Saint-Martin (French side)

French Saint-Martin is part of France’s overseas-territory system, and yachts must use the French Antilles clearance process. Do not confuse its ports, fees or immigration rules with those of Dutch Sint Maarten. The port authority requires vessels to declare movements online and complete formalities at the port office.

Yacht clearance for French Saint-Martin is available at the Marigot port office. First register the vessel’s movement online, then bring previous-port clearance, vessel registration and insurance, crew/passenger list and passports to the port office to complete formalities. These rules apply to the French side, not Dutch Sint Maarten.

Recreational vessels arriving in French Saint-Martin from a foreign port or departing for a foreign port must declare vessel movements online under the French Antilles clearance rules and prepare crew lists and vessel details as required by the port authority. Final processing is at the port office; confirm submission timing and berth arrangements with the port authority.

Before allowing crew and passengers to go ashore, the master must report everyone aboard to the port office. All persons must meet the passport and visa rules applicable to this French overseas territory. Do not assume that a Schengen visa automatically applies in French Saint-Martin; check requirements for each person’s nationality.

Yachts in French Saint-Martin must declare arrival/departure movements and submit previous-port clearance, vessel registration, insurance, crew/passenger list and passports to the port office. Applicable anchoring charges must be paid. Vessel clearance and customs declarations for goods in French overseas territories are separate requirements.

French Customs clearance rules require declarations by vessels and people, but this review did not find a complete local quarantine list for yacht food, animals, plants and onboard waste in Saint-Martin. Before carrying pets, meat/dairy, plants or animal products, confirm requirements with local Customs and health/agricultural quarantine authorities.

Declaring vessel movements does not replace permits for restricted goods. Declare firearms, medicines, products from endangered species, food and animal or plant products in advance under the rules for French overseas territories. Do not take them ashore without approval; confirm the specific list with local Customs.

After declaring arrival/departure online, the master should complete final formalities at the Marigot commercial-port office and submit previous-port clearance, vessel registration, insurance, and the list and passports of everyone aboard. The port page lists weekday and Saturday hours and VHF contact information. Hours and locations may change; check the port website before sailing.

The Marigot port authority requires applicable anchoring/port charges to be paid; confirm the charges at the port office and pay under the current local tariff. Immigration, Customs, berthing, agent and overtime services may be charged separately. This review did not confirm a single government clearance total applicable to every yacht.