Saint Barthelemy
Saint Barthélemy, often called St Barths, is a small Caribbean island of about 25 square kilometres. It is an overseas collectivity of France. The capital and main port is Gustavia. Sweden ruled the island from 1784 to 1878, and the town is named after King Gustav III. You can still see Swedish forts and buildings there.
The island has many small beaches and a French Caribbean feel. It suits travelers who want beach time, short walks and good food. Most routes to the island go through Saint-Martin, by a short flight or a ferry.
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Money & payments
The island uses the euro, even though it is not part of the EU.
Tours & Activities
Saint Barthelemy — Map
Tipping
Restaurant tipping is optional. Many visitors leave a small extra amount for good service.
Electricity
The island uses Type C and E plugs at 230 V and 60 Hz. The frequency is higher than in mainland Europe. Check that your devices accept 60 Hz.
Language
French is the official language. Some residents also speak a local Creole or patois.
Safety & emergencies
Crime levels are low, but take normal care. Avoid isolated areas after dark, do not show cash, and keep valuables in your hotel safe. Carry your passport or ID.
- Hurricanes: the hurricane season runs from June to November. Follow weather updates from the US National Hurricane Center. Hurricane Irma hit the island in September 2017.
Health
Healthcare is good and close to mainland French standards. The island has a hospital and clinics. For specialist treatment you may need to travel to a larger island.
- Insurance: EU health cards may not cover you here. Buy insurance that covers treatment and medical evacuation.
- Mosquitoes: dengue and Zika are health risks. Use repellent.
- Vaccines: you need a yellow fever certificate if you arrive from a country with a risk of transmission. Check the latest vaccine advice for the French Caribbean at least 8 weeks before you travel.
- Water: ask your accommodation whether tap water is fine to drink.
Visas & entry
Saint Barthélemy is a French overseas collectivity outside the EU. Entry rules can differ from mainland France. France sets and enforces them.
- UK citizens (gov.uk): your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after you leave. You can stay up to 3 months without a visa.
- Other nationalities: check the passport and visa rules with the French consulate.
- Visas: visas for French overseas territories are separate from Schengen visas. If you need a visa, apply for the correct one before you travel.
- Via Sint Maarten: if you fly in through Sint Maarten (SXM), you must also meet the entry rules for the Dutch side of that island.
- Customs: declare anything that may be prohibited or taxable.
The Saint Barth tourism office gives contact details for visitor questions.
Visa and entry requirements change frequently. Verify current requirements with the official immigration authority or your country's embassy before travel.
Holidays & opening hours
Check opening hours before you go on a public holiday. Some shops and services may be closed. Saint-Barthélemy also marks local commemorations, for example 9 October (abolition of slavery). Check locally whether shops close.
Getting around
- Getting to the island by air: the airport is at Saint-Jean. Small commuter and charter operators fly from Saint-Martin, Sint Maarten (SXM), San Juan and Antigua. Check current schedules. The runway is about 650 metres long. Only small aircraft land, in daylight. The landing is steep and ends close to the beach.
- Getting to the island by ferry: boats run from Sint Maarten and Saint-Martin to the ferry terminal in Gustavia.
- By yacht: private boats can moor in Gustavia harbour.
- On the island: you can rent a car or scooter, or take a taxi. Taxis wait at the airport, and rental agencies are near it and in Gustavia.
Driving
- Licence: check with your rental company which driving licence they accept.
- Roads: roads are narrow and steep, with many bends. Traffic can be heavy around Gustavia, Saint-Jean and Lorient. Wet roads are slippery.
- Speed limits: limits are low. Some sections around Lorient are limited to 30 km/h.
- Vehicles: a small car is easier to park and to drive on narrow roads. Scooters need an experienced rider because of the hills.
- Parking: many beaches have only a small parking area.
- Fuel: few stations, check before a long trip.
Food & drink
Food on the island mixes French cooking with Creole flavors. Fish and seafood are common. Goat is the traditional meat. Local ingredients include sweet potato, avocado, mango and passion fruit.
Try accras (cod fritters) as a starter and colombo de cabri (goat curry) or fish blaff as a main dish. The usual local drink before a meal is ti'punch, made with rum, cane sugar and lime.
Where to explore
The island is small, so most places are a short drive apart.
- Gustavia: the capital and harbour. Look for the Swedish bell tower, Fort Karl and Fort Gustave, and the Wall House museum. Shell Beach is next to the town.
- Saint-Jean: the airport and a long sandy beach are here.
- Lorient: a village on the north coast with a beach and a church. The grave of the French singer is in the cemetery: Johnny Hallyday.
- Grande Saline and Gouverneur: quiet beaches on the south coast. Grande Saline (Anse de Grande Saline) has a car park. Gouverneur is a secluded beach with golden sand.
- Flamands and Colombier: on the north-west coast. Colombier has no road. Walk from Flamands in about 20 to 25 minutes, or go by boat from Gustavia. The beach has no shops or toilets, so bring water. The area is a protected marine zone.
- Toiny and Grand Cul-de-Sac: beaches on the east coast.
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