Clearing Into St. Maarten by Boat: Customs, Fees and What to Expect for Both Sides
When clearing into a new island, there are always small nuances that make each place a little different, and St. Maarten is no exception.
With two countries on one island, the process can seem a bit confusing at first, but it’s actually much simpler than it sounds.
The good news is you only need to clear into one side initially. From there, you’re free to explore the island by dinghy, on foot, by bus, or however you like (yes, even with your dog).
However, if you move your boat and anchor, dock, or haul out on the other side, you’ll need to check out of the first side and clear into the other side.
Having anchored on both sides multiple times during the same visit, I’ll walk you through exactly how to clear in and out of both St. Maarten (Dutch side) and St. Martin (French side). Spoiler alert: the French side is all online, and it’s super easy!
Do You Clear Into St. Maarten or St. Martin?
You do need to clear into one side of the island when you first arrive (the side you anchor or dock in). The side you choose can affect how easy the process is, and how much it costs.
On the Dutch side (St. Maarten), you’ll need to clear in at the Customs and Immigration offices in person. There are fees for clearing in, anchoring, and going through the Simpson Bay Bridge if applicable.
On the French side (St. Martin), the clearance process is all online, no office visit required, and it’s free, which is hard to beat!
Once you are checked in on one side, you are free to move around the entire island. We typically get around by dinghy and walking from the docks in Cole Bay, and use buses or rental cars when we want to explore further.
However, if you move your boat from one side to the other, then you must check out of the first side and check into the other side.
Which Side Should You Clear Into First?
Most cruisers choose to clear into the French side (St. Martin) when they first arrive because it’s simple and free.
If you’re looking for the simplest option, the French side is usually the easiest place to start.
That said, the best side to clear into really depends on your plans, the weather, and where the best anchorage is at the time.
On our first visit to St. Martin during our sail down from the USVI, we went straight into the Lagoon on the French side as the weather was about to pick up. On another visit, we anchored in Grand Case in St. Martin, which is a great option in calmer conditions.
In general, it’s best to choose the side that makes the most sense for your arrival and conditions, and then clear in once you’re anchored.
Clearing Into St. Maarten (Dutch Side)
We’ve cleared into St. Maarten on the Dutch side multiple times and it follows a more traditional, in-person process compared to the French side. While it’s still straightforward, there are a few additional steps and fees compared to the French side.
Here’s what to expect when clearing in on the Dutch side:
Where Customs and Immigration Is Located
The Customs and Immigration offices are located in the same building, with walk-up windows next to each other on the first floor of the police station. It sits along the canal between Simpson Bay and Simpson Bay Lagoon, right next to the Simpson Bay Bridge.
There is a dinghy dock there to use, however, there tends to be a lot of boat traffic in this area. We typically dock our dinghy at the Sint Maarten Yacht Club dinghy dock and walk across the bridge to the Customs & Immigration Office.
When to Clear In (Timing + Bridge Considerations)
After anchoring or docking, you should clear in with Customs and Immigration as soon as possible.
If you plan to transit a bridge, you do not need to clear it in ahead of time, however, you should radio the bridge operator on VHF Channel 12 to let them know you plan to transit the bridge (be sure to specify the Simpson Bay Bridge vs. the Simpson Bay Causeway Bridge).
The Customs and Immigration Office Hours change depending on the time of year, but standard hours during peak season are:
Customs Office:
- 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (7 days/week)
- Phone: +1 721-454-3183
Immigration Office:
- 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM (7 days/week)
- Phone: +1 721-545-0031
⚓Note: Customs and Immigration have slightly different hours, so it’s best to check both before you go. Hours are subject to change.
The mega yachts come and go in and out of St. Maarten on a frequent basis with many passengers and crew. Be prepared for the clearance process with St. Maarten to take some time, depending on how busy they are. Last time we cleared into St. Maarten, it took us approximately 1 hour.
What You Need to Clear In
Unlike other Eastern Caribbean islands, St. Maarten does not use SailClear for clearing in. Therefore, there is no online step to take before going into the Customs & Immigration offices. Have the following paperwork with you when you go to clear in:
- Passports for every person onboard
- Boat documentation
- Clearing out paperwork from where you arrived from
- Printed copies – they strongly prefer physical paperwork over documents on your phone. One time we showed them our clearing out documents from the French side on our phone. While they did accept it, it was clear they would have preferred a hard copy.
