ED Card Sint Maarten — Form in English
Fill out your Sint Maarten ED Card in English with our online form. Prepare your arrival at Princess Juliana Airport and your Caribbean vacation with peace of mind.
Welcome to Sint Maarten
To travel to Sint Maarten (Dutch part of the island of Saint-Martin), all travelers must apply for an electronic Embarkation/Disembarkation Card (ED Card) before their arrival. This procedure has been mandatory since 2024 for all passengers arriving at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), including travelers in transit to St Barths or Anguilla. The ED Card must be submitted within 7 days before your arrival. This formality applies to all travelers, including children and babies, who each need their own form.
One island, two countries
ED Card: why it applies even if you stay on the French side
Sint Maarten (Dutch) and Saint-Martin (French) share the island's 87 km². The ED Card depends on where you arrive, not where you stay. Here is how to navigate it.
Arrival at Princess Juliana (SXM): the island's international airport is on the Dutch side. Every traveler landing there enters Sint Maarten territory and must present their ED Card, whether staying in Maho, Simpson Bay, Philipsburg or on the French side.
Arrival at Grand-Case (SFG): this small regional airport, served notably from Guadeloupe, falls under French administration. The Dutch ED Card is not required there, and EU nationals do not go through immigration control.
Common case: you land at SXM then head to your villa in Grand-Case or Orient Bay. You still need to file the ED Card, entering the actual address of your accommodation on the French side: the form accepts both sides of the island.
No control between the two sides?
Correct. The internal border between Sint Maarten and Saint-Martin has been open since 1648 — one of the world's oldest peaceful borders. You can travel freely between the two sides.
Arrival at Princess Juliana Airport (SXM)
Here is the arrival process at SXM, one of the most iconic airports in the Caribbean.
- 1
Spectacular landing
Princess Juliana is famous for its runway alongside Maho Beach. The landing offers a remarkable Caribbean view.
- 2
Immigration check
Show passport, return ticket and accommodation address. The check is quick outside peak hours.
- 3
Baggage claim
Bags arrive in the main hall, right after immigration.
- 4
Dutch or French side exit
The island is split: no border control between Saint-Martin (France) and Sint Maarten (Netherlands).
Prepare your arrival in Sint Maarten
Entry into Sint Maarten (Dutch side) remains simple, but these documents are essential.
- Passport valid for at least 3 months
- Return or onward ticket
- Accommodation address (hotel, villa, residence)
- Proof of sufficient funds (on request)
- Boarding pass and baggage tags
- Each traveler's ED Card (PDF with QR code), printed or on your phone
Allowed stay in Sint Maarten
Stay rules depend on your nationality. Here are the standard rules for European and North American travellers.
Duration
Tourist stay up to 90 days
Entries
Multiple entries within 180 days
Extension
Extension available with local authorities
Exit
No exit card required
Sea arrivals
Yachts, ferries and cruises: who needs the ED Card in Sint Maarten?
Sint Maarten is one of the Caribbean's main nautical hubs. The ED Card covers arrivals by sea as well as by air, with a few nuances depending on how you arrive.
Private yachts in Simpson Bay Lagoon: every passenger entering Sint Maarten by sea is concerned. The captain completes entry formalities with the port authorities; make sure everyone on board has their ED Card.
Ferries from Saint-Barthélemy or Anguilla: arriving at Philipsburg, on the Dutch side, requires the ED Card. Arriving at Marigot, on the French side, falls under French formalities. Check your arrival port before leaving.
Cruise calls: formalities for passengers disembarking for the day at Philipsburg are generally handled with the cruise line. Check with them before the call.
Required Information Table
| INFORMATION TO PROVIDE | PERSONAL DATA |
|---|---|
| PERSONAL DATA | Name, First Name, Date of Birth, Nationality, Passport Number, Passport Expiration Date |
| TRAVEL DETAILS | Arrival Date, Departure Date, Purpose of Travel, Mode of Transport |
| FLIGHT INFORMATION | Airline, Flight Number |
| ACCOMMODATION | Name and Address of Accommodation |
| ITINERARY | Last city before entering Sint Maarten |
| HEALTH | - |
Sint Maarten ED Card Information
What does the ED Card application consist of?
The procedure must be completed within 7 days before arrival in Sint Maarten. When your application is approved, you will receive an electronic confirmation to present upon arrival at Princess Juliana Airport. The ED Card is valid for a single entry, with a stay duration of 30 to 90 days depending on your nationality. If you are multiple travelers, each person must complete their own application, including minors and babies. A passport valid for at least 3 months is mandatory. Please note: ID cards are not accepted, even for French nationals traveling to the French side of the island.
