SAINT BARTHÉLÉMY | General Information

Unique and Unbeatable, Saint Barth is undoubtedly the most popular island of the Caribbean. An exclusive destination where celebrities and the world's greatest fortunes gather. Let yourself be carried away by this Caribbean gem, where the French lifestyle reigns. Iconic for its countless beaches, its restaurants led by famous chefs, and the charming streets of Gustavia, Saint Barth is the perfect place for a relaxing retreat with family or an unforgettable stay among friends.

Saint Barth was originally called "Ouanalao" by the indigenous tribes. Christopher Columbus visited the Caribbean in 1493 and decided to name the island Saint-Barthélemy in honor of his brother Bartolomeo. After a long period of poverty, the island was frequented by many sailors until it was colonized by the French for the first time in 1648. A century of piracy followed, leading King Louis XVI to offer the island to Sweden in 1784. Gustavia was founded and became a source of strength and prosperity for the island. However, nature had other plans, and the economy of Saint Barth collapsed. Once again, the island had to rebuild itself, which is why Sweden decided to return it to France in 1878. In 1956, a new era began when the Caribbean welcomed a certain Rockefeller. He fell under the spell of this unique island and attracted many of the world's great fortunes in his wake. This is how Saint Barth became the prestigious destination we know today, rich in every way.

Known as a paradise, the island is famous for its many white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and French art de vivre. It is home to a number of renowned chefs running exceptional restaurants, as well as high-end designer boutiques. Saint Barth is a French island in the northern Caribbean and has been an Overseas Territory since January 1, 2012. It is not part of the Schengen area and is not included in the European Union. Its capital, Gustavia, is one of the two main entry points to the island. Whether by private boat or commercial shuttle, the port of Gustavia welcomes locals and visitors several times a day. The island has only one airport, Rémy de Haenen, which is uniquely served daily by small commercial planes and charter flights. Connections are available from Saint Martin, Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico, and Antigua.

Entering Saint-Barthélemy is generally straightforward, but it is essential to ensure you have all the necessary documents to avoid any unexpected issues during your journey.
1. European Travelers:
• Required documents: Valid ID card or passport.
• Visa: Not required for tourist or business stays of less than 90 days.
2. American and Canadian Citizens:
• Required documents: Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity at the time of entry.
• Visa: Not required for tourist or business stays of less than 90 days.
• Return or onward ticket: Required for entry.
3. Citizens of Certain Countries Needing a Specific Visa:
• Required documents: Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity at the time of entry.
• Visa: Citizens of some countries must obtain a specific visa from the Department of Outre-Mer of Guadeloupe, delivered by a French consulate, before being allowed to enter Saint-Barthélemy. (Non-exhaustive list: South Africa, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Georgia, India, Morocco, Peru, Russia...).
• Note: Schengen visas issued by other countries are not valid for entry to Saint-Barthélemy. Only French national visas with the correct annotations are accepted.
It is highly recommended to consult the French consulate as soon as you plan your trip.
Email inquiries: bta.st-barthelemy@gendarmerie.interieur.gouv.fr
For more details, it is recommended to consult the official France-Visas website based on your nationality and specific situation.
Other Information:
• Entry Form: It is advised to complete the entry form available on the Saint-Barthélemy tourism office website prior to your arrival.
• Travel Insurance: It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses and repatriation.
• Transit at Sint Maarten:
◦ Before your final arrival in Saint-Barthélemy, you will likely transit through Sint Maarten’s airport.
◦ Required documents: All travelers arriving at Princess Juliana International Airport (Dutch side) must have a valid passport, and possibly a visa, and must fill out an immigration form before arrival. This form is usually handed out on the plane.
◦ Online form: All travelers (residents and visitors, including those in transit) must also complete an online form available at: https://www.entry.sx/

Saint Barthélemy is a "dry" island. Due to its rocky terrain, past deforestation, and low rainfall, there is not enough natural water to supply its inhabitants. Drinking water is either imported in bottles or supplied through desalination of seawater. The island has a Dry Tropical Maritime climate, meaning that rainfall is very low. It is rare to experience even a couple of hours of rain. However, precipitation is higher in the second half of the year, with hurricane season occurring between late August and October. Temperatures range between 78°F and 89°F (25°C to 31°C) year-round.

Saint Barth, like the rest of the Caribbean, maintains the same time all year. The time zone is UTC -04:00.

The official language is French, but English is widely spoken.

The main currency is the Euro (€), but US Dollars ($) are accepted everywhere.

Since there are no rivers or natural freshwater sources in Saint Barth, rainwater collected in cisterns is useful during dry periods. Additionally, the island has a desalination plant that provides water to most homes, but this service is costly. The tap water is potable, but we recommend not drinking it. Most residents of the island consume bottled water exclusively. Water may come from either the municipal supply or cisterns, and as such, it can sometimes be unsuitable for consumption. Water remains a precious resource and should be used wisely and responsibly.

Electricity in Saint Barthélemy is 220 volts and 60 Hz throughout the island. However, most hotels and villas have transformers to provide 110V power.