Essential Information
US, Canadian and EU visitors will not find any Caribbean island which requires an entry visa, although US visitors require special permission to visit Cuba. Travel insurance is recommended for any trip to the Caribbean, particularly emergency evacuation coverage in case airlift is required. Check also that insurance policies cover so-called dangerous activities such as scuba diving.
FRENCH ISLANDS
Presenting a charming blend of Caribbean, Creole and European influences, the French Islands are fully part of France and include Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Martin and St. Barts.
Area: Guadeloupe, 658 sq miles; Martinique, 425 sq miles; St. Martin, 24 sq miles.
Population: Guadeloupe, 405,739 ; Martinique, 386,486 ; St. Martin, 30,000.
Capital: Guadeloupe, Basse-Terre; Martinique, Fort de France; St. Martin, Marigot
Political: All are Overseas Departments of France, administered directly from Metropolitan France.
Official website: www.stmartinisland.org www.myguadeloupeislands.com www.martinique.org www.saintbarth-tourisme.com/en
Indigenous names: Guadeloupe, Karukera; Martinique, Madinina.
Currency Euro
Passport Required
Visa Needs Not needed for citizens of US, Canada or EU
Emergency Health Care Louis Constant Fleming Hospital in St. Martin; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Fort de France (596-55-20-00); Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Guadeloupe, Pointe à Pitre (0590 89 10 10); St Barts uses St. Martin hospital.
Banks & ATMS. Abundant on all islands. Distribute in Euros
Free WIFI Locations. Hotels and cafes.
Internet Cafes. Widespread
Cell Phones access/Dialing code +590 for Guadeloupe and St. Maarten; 596 for Martinique
Safety Tips Safety concerns in Pointe a Pitre, Guadeloupe, and robberies in Marigot, St. Martin. St. Barts is extremely safe.
Departure Tax None
