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
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.”