Guest Visa Regulations St Maarten & St Barths
Visa Regulations in the Caribbean: Let’s Not Forget the Guests!
As the Caribbean yachting season approaches, immigration and visa logistics remain a critical factor to ensure smooth sailing to your chosen destinations. While most captains are well-versed in crew entry procedures—especially those traveling with a Seaman’s Book—guest visa requirements are less flexible and often require significant advanced planning.
“In this region, every island has its own set of rules. While crew transit is often flexible due special regulations for sea farers, guest entry does not have the same flexibililty. The only solution is preparation,” says Norina Edelman, CEO of Dockside Management.
For yachts moving between jurisdictions every 50 nautical miles or so, understanding the nuances of entry requirements is vital. If you are traveling to St. Maarten or the French islands this season, please keep the following in mind!
St. Maarten
In contrast, St. Maarten allows entry for visa-required guests so long as they hold:
- A valid Schengen visa, or
- A visa issued by the UK or Ireland
Transit through St. Maarten may be permitted same-day transit, but even that requires pre-planning to ensure smooth passage. Reference: St. Maarten Entry Guidelines
St. Barths & the French Caribbean (St. Martin, Guadeloupe, Martinique)
Guests from visa-required countries cannot rely on a standard Schengen visa to enter the French Caribbean islands. Instead, they must possess either:
- A French-issued Schengen visa, or
- A specific visa for “l’outre-mer” (French overseas territories)
While exemptions may be requested from local authorities, these can be very difficult to secure. For a seamless guest experience, advance compliance is strongly recommended. Reference: France-Visas Requirements
Plan Early. Arrive Smoothly.
Whether cruising the Leeward Islands or repositioning between French and Dutch ports, guest visa oversight can dictate itinerary choices that might impact the entire experience.
Dockside Management is here to assist with up-to-date requirements and personalized immigration support across the Caribbean.
For tailored guidance, contact Dockside Management’s local offices or your dedicated agent.
“Seamless entry starts long before the guests steps onboard. We’re here to make sure every detail is handled with ease!” – Norina Edelman
Smart and Sustainable Provisioning with Dockside Management
Quality Without Compromise
The culinary experience on board is one of the critical components comprising guest overall satisfaction. It follows naturally that exceptional food quality is essential. While premium ingredients often come from afar, especially when cruising in remote destinations like the Caribbean, that doesn’t mean everything needs to be flown in.
At Dockside Management, we are committed to both ensuring the most amazing guest experiences by flying in top-quality product where required, while also committing to sustainability by counselling what you can fairly purchase locally without in any way sacrificing the guest experience. By looking more to local, where possible, we reduce costs and logistics while also reducing the carbon footprint.
Local Where Possible: A Smarter, Greener Choice
By sourcing locally whenever possible, yachts can make a meaningful impact. By choosing island-grown products when it’s possible it will help to reduce emissions but also support local communities and meets the “go local” movement that many of our guest’s support.
Our team specializes in identifying what can be supplied locally without compromising the guest experience. From farm-fresh produce to artisanal goods and premium dry stores, we’ll help you find the right local alternatives and guide you on what truly needs to be imported.
Sourcing With Purpose
Sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. For example, locally grown herbs, tropical fruits, and edible flowers can beautifully complement any menu and tell a story about the region you’re visiting. Guests appreciate the authenticity and the knowledge that their experience supports local producers.
Expert Guidance, Seamless Experience
The key to responsible provisioning lies in expertise. With Dockside Management, you benefit from both — our deep local knowledge and our international network. We ensure that your provisioning is efficient, sustainable, and perfectly aligned with your standards.
Plan Smarter for Your Next Visit
Next time you plan your provisioning, let Dockside Management guide your strategy. Together, we’ll help you make informed, eco-conscious decisions that reduce your carbon footprint, support local economies, and deliver an exceptional onboard experience — sustainably.
Meet Our Head of Clearance - Kim Schrijvers
Team Spotlight - Customs & Immigration Clearance
When it comes to navigating the complexities of customs and immigration clearance, having a dedicated expert makes all the difference. Meet Kim Schrijvers, Dockside’s Head of Clearance, whose expertise and passion keep things running smoothly for superyachts arriving in St. Maarten, St. Barths, and beyond.”
From Pastry Chef to Yacht Clearance – Kim’s Journey
Born and raised in St. Maarten, Kim’s path to the yachting industry wasn’t traditional. She initially pursued a career as a pastry chef in the Netherlands before returning home after the COVID lockdown. Finding job opportunities on the island was challenging, but a chance encounter led her to the yachting industry.
