St Barths

Travel to St Barths

Climate in St Barths

St Barths only experiences minor seasonal variations in temperature and the year can be roughly divided into the hotter, wetter summer months between May and November, and drier, slightly cooler winter months between December and April. In the cooler months, temperatures average between 72F (22C) and 82F (28C), with summer temperatures averaging only slightly higher between 75F (24C) and 86F (30C). The east of the island is marginally wetter than the west but, as the climate is essentially arid, plenty of sunshine can be expected year-round.

Health Notes when travelling to St Barths

There are no specific health risks associated with travel to St Barths but a yellow fever vaccination is required for all travellers over the age of one arriving from a yellow-fever-infected country in Africa or the Americas. A hepatitis A vaccination is also recommended, and all eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. There have been outbreaks of chikungunya fever in the past and dengue fever is common on the island, so visitors should take precautions against mosquito bites.

General health care facilities (including emergency services in health service hospitals and the availability of doctors) are good, though travellers may only find some specialist treatment on the larger French islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe. Travellers are advised to have comprehensive health insurance and to take along all necessary medications, accompanied by a signed and dated letter from their doctor detailing what the medication is and why it is needed.

Safety Notes when travelling to St Barths

St Barths is virtually crime-free and is considered one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean. Travellers should always be alert to the possibility of petty crime but even things such as pickpocketing are rare on the island.

Customs in St Barths

St Barths has a traditional French culture, and it is polite to greet with 'bonjour' in a shop or restaurant or when passing a stranger in an uncrowded environment, and likewise to take leave with 'au revoir'. Men and women may kiss on both cheeks when greeting, starting with the right. While men may greet with a handshake, men and women generally only shake hands in business environments. Topless sunbathing is common on the island, but nude sunbathing is only acceptable on the more remote beaches.

Duty Free in St Barths

Visitors to St Barths may import reasonable quantities of items for personal use without incurring customs duty. The exact amount that constitutes a reasonable quantity is at the discretion of the border officials but generally about four litres of alcohol and a carton of cigarettes or equivalent in tobacco or cigars is acceptable.

Doing Business in St Barths

St Barths' economy is based on tourism and duty-free retail and, though French is the official language, English is widely spoken. Lightweight suits for men and breathable business attire for women are recommended. The best time to visit is January to March, and June to September.

Communication in St Barths

The country code for St Barths is +590. Visitors should check with their home service provider about roaming capabilities and costs; shops opposite the airport sell SIM cards that can be used in unlocked phones. Free WiFi is available at virtually all hotels, and most bars and cafes.

Tipping in St Barths

Service charges are often included in the bill, as in France, but tipping small amounts for good service has become more common on St Barths. If there is no service charge, waiters appreciate tip of about 10 percent, and this tip is usually left in cash. Hotel staff appreciate small tips for service.

Passport/Visa Note

Visitors should have a return or onward ticket on arrival. It is recommended that visitors have passports with six months' validity past intended stay.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans:

US citizens require a passport valid for three beyond the period of intended stay, though no visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for Canadians:

Canadian citizens require a passport valid for three beyond the period of intended stay, though no visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for UK nationals:

UK citizens require a passport valid for three beyond the period of intended stay, though no visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for Australians:

Australian citizens require a passport valid for three beyond the period of intended stay, though no visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals:

Irish citizens require a passport valid for the period of intended stay, but no visa is required.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders:

New Zealand citizens require a passport valid for three beyond the period of intended stay, though no visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for South Africans:

South African passports and other documents accepted for entry must be valid for a minimum of 3 months beyond the period of intended stay. Visitors are required to hold proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay (at least EUR 120.- per day of intended stay), and Schengen 'C' type visas must be valid for the visited Schengen Member State.

Tourist Offices

St.Barths Tourist Office, Gustavia, St.Barths: +011 590 590 27 87 27

Travel Advisories

Currency

The official currency is the euro (EUR); ATMs are easy to find in Gustavia and in St Jean, and credit cards are accepted in most establishments. Banking facilities are of a high standard on the island with banks generally open 8am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday, with a closure of an hour or two over lunch.

Overview of the Attractions in St Barths

Public Holidays in St Barths

Port of Call - St Barths (Gustavia)

Although French in culture, character and cuisine, St Barths was the only Caribbean island to have been a Swedish colony, a fact reflected in the name of the islands harbour, Gustavia. Construction permits are strictly limited so the island retains its quaint charm and picturesque village feel. There are no sprawling resorts or mega-hotels, and only about 9,000 permanent residents. Although not on most cruise itineraries, passengers that disembark here are in for a real treat. St Barth's incredible beaches, superb restaurants, and relative inaccessibility have helped make this a magnet for the rich and famous who come to enjoy the serenity, luxury and privacy that only St Barths can provide.

Ships anchor off-shore and tenders ferry passengers into Gustavia harbour, fringed by colourful buildings and moored yachts.

Shopping in St Barths (Gustavia)

The best shopping is on Quai de la Republique, Rue du General De Gaulle, and Rue Oscar II, all within easy walking distance of the harbour. Goods are duty-free but this perk is somewhat negated by the high prices. Most items are imported from France and there are few indigenous crafts or iconic island purchases.

Dining in St Barths (Gustavia)

L'Isola - authentic Italian food in a cosy atmosphere.

Le Select - cheap, cheerful and home of legendary cheese burgers.

Bonito St Barth - high-end dining with spectacular views.

Things to do in St Barths (Gustavia)

Explore St Jean Beach

Take a fishing charter

Snorkel with turtles at Petit de Anse, Flamands

Tourism Office in the centre of Gustavia

Tel: +590 590 27 87 27

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