TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Passport expiration gap? 6 month rule?

We are going to be on the island from 11/21 to 11/29. My passport expires 1/7/24. I was just told by someone that I may need to have a 6 month extra on my passport to enter SXM....Does anyone have any experience with this? It will be a real kick in the gut if I am denied entry....

Ok...That got my blood racing and my palms wet! Funny that my first reaction was to post my question here. I then checked Travel.state.gov and found the info...

Has anyone filled out the ED card? I thought it was discontinued a few years ago.

Yes, as you found out, for trips ONLY to St. Maarten, you don't need to worry about expiration date of your passport, so long as it is valid for the length of your trip. The only caveat is that if you plan on going to other islands once on island, you need to check THEIR requirements.

Thanks Carol, we are considering a day trip to Anguilla. I'll check out that info as well.

Anguilla is even less restrictive.

We had a similar situation, but ours were good for 5 months. We called Jet Blue & they said it would be ok with St Martin, but would still be at the discretion of the airline, the day you are to go...
You may want to check into going in person to get an expedited passport.
Also, take a look at rushmypassport.com It seems you can do it at several Fed Ex locations in CT and get it in a week.

Pretty sure the airline can't make their own rules regarding passports. I'd be sure to have the official state department rules available to show them if I encountered a problem.

You’re right that the airline can’t make their own rules, but all it takes is one or two uninformed airline employees to mess up your trip. I stick to the six month rule for our passports just to avoid a situation like that. Now if I were I in OPs position I would take your advise and bring a print out of the rules. A bunch of people are going to reply saying it’s never been a problem, but better safe than sorry.

(Flashback to summer 2021 and me arguing with a AA agent about the acceptability of our COVID tests, even though SXM has already approved them. Fortunately I had two different tests and she was happier with the second set.)

Agreed, Georgia. Take a copy of the official regulations, just in case you get some ignorant airline employee.

You're probably right, but that is what we were told. And I wouldn't want to be arguing with someone about it the day I'm leaving...

pony--No, just take a copy of the official rules with you, in case you are questioned.