“I moved back home right after the lockdown, looking for opportunities, and quickly realized I loved the yachting industry—the connections, the fast pace, the challenge. When Farah, our head of Concierge, mentioned an opening at Dockside, I went for it. The rest is history!”
She started as a Concierge Assistant but soon found herself deeply involved in the clearance side of operations. Now, as Head of Clearance, she leads a team that handles every detail of superyacht entry and departure, ensuring compliance with immigration and customs regulations.
The Challenges of Yacht Clearance
Clearance may seem simple—submit the documents, get approval, and move on—but the reality is far more complex.
“Many people think clearance is just handing in passports, but there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes—ensuring crew have the right documents, matching clearance records, handling cash declarations, and staying on top of ever-changing regulations.”
One of the biggest challenges? The sheer speed and volume of requests during high season.
“I’m a bit of a control freak, so I like things to go smoothly, but in peak season, it’s non-stop. Managing multiple vessel arrivals, ensuring all paperwork is in order, and coordinating guest movements—it’s a lot to juggle!”
On top of that, every Caribbean island has different regulations. St. Maarten (Dutch side), St. Martin (French side), and St. Barths each have their own clearance rules, and keeping track of them all is no small feat.
Beyond Clearance – Kim’s Life Outside of Work
When she’s not handling yacht clearances, Kim is all about island life, creativity, and adventure.
“I love to ride my motorbike,” she says. “I haven’t been out in a while since a fall made me a bit nervous, but I’m hoping to get back on the road in the low season for island rides with my brother or boyfriend.”
Her three dogs are never far behind. “They’ve got me wrapped around their paws! We go for walks or drives, and watching their ears flap in the wind melts my heart.”
A creative soul, Kim is always on Pinterest looking for new craft projects. She also loves gardening with her mom, exploring new restaurants with friends, and spending quiet moments at home. “Being with my family is my favorite—seeing my two nephews grow up, even if they can be a bit sneaky, makes it all worthwhile.”
Going Above & Beyond for Clients
Yacht clearance isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about making things happen, even when time is running out.
“We had just 30 minutes to process everything—documents, transportation, and immigration. At one point, guests were already on the way to the airport while we were still clearing passports! Somehow, we pulled it off just in time, and the private jet took off on schedule.”
That level of dedication is what makes Dockside’s clearance team stand out. They don’t just handle logistics—they anticipate challenges, find solutions, and make the impossible happen.
The Dockside Team – A Tight-Knit Group That Delivers
For Kim, one of the best parts of her job is her team.
“Yes, in peak season, we sometimes question our life choices! But at the end of the day, we love what we do, and we always pull through as a team.”
The key to their success? Responsiveness, attention to detail, and a commitment to making the process as smooth as possible for clients.
Advice for Newcomers to Yacht Clearance
For those interested in joining the field, Kim emphasizes patience and adaptability.
“In the beginning, you’ll want to know everything at once—but give yourself time. Prioritization is everything in this role, and once you get the hang of it, things start to fall into place.”
The fast-paced environment can be overwhelming, but staying organized, focused, and open to learning makes all the difference.
The Future of Clearance at Dockside
Looking ahead, Kim is focused on expanding and refining the clearance department.
• Training team members to be all-rounders: Everyone should be able to handle both the behind-the-scenes logistics and the on-the-ground clearance work.
•Exploring water-based clearance options: Instead of relying solely on vehicles, expand our use of tenders to clear yachts more efficiently.
“We’re always looking to improve. My goal is to have a strong, well-rounded team that can handle both the logistics and on-the-ground clearance, making the process even smoother for our clients.”
Whether you’re arriving in St. Maarten, St. Martin, or St. Barths, Kim and her team are ready to ensure a hassle-free clearance experience.
Dockside Management and American Yacht Agents Join Forces in Puerto Rico
Trusted support for superyachts now available in San Juan!
After a successful soft launch last season assisting high-profile clients, Dockside Management & American Yacht Agents Launch Superyacht Support Collaboration in Puerto Rico. Dockside to lead on-site operations from San Juan, together with U.S. regulatory expertise from American Yacht Agents.
Dockside Management, a respected Caribbean yacht agency, and American Yacht Agents, a premier U.S. yacht agent based in Fort Lauderdale, are officially expanding their successful collaboration to support superyachts arriving in Puerto Rico.
