Is St. Barts safe?
Very safe, with very low crime. Normal care is enough, though theft from cars and beaches does occur occasionally.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 5/5, very safe.
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2026-08-19.
- Emergency numbers: Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18 · All emergencies 112.
Safety in St. Barts at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Crime | Petty theft from cars and beach bags; violent crime against visitors is rare. |
| At night | Gustavia is safe and quiet at night; roads outside are narrow, steep and dark, so drive carefully or use taxis. |
| Solo women | Solo women commonly report very safe, relaxed evenings. Standard caution applies on isolated beaches. |
| Other risks | Steep winding roads with tight turns; Strong sun; Hurricane season, Jun–Nov |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Prices that are inflated in tourist shops, so check before buying
- Unlicensed taxi drivers quoting high rates
Take care
- Leaving valuables in cars at beaches
- Narrow cliff roads at night
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- French law applies, including a 0.5 g/l drink-driving limit.
- No overnight camping and strict beach rules in protected areas.
Quick answers
Is St. Barts safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women commonly report very safe, relaxed evenings. Standard caution applies on isolated beaches.
Is St. Barts safe at night?
Gustavia is safe and quiet at night; roads outside are narrow, steep and dark, so drive carefully or use taxis.
What is the crime rate in St. Barts?
Petty theft from cars and beach bags; violent crime against visitors is rare.
What number do I call in an emergency in St. Barts?
Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18 · All emergencies 112.
More about St. Barts
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- St. Barth Tourism Committee
- Collectivité de Saint-Barthélemy
- 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 Spotted something out of date?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.