain’s Notes
The best operating habits in Saint-Martin are simple: state the jurisdiction, control the documents, and never let the island’s geographic convenience create administrative assumptions.
Name the Jurisdiction in the Log
Write “French Saint-Martin” or “Dutch Sint Maarten,” not simply “St. Martin,” for every arrival, departure and lagoon movement. That one habit prevents a remarkable amount of confusion.
Build a Clearance Folder, Not a Screenshot Folder
Keep the submitted declaration, official Customs-stamped attestation, printed validated copy and previous/next clearance together. The attestation is the operational document that matters.
Clear Where You Plan to Operate
Choose Fort Louis, Marigot or Anse Marcel based on where the vessel will actually berth, provision or cruise after clearance. The closest landfall is not always the easiest operational choice.
Use Daylight to Remove Three Problems at Once
Daylight improves an unfamiliar approach, reduces bridge or mooring uncertainty and makes the clearance-point schedule easier to manage.
Lock the Boat Because You Are Aboard
At night, crew presence can create false confidence. Lock the companionway and reachable hatches while preserving a safe emergency egress plan.
Lift the Dinghy or Make Theft Noisy
A tender hanging on davits or secured with a meaningful cable or chain is less convenient to steal than one tied with a painter. Make the easy target somebody else’s idea, not your boat.
Treat Tintamarre as Managed Water
Check the Reserve’s current rules before departure from Marigot. Do not arrive at sunset and discover that an overnight authorization should have been requested days earlier.
Separate the Marina Call from the Customs Process
The marina can tell you where to berth and how to find the office. French Customs determines the national clearance document. Complete both layers deliberately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this brief for Dutch Sint Maarten?
No. This Country Brief covers French Saint-Martin only. Sint Maarten has separate Customs, Immigration, port and bridge procedures.
Is yacht clearance mandatory on the French side?
Yes for the foreign arrivals and departures covered by the French Antilles clearance rules. The revised mandatory process took effect on 1 September 2024.
Where do I file French-side clearance?
Use the official French Antilles procedure on Démarches Simplifiées.
Is the online submission confirmation my clearance?
No. French Customs states that the authoritative document is the clearance attestation bearing the Customs digital stamp.
Why should I print and validate the attestation?
French Customs recommends a printed attestation validated by an approved Clearance Point while recognition by other Caribbean administrations continues to mature.
Which French-side points can validate clearance?
The current French Customs list includes Marina Fort Louis, Marina Marigot / Gare Maritime and Anse Marcel Marina.
Can my crew go ashore while I finish clearing?
Do not assume so. Port of Saint-Martin guidance states that the captain must declare crew and passengers before they are allowed to disembark.
Does a Schengen visa automatically cover Saint-Martin?
Not necessarily. French public guidance states that overseas short-stay visas are territory-specific and a Schengen short-stay visa does not automatically authorize entry to French overseas territory. Use France-Visas.
Can I move from Marigot to Simpson Bay without another clearance?
Do not assume this is a domestic move. Simpson Bay is in Dutch Sint Maarten. Confirm French departure and Dutch arrival requirements before crossing jurisdictions.
Can I anchor overnight at Tintamarre?
Only in accordance with current Reserve rules. The Reserve’s current public information calls for advance authorization for evening or overnight anchoring and currently states a request should be made at least three days ahead.
Can I fish or spearfish in the Reserve?
No. The Reserve publishes a strict prohibition on fishing and collection within its protected area.
Is yacht theft a serious concern?
Official advice remains normal precautions, but Canada notes burglaries involving boats and current secondary yacht incident reporting shows repeated French-side theft reports. Lock the vessel, dinghy and outboard and secure portable equipment.
What do I call for a boarding or theft emergency?
Call 17 for Police/Gendarmerie or 112 for the European emergency number. For maritime distress use VHF 16 or CROSS via 196.
Can a pet fly through SXM and then simply cross to the French side?