Building on a season of excellence that began last year, Dockside Management now operates on-site at IMM Puerto Rico’s facility on Piers 15–16 in San Juan, offering full concierge and provisioning services. Their team works alongside American Yacht Agents, led by President Debora Radtke, who provides essential U.S. customs, immigration, and clearance expertise—ensuring a seamless experience across jurisdictions.
“We are very excited about our collaboration with American Yacht Agents in Puerto Rico. Together, we are able to offer unparalleled services on all fronts – from US regulatory requirements to on-the-ground support for provisioning, concierge and all other needs. Same great service. New location. We can’t wait to work with you in San Juan!”
Norina Edelman, CEO of Dockside Management
Debora Radtke, President of American Yacht Agents, added:
“We specialize in U.S. regulatory navigation—from Customs & Border Protection to Coast Guard and USDA compliance—and are excited to be part of this collaboration together with Dockside Management.”
Comprehensive Services Offered from San Juan:
- On-site Concierge & Provisioning
- U.S. Customs & Immigration Clearance
- Yacht Agency & Berth Coordination
- Crew Logistics & Ground Transport
- Vendor Management & Local Expertise
- All Shoreside Support
This collaboration places Puerto Rico at the crossroads of Caribbean and U.S. regulatory excellence, delivering unmatched service to visiting superyachts.
About Dockside Management:
Since 1996, Dockside Management has been a trusted yacht agency across the Caribbean. With main offices in Sint Maarten and St. Barths, the team provides services from clearance and concierge to provisioning and purchasing. Now, with dedicated on-site support in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Dockside extends its seamless service coverage throughout the region.
www.docksidemanagement.net
+1 202 255 7488
norina@docksidemanagement.net
About American Yacht Agents:
Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, American Yacht Agents provides exceptional yacht agency support along the U.S. East Coast and in Puerto Rico, specializing in customs, immigration, dockage, and compliance services.
http://www.americanyachtagents.net/
+1 954 684 9456
captdeb@americanyachtagents.com
We’re ready when you are. See you in San Juan!
Caribbean Yachting Season 2024-2025
Dockside’s Take on the Season
As the high season comes to a close, we’ve taken a moment to reflect on the highlights, challenges, and lessons learned. Here are a few key takeaways from Dockside’s perspective.
It has been a busy season
We saw a strong season overall, with the first large yachts arriving as Monaco was not even wrapping up! We also saw guest trips (owner and charter) go quite late into spring, likely due, at least in part, to the late date of Easter this year. St. Barths once again affirmed its status as the place to be for the New Year: According to the harbormaster’s office, a record-breaking 449 boats were in port during the peak holiday period. We did notice that many yachts came later to St. Barths and left immediately following the festivities of the 31st. Both Anguilla and St. Kitts seemed to have a near tsunami of arrivals the 1st and 2nd of January. Throughout the season, the marinas in St. Maarten and Anguilla were very busy.
Puerto Rico as a Strategic Stop
Puerto Rico continues to grow as a key yachting hub — ideal for clearance, provisioning, and preparing for refit or U.S. entry. With its reliable infrastructure and strong flight connections, it’s become a smart stopover for many yachts. Dockside is proud to have entered the yacht agent market in Puerto Rico in partnership with American Yacht Agents, and we look forward to continuing to grow in this exciting location!
Move Toward More Planned Maintenance
As the years pass, we see more vessels opting to stay in the Caribbean throughout the season, planning maintenance works on site (rather than heading to US East Coast or crossing the Atlantic early). We attribute this to a variety of factors including: (1) there are more professional and reliable options for technical works (including with our sister companies, International Marine Management (IMM) and FKG Marine!); and (2) there are a large scope of works that can be completed during the vessel’s down time in water. By taking advantage of this down time, Vessels are available more often and more reliably for their owner – for personal use or an increased charter availability. This capturing the Caribbean down time leads to efficiency, cost savings and increased availability – wins overall. Dockside provides a central role in supporting this planned maintenance – from assisting with scheduling class-approved safety equipment service to coordinating travel and hotels for Flag and Class Representatives to purchasing those hard-to-find technical items. Sustainability
We noticed more interest in sustainable choices — from waste management to more conscious provisioning. It’s a shift we welcome and support. We know how important it is with local provisioning and taking care of the Caribbean islands, so it is a move in the right direction for all parties.
What’s Ahead
With another busy season behind us, many are already looking toward next year. Whether you’re planning upgrades, yard time, or another Caribbean loop — we’re here to help keep things smooth.
