Is Sint Maarten safe?
Safe in tourist areas with common sense. Petty theft and opportunistic crime happen, and some violent incidents occur in less visited areas.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2024-08-18.
- Emergency numbers: Police 911 · Ambulance 912 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911.
Safety in Sint Maarten at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Beach and car theft, bag snatching, and occasional robberies after dark outside main tourist zones. |
| At night | Simpson Bay's strip stays busy late and feels fine. Use taxis after dark outside the main strips. |
| Solo women | Solo women generally feel comfortable around beaches and bars. Watch drinks, use taxis late and avoid empty beaches at night. |
| Other risks | Hurricane season, Jun–Nov; Jet blast at Maho Beach; Traffic around the Simpson Bay bridge |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Time-share promoters offering free drinks or tours
- Taxi drivers quoting higher flat fares than posted rates
Take care
- Leaving valuables on beaches or in cars
- Walking isolated stretches after dark
- Dark side streets in Philipsburg at night
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Cannabis is illegal in most uses; possession can lead to arrest.
- Nude sunbathing is only allowed at designated beaches.
Quick answers
Is Sint Maarten safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women generally feel comfortable around beaches and bars. Watch drinks, use taxis late and avoid empty beaches at night.
Is Sint Maarten safe at night?
Simpson Bay's strip stays busy late and feels fine. Use taxis after dark outside the main strips.
What is the crime rate in Sint Maarten?
Beach and car theft, bag snatching, and occasional robberies after dark outside main tourist zones.
What number do I call in an emergency in Sint Maarten?
Police 911 · Ambulance 912 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911.
More about Sint Maarten
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Sint Maarten Tourist Bureau
- Princess Juliana Airport
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.