Do not assume so. SXM is in Dutch Sint Maarten, and French Agriculture guidance warns that Dutch import or transit authorization can be required even when the pet’s final destination is French Saint-Martin.
Arrival Checklist
- Confirm the intended first arrival is French Saint-Martin, not Dutch Sint Maarten.
- Select Marina Fort Louis, Marina Marigot / Gare Maritime or Anse Marcel as the planned approved clearance point.
- Verify the clearance point’s current day and seasonal opening hours.
- Complete the official French Antilles digital arrival clearance.
- Save the Démarches Simplifiées submission record.
- Obtain and save the official clearance attestation bearing the French Customs digital stamp.
- Print the official attestation.
- Prepare the previous port clearance.
- Prepare vessel registration and ownership evidence.
- Prepare insurance evidence.
- Prepare passports and the typed crew/passenger list.
- Confirm each non-EU person’s Saint-Martin immigration or visa status.
- Confirm pet, firearm, drone or other special-item instructions.
- Review Météo-France marine and vigilance information.
- Review current Port of Saint-Martin navigation and anchoring notices.
- Plan a daylight arrival when practical.
- Secure the dinghy, outboard, fuel cans and portable deck equipment.
- Contact the selected port or marina before landing.
- Keep crew and passengers aboard until the captain has completed the required declaration sequence.
- Present documents and finalize the local clearance-point process.
- Have the printed clearance attestation validated at the approved point.
- Confirm mooring, bridge or Reserve permissions before domestic movement.
- Photograph and digitally archive the validated clearance documents.
- Record Police/Gendarmerie 17, emergency 112 and CROSS 196.
Departure Checklist
- Identify the next actual jurisdiction and port.
- Confirm whether the next movement crosses from French Saint-Martin to Dutch Sint Maarten.
- Reconcile the final crew and passenger list.
- Resolve crew changes and any SXM-airport arrivals or departures.
- Complete the official French digital departure clearance.
- Obtain the official French Customs-stamped departure attestation.
- Print the departure attestation.
- Have the attestation validated at an approved clearance point.
- Settle port, mooring and marina accounts.
- Retain itemized receipts.
- Verify next-country or Dutch-side advance-arrival requirements.
- Secure the dinghy, outboard, fuel cans, bicycles and deck gear.
- Lock away portable electronics and cash before final shore errands.
- Check Météo-France marine forecasts and vigilance.
- Check current Port of Saint-Martin navigation notices.
- Verify Sandy Ground or Dutch bridge schedule only if the actual route requires that specific bridge.
- Retain Gendarmerie, marina or insurance incident reports when relevant.
- Store the validated French departure attestation with original vessel papers and digitally.
Document Checklist
| Document | Original | Copies | Digital | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vessel registration | Yes | 2 | Yes | Current and legible |
| Ownership evidence if separate | Yes | 1 | Yes | Useful for Customs-status questions |
| Captain passport / ID | Yes | 2 | Yes | Use document applicable to nationality/status |
| Crew and passenger passports / IDs | Yes | 2 each | Yes | Must match clearance data |
| Master crew / passenger list | Printed | 4 | Yes | Use one verified source dataset |
| Previous foreign clearance | Yes | 2 | Yes | Port specifically requests last-port clearance |
| French digital submission record | Digital | 1 | Yes | Not the authoritative clearance by itself |
| Official Customs-stamped clearance attestation | Yes / printed | 2 | Yes | Authoritative French clearance evidence |
| Approved-point validated attestation | Yes | 2 | Yes | Recommended for presentation to other Caribbean administrations |
| Insurance certificate | Preferred | 1 | Yes | Port guidance identifies insurance |
| France-Visas result / visa | As applicable | 1 | Yes | Per non-EU traveller |
| Pet animal-health certificate | Yes | 2 | Yes | When pet aboard |
| Pet microchip and rabies records | Yes | 2 | Yes | Include titre result if required by origin |
| DAAF / pet arrival instructions | Yes | 1 | Yes | Direct yacht-arrival sequence |
| Firearm / weapon written instructions | Yes | 2 | Yes | When applicable |
| Prescription documentation | Yes | 1 | Yes | For controlled or significant medicines |
| Cash declaration evidence | As applicable | 1 | Yes | €10,000 threshold rule when applicable |
| Reserve authorization | As applicable | 1 | Yes | Tintamarre overnight or other controlled activity |
| Gendarmerie / incident report | As applicable | 2 | Yes | Retain case number |
| Marina incident record | As applicable | 1 | Yes | Include CCTV time and damage record |
| Insurance claim documents | As applicable | 1 | Yes | Photos, serial numbers and receipts |
Document Examples
Crew List
Prepare a typed captain-controlled crew and passenger list containing full passport names, date of birth, nationality and passport number. Use the same data in the French digital clearance.