Which nationalities are concerned by the ED Card?
All nationalities are concerned by the Sint Maarten ED Card. All travelers arriving at Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) must complete this formality, without exception.
Which entry points are eligible for the ED Card?
The ED Card is required for all travelers arriving by air at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). This includes passengers in transit to other islands such as St Barths or Anguilla.
Places to visit in Sint Maarten
Sint Maarten
Maho Beach is world-famous for its proximity to the runway of Princess Juliana Airport. Planes fly just meters above beachgoers, creating a spectacle that is unique in the world. It is one of the most photographed beaches in the Caribbean.
Philipsburg, the capital of Sint Maarten, is a charming town bordered by two bays. Front Street is the main street, ideal for duty-free shopping and discovering Dutch colonial architecture. The Courthouse, an 18th-century historic building, is a must-see.
Great Bay offers a long white sand beach with views of cruise ships. The boardwalk promenade is perfect for an evening stroll, with restaurants and bars right on the sand.
Orient Bay, nicknamed the "St. Tropez of the Caribbean," is located on the French side of the island. This white sand beach lined with restaurants and water sports facilities is one of the most beautiful on the island.
Simpson Bay is a sheltered lagoon, ideal for water sports and sailing. The Simpson Bay area is also known for its lively nightlife and numerous international restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions — Sint Maarten
What is the ED Card for Sint Maarten?
The ED Card (Embarkation/Disembarkation Card) is the mandatory electronic form to enter Sint Maarten, the Dutch side of the island of Saint Martin. This digital document replaced the former paper form handed out on planes and is required for all travelers arriving at Princess Juliana Airport or at a Sint Maarten port.
Is the ED Card mandatory to land at Princess Juliana Airport?
Yes, the ED Card is mandatory for all travelers arriving at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) in Sint Maarten. Without this form completed before your arrival, you may face significant delays at immigration or be denied boarding.
Do I need a passport to enter Sint Maarten?
Yes, to enter Sint Maarten (the Dutch side of the island), a passport valid for at least 3 months is required. A national ID card is not sufficient, even for EU citizens. If you are transiting through Sint Maarten to reach Saint Barthélemy or the French side of the island, you will also need your passport and the ED Card.
Is the ED Card needed for a transit to Saint Barthélemy?
Yes, if you are transiting through Princess Juliana Airport in Sint Maarten to reach Saint Barthélemy, you must complete the ED Card. Any passage through Sint Maarten territory, even in transit, requires this electronic form.
How far in advance should I fill out the ED Card?
The Sint Maarten ED Card must be submitted at least 7 days before your arrival. We recommend completing it as soon as your travel dates are confirmed to avoid any last-minute issues.
What is the "sufficient funds" requirement for Sint Maarten?
Sint Maarten authorities may ask travelers to prove they have sufficient funds for their stay. It is recommended to be able to show approximately 150 USD per day of stay, in the form of bank statements, credit cards, or cash.
How much does the Sint Maarten ED Card cost?
The ED Card is free on the official Sint Maarten portal. On ArrivalCards, the service fee is €29 incl. tax per arrival card issued, excluding any consular fees. This covers form translation, application verification, and our team's assistance.
Is the form available in my language?
Official government websites are usually only available in English and the local language. ArrivalCards offers a translated and simplified form in 9 languages (French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Arabic, and Russian). We verify your information and submit your application to the authorities.
Do children and babies need their own ED Card?
Yes, every traveler, including children and babies, must have their own ED Card to enter Sint Maarten. Parents or guardians must complete the form on behalf of each minor child using their passport information.
Is the ED Card also required for cruise ship passengers?
Yes, the ED Card is mandatory for all travelers arriving in Sint Maarten, including cruise ship passengers. Whether you disembark at the port of Philipsburg or arrive by air at Princess Juliana Airport, you must complete the ED Card before your arrival.
How It Works
Simple, fast, and stress-free.
Fill in the online form
Complete our secure form with your personal information and travel details
Receive your arrival card by email
We process your application and send your electronic arrival card directly to your inbox
Present your card upon arrival
Upon arrival, simply present your electronic card to immigration authorities
Sources
- Government of Sint Maarten (Ministry of Justice / IBPS) — Digital ED entry form
- St. Maarten Tourism Bureau — Travel Entry Requirement (ED form FAQ)
- Rijksoverheid (Nederland Wereldwijd) — Reisadvies Sint Maarten
- France Diplomatie — Pays-Bas, entrée / séjour (territoires néerlandais d'outre-mer, Sint Maarten)
Information checked in September 2026