Caribbean
Martinique
A French Caribbean island with beaches, rainforest, rum distilleries and Mount Pelée. Euro prices and French services; English is limited and a rental car is almost essential.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautions
- CurrencyEURUS$1 ≈ €0.89Details
- English2/5Limited
- PlugsType C, D, E230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18 · All emergencies 112
- Tap waterYes, drinkableMains water is treated to French standards and drinkable, though chlordecone pollution affects some soils and local produce.
- LGBTQ+Marriage equalityFrench law protects LGBTQ+ people, including marriage and anti-discrimination rules; island society is more conservative than mainland France, so discretion is common outside tourist areas.
- DrivingOn the rightEU licences are valid; other foreign licences are accepted for short stays, ideally with an IDP or French translation.
Where to go in Martinique
1 place with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MartiniqueIsland | 4/5 | $2,810–4,280 | Dec–Apr | — |
When to visit Martinique
December–April is dry and busiest; June–November is wetter and hurricane-prone (peak August–October). Carnival runs January to Ash Wednesday.
Good to know
Entry
- Outside the Schengen area: a Schengen visa or ETIAS does not automatically cover it. Check France-Visas for your nationality.
- A yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
- Part of the EU but outside Schengen: Schengen visas are not automatically valid.
- Passport should be valid at least 3 months beyond your stay.
Laws visitors break by accident
- French law applies, including a 0.5 g/l drink-driving limit.
- Hiking Mount Pelée can be restricted in bad weather.
Etiquette
- Say 'bonjour' on entering shops, restaurants and buses
- Lunch is long and many places close at midday
- Dress modestly away from the beach
Tipping
Service is included in prices; round up or leave a few euros for good service.
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Martinique
- France-Visas
- Martinique tourism
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.