French Digital Clearance
Use the official French Antilles clearance procedure on Démarches Simplifiées.
Official Clearance Attestation
The authoritative clearance evidence is the attestation bearing the French Customs digital stamp. Keep the PDF, print it and obtain approved-point validation.
Temporary Import / Admission
No single public Saint-Martin yacht temporary-import form or universal stay duration was confirmed. Obtain written French Customs guidance for an extended stay, long storage, sale, transfer or changed vessel use.
International Departure Clearance
Complete the same mandatory French digital clearance framework for qualifying departures and retain the stamped, validated attestation for the next jurisdiction.
Domestic Zarpe
Not generally applicable as a Latin American-style domestic zarpe. Local port, bridge and Reserve permissions can still apply. Do not force zarpe terminology into the French process.
Immigration / Visa
Use France-Visas and French public overseas-entry guidance for nationality-specific requirements.
Port Clearance Instructions
The Port of Saint-Martin clearance page identifies the local document packet and requirement to declare persons before disembarkation.
Pet Forms
Use current DAAF animal-travel guidance and the applicable EU animal health certificate.
Reserve Authorization
Use the Réserve Naturelle Nationale de Saint-Martin for current Tintamarre and protected-area authorizations.
Police / Maritime Incident Report
Report criminal incidents to Gendarmerie and request a case reference. For maritime distress use VHF 16 or CROSS 196. Retain photos, serial numbers, damage evidence and marina records.
Recent Regulatory Changes
The 2024 clearance reform is the major operational change for visiting yachts. Older cruising guides that describe only marina-entered or legacy port clearance should not be used as the controlling procedure.
| Date | Change | Operational Impact | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 September 2024 | Mandatory revised pleasure-vessel clearance process took effect for qualifying arrivals and departures in the French Antilles, including Saint-Martin. | Captains must use the digital French Antilles clearance procedure and retain the official Customs-stamped attestation. | Prefecture / French Customs |
| 3 January 2025 update | Prefectural guidance was updated explaining the revised clearance regime and approved-point concept. | Reinforces mandatory clearance at approved points for covered foreign movements. | Prefecture |
| 30 January 2026 update | French Customs updated its overseas navigation guidance and current approved clearance-point list. | Current Saint-Martin list includes Anse Marcel Marina, Marina Fort Louis and Marina Marigot / Gare Maritime. | French Customs |
| 16–24 March 2026 | Temporary navigation and anchoring restrictions were imposed around Happy Bay and Grand Case for an event and fireworks. | The restrictions were event-specific and are not presumed active in July 2026, but they demonstrate that short-notice local safety zones can materially change anchoring plans. | Port of Saint-Martin notice |
| 2 July 2026 | Météo-France launched a revised Saint-Martin / Saint-Barthélemy sargassum monitoring and forecast bulletin. | Captains using affected bays can use the updated official information for shore and anchorage planning. | Météo-France |
Information to Verify Before Departure
| Item | Why It Changes | Who to Verify With |
|---|---|---|
| Approved clearance-point hours | Seasonal and day-specific schedules can change. | Selected clearance point / current French Customs list |
| Exact validation sequence | National digital clearance and local point procedures can evolve. | French Customs / selected approved point |
| Recognition of digital attestation at next Caribbean country | French Customs notes that regional recognition is still maturing. | French Customs and next-country authority |
| French/Dutch movement procedure | Requirements can depend on where the vessel actually crosses and where it berths. | French Customs / Sint Maarten authority |
| Immigration / visa status | Nationality and passport rules vary. | France-Visas / PAF |
| Crew changes through SXM | Dutch airport arrival and French vessel records involve separate jurisdictions. | PAF / Sint Maarten Immigration |
| Vessel temporary-admission status | Residence, vessel status, use and length of stay can matter. | French Customs |
