Entry Requirements for St. Barth: What You Need to Know Before Traveling to Saint Barthélemy

Saint Barthélemy, affectionately known as St. Barth, is a Caribbean gem known for its French charm, white-sand beaches, luxury villas, and high-end lifestyle. Whether you’re arriving by private yacht, regional flight, or ferry, understanding the entry requirements to St. Barth is essential for a seamless experience.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about entering St. Barth, including visa regulations, passport requirements, customs declarations, and COVID-19 updates for 2025.

1. Do You Need a Visa to Enter St. Barth?

The short answer is no for most travelers.

St. Barth is a French overseas collectivity, and its immigration rules are aligned with France and the Schengen area. However, there are exceptions based on nationality and duration of stay.

Travelers Who Do Not Need a Visa (Short Stay)

If you are a citizen of the United States, Canada, EU, UK, or Australia, you may enter St. Barth for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.

Visa-free countries also include:

Switzerland
New Zealand
Japan
South Korea
Several Caribbean and Latin American countries

If you’re staying longer than 90 days, or you’re visiting for work or study, a long-stay visa from a French consulate is required before arrival.

Travelers Who Do Need a Visa

Citizens of countries like:

India
Nigeria
Pakistan
China
Philippines

…will require a short-stay Schengen visa marked as valid for France DOM-TOM or DFA (Départements Français d’Amérique).

2. Passport Validity Requirements

All visitors must carry a valid passport to enter Saint Barthélemy.

Important:

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from St. Barth.
A return or onward ticket is recommended to demonstrate intent to leave.

For U.S. and Canadian citizens arriving directly from St. Martin or Guadeloupe, passport checks may be more relaxed—but a valid passport is still required to return home.

3. COVID-19 Entry Requirements for 2025

As of mid-2025, St. Barth has lifted most COVID-19 travel restrictions, but travelers should remain informed in case of any seasonal updates.

Current COVID-19 Guidelines:

No vaccination or testing is required to enter.
Masks are not mandatory but may be required in healthcare settings.
Travelers are advised to carry travel health insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment or evacuation.

Always check with the Préfecture of Guadeloupe or St. Barth’s tourism board for the latest updates prior to travel.

4. Arrival Points and Immigration

There are no international direct flights to St. Barth’s small Gustaf III Airport (SBH). Visitors must transit via Saint Martin (SXM), Guadeloupe (PTP), or Antigua (ANU).

Arrival via Saint Martin (SXM):

Most travelers land at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) in Dutch St. Maarten.
From there, take a 15-minute Winair flight or a 45-minute ferry to St. Barth.

Immigration Checkpoints:

Customs and immigration for St. Barth takes place upon entry in Gustavia (port) or SBH airport.
Ensure you keep travel documentation, accommodation details, and return flight/ferry info handy.

5. Customs Regulations: What You Can Bring

While St. Barth is duty-free in many ways, French customs rules still apply for travelers arriving from non-EU countries.

What You’re Allowed to Bring (per adult):

Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos
Alcohol: 1 liter of spirits (>22%) or 2 liters of wine
Gifts/souvenirs: Up to €430 (approx. $475 USD) in total value

Prohibited Items:

Fresh fruits, meats, plants (due to agricultural restrictions)
Firearms and ammunition (without special permission)
Large sums of cash over €10,000 must be declared

Travelers with yachts or private planes may face additional customs declarations.

6. Traveling With Pets

Bringing pets into St. Barth is possible, but you’ll need:

A microchip
A recent rabies vaccination
An EU-style veterinary certificate (issued within 5 days of travel)

Check with your vet and airline well in advance, as animal importation rules are strictly enforced.

7. Travel Insurance and Health Coverage

While not mandatory, it’s highly recommended to travel with:

Medical travel insurance
Coverage for emergency evacuation
Optional COVID-19 coverage

Medical services in St. Barth are high quality, but serious emergencies are typically referred to Guadeloupe or St. Martin. Evacuation without insurance can be extremely costly.

8. Tips for a Smooth Entry

Double-check visa eligibility at least 30 days before departure.
Download digital copies of your passport, health insurance, and accommodation bookings.
Keep cash in euros or a card with no foreign transaction fees.
If traveling via Saint Martin, allow ample time between connecting flights and ferries.

Final Thoughts

Traveling to St. Barth is a unique blend of Caribbean beauty and French elegance. Fortunately, the entry requirements are straightforward for most U.S. and European travelers. With no visa needed for short stays, minimal health restrictions, and a laid-back customs process, your arrival in Gustavia or the hillside airport of SBH can be nearly as relaxing as the beaches themselves.

Whether you’re planning a luxury yacht trip, a villa stay, or a honeymoon escape, make sure you meet the basic entry conditions to enjoy paradise without interruption. Safe travels!