St. Barts - Facts
St. Barts FAQs
St. Barts is part of the French Antilles, which also includes Martinique, Guadeloupe, St. Martin and French Guiana. On the whole, they all share the same clearance procedures, however, yachts must still complete outward and inward clearance when moving from one to another.
Pre-Arrival Boat: There are 2 online clearance forms to complete prior to arrival in St. Barts. The new Customs clearance form, and a form for the port of Gustavia. See Clearance for details.
Pre-Arrival Crew: A great number of countries do not need a visa. See Immigration for details.
Where can I enter? Gustavia is the only port of entry on St. Barts.
Are fees high to enter by yacht? Just 3 – 5 Euro admin. charge if using a clearance computer on land. There are anchoring fees – see Fees for details.
What security concerns should I know about? St. Barts is a safe island. There is only the very occasional dinghy theft reported. See Security for more info.
St. Barts Facts for Sailors
- Saint Barthélemy, commonly known as St Barts, is located in the northern group of the Leeward Islands, in the West Indies.
- The island lies about 35 kilometres (22 mi) south-east of the Dutch islands of Sint Maarten and north-east of Saba, Sint Eustatius and the independent country of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
- The island has a population of just under 10,000.
- French is the official language
- Official currency is the Euro.
- The island is linked administratively to St Martin and both are now an Outermost Regions (OMR) of France and, therefore, part of the European Union.
- The picturesque harbor of Gustavia is a favorite port of call for cruising sailors who come here to provision their boats with duty-free goods.
- Only basic repair facilities are available. For other supplies see the Yachting Essentials section.
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Checked in on June 8th, 2022. No request made by Captainaire for information about covid vaccine or negative test. Seems they just stopped caring about Covid, as masks do not exist on the island either.
“When going from the French side of St. Martin to St. Barts, no outgoing clearance is necessary…”
Does this mean I could return to St Martin (French) after St Barts without having to clear back in (if I don’t clear out prior to St Barts)?..Don’t want to get in trouble or anything, but it would be convenient not to go all the way back to Marigot (since Oyster Bay is closed).
Customs immigration COVID update: no test required for vaccinated persons. One stop shop for both customs and immigration.
So does anyone know the fees to visit for a US flagged boat with a US captain and a Mexican crew member? 44 CSY PH, 29 tons gross. Tia.
Hi John, port dues are payable in the main harbour of Gustavia and they are collected by a roving harbour patrol. The daily fees depend on length and location, being lowest if anchoring in the outer harbour, higher in the inner harbour and if coming stern-to the quay. One is charged per night of stay depending on the length of boat. I suggest you contact the Harbor Master for the latest costs – port.de.gustavia@wanadoo.fr
The restrictions for travel into and between French Overseas Departments have now been lifted (Oct 14, 2021). If this article is accurate, all you need is proof of vaccination.
https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/compelling-reasons-for-travel-lifted-between-french-islands
I need to know if I go from Saint Martin to St Bart (or from St Barth to St Martin) by sailing, I would have to do another PCR Test?? Please help!!
See https://www.noonsite.com/place/st-martin/formalities/#biosecurity-section
It is my understanding from the latest arrete (linked to from biosecurity) that a test is required wherever you come from.
Suggest you email Send to DM Martinique/CROSS AG/chef de quart: fortdefrance.mrcc@developpement-durable.gouv.fr explaining your situation, how long you have been in the French Islands etc. and get the final word from them.
On march 9, 2019 we sailed from St. Kitts to St. Bart : after the very bad experience we had with officials from Kitts & Nevis : we arrived in another world :people on Port Gustavia were singing behind the desk welcoming us when we arrived at the front door !!!! we can only recommend Port Gustavia !
The best anchorage is in front of the harbor, just outside you will find a buoy or you can anchor. Be careful about the two southern bays. It is worth renting a motorbike but is very expensive. For dinner Eddies.