| Long-term storage / sale / transfer | Can change Customs treatment. | French Customs |
| Cash declaration method | Digital or procedural methods can change. | French Customs |
| Pet origin-country requirements | Rabies titre and document requirements depend on origin-country status. | DAAF / French Agriculture |
| Direct yacht pet inspection | Public guidance does not give one universal Saint-Martin marina-side sequence. | DAAF / Customs / selected clearance point |
| Dangerous-dog breed classification | French classification and possession rules are separate from the pet health certificate. | Prefecture / French authorities |
| Sandy Ground Bridge schedule | Maintenance, weather and local notices can change openings. | Collectivité / Marina Fort Louis |
| Reserve mooring and overnight rules | Authorization deadline and site controls can change. | Réserve Naturelle |
| Tintamarre overnight permission | Current Reserve public guidance calls for advance request. | Réserve Naturelle |
| Fishing and spearfishing rules | Species and area restrictions can change. | Reserve / French maritime authorities |
| Port anchoring restrictions | Events and safety zones may be imposed temporarily. | Port of Saint-Martin notices |
| Marigot theft pattern | Location-specific incidents change faster than official national advisories. | Gendarmerie / Port / marina / current secondary cruiser reports |
| Marina security contacts | Duty numbers and procedures can change. | Selected marina |
| Cyclone / severe-weather status | Conditions and vigilance levels change rapidly. | Météo-France / Prefecture |
| Night-arrival guidance | Office, bridge and berth availability vary. | Selected clearance point / marina |
Research Confidence
| Subject | Confidence | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory 2024 French Antilles clearance process | High | Current Prefecture and French Customs guidance. |
| Official digital clearance procedure | High | French Customs directly links the Démarches Simplifiées procedure. |
| Authoritative clearance attestation and validation recommendation | High | Current French Customs guidance explicitly distinguishes the Customs-stamped attestation from the submission recap. |
| Approved Saint-Martin clearance points | High | Current French Customs approved-point list updated in 2026. |
| Port of Saint-Martin local clearance document packet | High | Current official Port of Saint-Martin clearance page. |
| French / Dutch jurisdiction distinction | High | Separate national and port administrations; directly supported by French clearance scope. |
| Immigration and overseas visa framework | High | French Service-Public, Prefecture and France-Visas. |
| Universal yacht temporary-admission duration | Low | No single current Saint-Martin-specific public duration was confirmed for every visiting foreign pleasure vessel. |
| Sandy Ground Bridge published schedule | High | Current Marina Fort Louis bridge information; day-of-transit verification still required. |
| Reserve anchoring, fishing and protected-area controls | High | Official Réserve Naturelle information and published regulations. |
| Current Tintamarre overnight request timing | Medium | Current Reserve public page states at least three days; older Reserve material has used a shorter lead time, so verify. |
| Pet core entry framework | High | French Agriculture and DAAF official guidance. |
| Direct yacht-arrival pet inspection sequence | Medium | Public sources describe animal-health requirements but not one universal marina-side Saint-Martin workflow. |
| Safety and national risk posture | High | Current U.S. and Canadian government advisories. |
| French-side yacht theft pattern | Medium | Official advice notes boat burglaries; location pattern also uses secondary cruiser-reported incident data rather than official crime statistics. |
| Fees | Medium | Port and commercial fees vary; no single consolidated current yacht fee schedule covers all clearance points and services. |
| Drone restrictions | Medium | Current prefectural guidance supports restrictions and authorization processes, but exact recreational flight requirements depend on airspace and operation. |
| Recent 2024–2026 changes | High | Current official Customs, Prefecture, Port and Météo-France sources. |
References
Government
- Prefecture of Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin — official state services, accessed July 2026.
