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+590Arrival by boat Entry formalities
Clearance formalities for entry and exit from the islands of the French Antilles is now mandatory for all pleasure boat, for personal or professional use, arriving or departing by sea
Clearance
The procedure is free and can be done online here, or in person at one of the approved points. This electronic procedure is very convenient, but most other countries will request a printed and stamped EXIT clearance document. So you will need to print your EXIT clearance in order to get it stamped in one of the approved points listed in the above document, it can be a local shop or marina. This approved points of clearance also provide public computer where you can fill and print your document for 3 to 5€.
Visa & Immigration
Official website for visas to France
Other ressources
Noonsite.com maintains an updated worldwide database of formalities for pleasure crafts. Click here for more details.
A brief maritime history of Saint Barthélemy
Originally inhabited by the Indigenous Arawak people, who were skilled at navigating the Caribbean’s waters, the island was first mapped by Columbus in 1493. He named it after his brother Bartolomeo, but the Spanish found little of interest here.
In the 17th century, the French began to settle on St. Barth, though the island remained a quiet outpost. Then, in 1784, a surprising twist came when France sold it to Sweden in exchange for trade privileges in Gothenburg. In 1878, Sweden sold the island back to France. but this Swedish influence remains visible today, particularly in the capital, Gustavia, named after the Swedish king. The town’s red-roofed buildings and street names reflect this heritage, creating a charming European ambiance in the heart of the Caribbean.
The island’s transformation into a high-end destination began in the mid-20th century when the Rockefellers fell in love with its unspoiled beauty.
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