Voices from The Dockside team:
Quotes from each department head:
Kim Schrjvers
Head of Clearance
Season highlights?
“This year was all about better flow and less panic attacks!
A big win was having our CEO Norina on-site during our busiest weeks — her support made a huge difference.”A proud Dockside moment?
“Definitely the thank-you email from a captain and pulling off complex guest movements for one of our clients together with Big Time and his team. It been a true team effort.”
Alejandra Rojas
Operations Coordinator
What stood out this season?
“The team’s ability to stay calm under pressure — juggling WhatsApp groups, two screens of emails, and nonstop calls. True multitasking pros! Team: 1, Chaos: 0.”
Team motto?
“We don’t have to agree on everything to be kind to one another.”
Farah Ben Said
Head of Concierge
One thing that worked better this year than last?
“Delegation of tasks due to having more employees working full time, really made a lot of change. “
If your department had a motto this season, what would it be?
“Always performing miracles — one day at a time!”
Kaitlyn Libier
Head of Provisioning, Logistics & Purchasing
Season highlights?
“Having provisioning, logistics, and shipping all under one department led to smoother, more efficient deliveries overall.”
Motto of the season?
“Organize and Improvise, together we make everything work.”
Davon Halley
Head of Accounting
One thing that worked better this year than last?
“Having three interns onboard really sped up our billing process, and with Shane’s sharp eye and reliability, delegating became much smoother this season.”
Motto of the season?
“One team, dedicated to serve.”
Dockside’s St. Barths – Third Season of Seamless Support
Dockside’s St. Barths – Third Season of Seamless Support
At the beginning of the 2022-2023 winter season, Dockside proudly expanded its operations into St. Barths, ensuring that yachts cruising through one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive destinations receive seamless support. With our bases in St. Maarten and St. Barths, and an extensive regional network, Dockside provides turnkey solutions to captains, crew, and owners—delivering efficiency, reliability, and local expertise, ensuring the success of your Caribbean season.
Tailored Services for Yachts in St. Barths
Dockside’s presence in St. Barths is more than just an extension of our brand; it is a commitment to offer on-the-ground support in a location where delivery of perfect service with discretion and efficiency is non-negotiable.
Our Services Includes:
Clearance & Immigration Assistance
- Hassle-free clearance with our local experts handling all paperwork and providing you all rules and regulations so that you know exactly what to do and how to do it
- Working with the Port Authority/Harbor Master for special events, requests and dockage
Concierge & VIP Services
- Exclusive reservations at high-end restaurants, beach clubs, and hotels
- Luxury transportation, including private drivers and charter flights
- Personal shopping, event planning, and itinerary coordination
- Activities! Deep-sea fishing, surfing lessons, diving, island tours…and so much more!
- Anything else your guests might request, we will make it happen
..
Premium Provisioning
- Locally sourced gourmet ingredients, fresh seafood, and specialty items
- Seamless collaboration between our St. Barths and St. Maarten teams for larger orders
- Custom requests to meet dietary preferences and high-end provisioning needs
Logistics & Technical Support
- Dockage arrangements
- Coordination of repairs, maintenance, and technical services
Delivery of spare parts and supplies (including emergency deliveries from St. Maarten)
Crew Support & Lifestyle Services
- Booking accommodations and crew transport
- Wellness and fitness services for crew and guests
- Access to exclusive crew-friendly venues and activities
Why St. Barths?
With its pristine beaches, luxury lifestyle, and vibrant social scene, St. Barths has become a must-visit destination on the itineraries of the world’s most prestigious superyachts. Its appeal goes beyond its natural beauty—St. Barths offers world-class events like the St. Barths Bucket and Les Voiles de St. Barth, attracting elite yacht owners, charter guests, and industry professionals.
Dockside recognized the increasing demand for dedicated, high-level yacht support in this exclusive hub. By establishing a strong local presence, we ensure that our clients receive the same exceptional service in St. Barths as they do in St. Maarten.
Seamless Support, Anytime, Anywhere
With Dockside’s strategic presence in St. Maarten and St. Barths, we offer a dual-island advantage, perfectly coordinating services between the islands. This means faster provisioning, streamlined clearance and logistics, and a wider range of available resources.
Whether you’re in St. Barths for a short stopover or an extended stay, Dockside is at your service—ensuring stress-free, efficient, and personalized support every step of the way.
“Our priority is to create a unique experience for each customer, ensuring that their needs are met with care, attentiveness and a constant concern for their satisfaction.”
Domoina Magras, Head of St. Barths