- New Pleasure-Vessel Clearance Formalities — Prefecture, updated 3 January 2025, accessed July 2026.
- Travel to French Overseas Territory — Visa Guidance — Service-Public, accessed July 2026.
- Cyclone Risk — Prefecture, accessed July 2026.
Immigration
- France-Visas — official French visa portal, accessed July 2026.
- Does a Foreigner Need a Visa for Overseas Travel? — Service-Public, accessed July 2026.
- Port of Saint-Martin — Clearances — border and disembarkation procedure information, accessed July 2026.
Customs
- Navigation in French Overseas Territories — French Customs, updated 30 January 2026, accessed July 2026.
- French Antilles Pleasure-Vessel Clearance Declaration — official Démarches Simplifiées procedure, accessed July 2026.
- Cash Declaration Requirement — French Customs, accessed July 2026.
- Légifrance — French Customs and Applicable Legislation — accessed July 2026.
Maritime
- Établissement Portuaire de Saint-Martin — official Port of Saint-Martin, accessed July 2026.
- Port of Saint-Martin — Clearances — accessed July 2026.
- Sandy Ground Bridge Opening Times — Marina Fort Louis, accessed July 2026.
- Maritime Rescue and CROSS Emergency Information — French Ministry responsible for the sea, accessed July 2026.
Agriculture / Biosecurity
- Pet Arrival and Departure Health Conditions — DAAF Guadeloupe, accessed July 2026.
- French Ministry of Agriculture — Animal Transport and Pet Travel — accessed July 2026.
- EU Pet Travel Guidance — European Union, accessed July 2026.
Health
- Santé.fr — French public health information, accessed July 2026.
- Service-Public — official French administrative guidance, accessed July 2026.
Safety / Security / Travel Advisories
- French West Indies International Travel Information — U.S. Department of State, accessed July 2026.
- Saint-Martin Travel Advice — Government of Canada, accessed July 2026.
- Brigade de Saint-Martin-Marigot — Gendarmerie Nationale, accessed July 2026.
- CROSS / Maritime Rescue Contacts — French Government, accessed July 2026.
- Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy Weather Vigilance — Météo-France, accessed July 2026.
Port Authorities
- Port of Saint-Martin — official port authority website, accessed July 2026.
- Port Notices and News — current navigation and anchoring notices, accessed July 2026.
Marinas
- Marina Fort Louis — official marina information, accessed July 2026.
- Marina Fort Louis Port Clearance Assistance — local marina guidance, accessed July 2026.
- Anse Marcel Marina — marina website, accessed July 2026.
Yacht Agents
- No specific yacht agent is endorsed in this Country Brief. Captains should use current port or marina referrals and request written itemized quotations before hiring an agent.
Cruising Organizations
- Réserve Naturelle Nationale de Saint-Martin — official protected-area rules and visitor information, accessed July 2026.
- Métimer — local marine-industry association information reviewed as secondary operational background.
Cruiser Reports
- Caribbean Safety and Security Net — current cruiser-reported incident database used only as secondary security-pattern evidence; accessed July 2026.
- Dated individual cruiser reports were treated as background and did not override current official Customs, Immigration, Port, Reserve or security sources.
Other
- Météo-France Marine — Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy — accessed July 2026.
- Météo-France Vigilance — accessed July 2026.
- Navigation and Anchoring Restrictions — March 2026 — Port of Saint-Martin, 20 March 2026.
- Drone Overflight Guidance — Prefecture, accessed July 2026.