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.
