Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: Sint Maarten/St. Martin is the smallest land mass in the world shared by two sovereign nations. While there is a border separating the two sides of the island, currently there is no border control. There is no need for travelers to stop or show a passport in order to cross.

While in a foreign country, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Sint Maarten is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Driving on Sint Maarten is on the right hand side, as in the United States. Right turns at red lights are prohibited, and traffic conditions may require careful driving. Local laws require drivers and passengers to wear seat belts and motorcyclists to wear helmets. Children under 4 years of age must be in child safety seats; children under 12 must ride in the back seat. Nonexistent, hidden, or poorly maintained traffic signs are a hazard on Sint Maarten and drivers should proceed through intersections with caution. Roads on Sint Maarten are extremely slippery during rainfall. Nighttime driving is reasonably safe on Sint Maarten, as long as drivers are familiar with the route and road conditions. Many streets are poorly lit, or not lit at all.

Taxis are the easiest, yet most expensive, form of transportation on the island. As there are no meters, passengers should negotiate a price before entering the taxi. Fares quoted in U.S. dollars may be significantly higher than those quoted in the local currency. Road conditions on the main thoroughfares are good to fair.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Travelers may also wish to visit Sint Maarten’s official tourist office website for more information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Sint Maarten’s Civil Aviation Authority as not being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Sint Maarten’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.