Saint-Barthélemy
Phone Code
+590
Capital
Gustavia
Population
11,000
Native Name
Saint-Barthélemy
Region
Americas
Caribbean
Timezone
Atlantic Standard Time
UTC-04:00
On This Page
Saint-Barthélemy is a small French overseas collectivity in the Caribbean, 25 square kilometres northeast of St. Martin, known internationally as a luxury destination. The island was under Swedish rule from 1784 to 1878 before returning to France — the capital, Gustavia, still carries the name of Sweden's King Gustav III from that period. It is a French overseas collectivity outside the Schengen Area, which is the single most consequential entry distinction for visitors: EU/EEA/Swiss citizens enter freely, and most other nationalities — including the US, Canada and Australia — enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
Visa Requirements for Saint-Barthélemy
Saint-Barthélemy's entry requirements are distinct from mainland France because the island sits outside the Schengen Area — a Schengen visa for mainland France does not automatically grant entry here, and entry here does not grant access to Schengen countries. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens enter freely with a national ID card or passport for stays of any duration. Most other nationalities, including the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Travellers who need a visa must apply specifically for French overseas territories, not a standard Schengen visa, through a French consulate or embassy. See the visa categories below for the specific requirements.
Common Visa Types
Visa-Free Entry (EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens)
For citizens of EU member states, EEA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway), and Switzerland for unlimited stays.
Visa-Free Entry (90 Days - Select Countries)
For citizens of ~60 countries including USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, UK, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico for tourism or business.
French Overseas Territory Visa
For nationals not eligible for visa-free entry to French overseas territories.
Extended Stay / Residence Permits
For foreign nationals seeking residence or extended stays beyond tourist limits through property ownership, business investment, employment, or family connections.
Essential Travel Information
Discover Saint-Barthélemy
St. Barths' runway is just 650 metres long, approached over a hill and ending at a beach, which rules out anything larger than small commuter aircraft and requires pilots to hold a specific certification before airlines let them fly the route. That's why almost no one arrives directly: the standard route is a flight to St. Martin's Princess Juliana or Grand Case airport, then a short connecting hop on Winair, St. Barth Commuter or Tradewind Aviation — or a ferry across the same channel for travellers who'd rather skip the small-plane approach entirely.
Money & Currency
Euro (EUR)
Currency code: EUR
Practical Money Tips
Euro Is the Currency — USD Widely Accepted
Saint-Barthélemy uses the euro. US dollars are accepted almost everywhere given the large American clientele. Bring euros or USD; other currencies are not exchangeable on the island.
ATMs in Gustavia Only
Cash machines are found only in Gustavia (BFC and Crédit Mutuel). Outside the capital, cash availability is limited — withdraw what you need before heading to remote beaches or villa areas.
Cards Essential for Luxury Spending
Visa and Mastercard are standard across hotels, restaurants, and boutiques. American Express is accepted at most upscale properties. Apple Pay and Google Pay work at modern venues throughout the island.
VAT-Free Zone — Keep Cash for Local Vendors
Saint-Barthélemy is a VAT-exempt free zone, so prices are lower than mainland France. Keep cash handy for the Lorient market, small snack bars (lorols), and tipping.
Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.
Almost everyone connects through St. Martin — flying to Princess Juliana or Grand Case airport, then taking a short flight on a small commuter aircraft to St. Barths' own airport, or crossing by ferry. There's no realistic way to fly to St. Barths directly from outside the Caribbean given the short runway.
Most Western nationalities — the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand among them — enter visa-free for up to 90 days, and EU/EEA/Swiss citizens enter freely with no time limit; note that a Schengen visa for mainland France does not cover St. Barths, since the island sits outside the Schengen Area.
Yes — French law makes the entire coastline public, so anyone can walk onto any beach without paying; only the loungers, umbrellas and table service at beach clubs cost money, not access to the sand itself.
Treat this Visaja page as your starting point: verify the current rules directly with the official source before you submit an application.