- Cash or credit card for their fees
We keep a small printer onboard for this exact reason so we’re not scrambling to find somewhere to print. This is the one we use:
- Portable
- Wired or Wireless
- 4.5 Pounds
- Print Documents and photos up to 8.5 x 11 inches that showcase sharp black text and vibrant details, including square and borderless prints
Fees on the Dutch Side
There are several fees to pay when checking into the Dutch side in St. Maarten. They are all paid at the Customs Office. The fees are for: Customs clearance, Harbor fees, Harbor clearance fees, and bridge fees if you transit through one of their bridges.
Fees can vary slightly, but here’s a general breakdown of what to expect:
Customs clearance fees are calculated per net ton:
Scroll sideways to view full tables on mobile
| Custom Clearance | Cost per net ton (USD) |
|---|---|
| 001 – 099 tons | $2 |
| 100 – 499 tons | $5 |
| 500 tons and over | $9 |
Harbor fees are calculated by boat length and per week:
| Boat Length in Meters | Boat Length in Feet | Harbor Fee per Week (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 08 – 13 | 26.2 – 42.6 | $20 |
| 13 – 18 | 42.6 – 59.0 | $40 |
| 18 – 23 | 59.0 – 75.5 | $60 |
| 23 – 28 | 75.5 – 91.8 | $90 |
| 28 – 33 | 91.8 – 108.2 | $120 |
| 33 – 38 | 108.2 – 124.6 | $150 |
| 38 – 43 | 124.6 – 141.0 | $180 |
| 43 – 50 | 141.0 – 164.0 | $210 |
| 50 – 75 | 164.0 – 246.0 | $250 |
| 75 Meters and longer | 246 Feet and longer | $290 |
Harbor clearance fees are calculated by gross ton:
| Harbor Clearance Fee by Gross Ton | Gross Ton Fee in USD |
|---|---|
| 001 – 099 | $5 |
| 100 – 499 | $10 |
| 500 and over | $20 |
Bridge fees are per entry and are calculated by the length of your vessel:
| Boat Length in Meters | Boat Length in Feet | Bridge Fee (USD) per Entry |
|---|---|---|
| 09 to 12 Meters | 29.5 to 39.4 Feet | $7 |
| 12 to 15 Meters | 39.4 to 49.2 Feet | $21 |
| 15 to 18 Meters | 49.2 to 59.0 Feet | $42 |
| 18 to 22 Meters | 59.0 to 72.2 Feet | $120 |
| 22 to 28 Meters | 72.2 to 91.8 Feet | $200 |
| 28 – 36 Meters | 91.8 to 118.1 Feet | $300 |
| 36 Meters and Longer | 118.1 Feet | $500 |
For example, our 45-foot, 13-ton sailboat, Pelagia, clearing in and anchoring for one week in the Lagoon on the Dutch side would cost us: $26 Customs clearance, $40 harbor fee, and $21 bridge fee for a total of $87 for the first week of anchoring in Dutch waters.
After the first week, you would only need to pay the Harbor Fee, so the cost will go down from here.
Step-by-Step: Dutch Side Clearance Process
Here’s how the clearance process works on the Dutch side:
- Enter the Customs & Immigration office and request a clearance form (bring a pen if you have one).
- Complete the form and wait to speak with the Immigration officer, providing your documents.
- After Immigration, proceed to the Customs window.
- Pay all applicable fees.
- Keep your clearance paperwork in a safe place.
Clearing Crew Into St. Maarten (What to Know)
If you’re flying crew in or out of St. Maarten, the process can look a little different than standard arrival by boat.
When we flew into SXM to join a friend’s boat to sail with them to Bermuda, they provided us with a letter confirming we were joining the vessel as crew and would be departing by sea. This is typically required when your entry and exit methods don’t match.
Requirements can vary depending on your situation, so it’s a good idea to confirm current procedures with Customs and Immigration or your marina ahead of time.
Clearing Into St. Martin (French Side)
Compared to the Dutch side, clearing into the French side is much simpler and can be done entirely online. No office visit required.
French Online Clearance Process
To clear into the French side of St. Martin, all you need to do is complete the official online clearance form.
The French islands of St. Martin, Martinique and Guadeloupe all use this website instead of SailClear, which is commonly used throughout the Eastern Caribbean.
Step-by-Step: French Online Clearance
Here’s how the clearance process works on the French side once you arrive:
- Create an account on the official clearance website (available in both French and English).
- Start a new clearance file:
- Enter your boat and crew information (this same form is used for both entry and exit).
- Submit the form.
- After submitting, you’ll receive two emails: one receipt and one with your stamped clearance document. Download and keep a copy of this document (printed or digital).
Tips for the French Online Clearance System
The system is straightforward once you’ve used it, but a few tips can make it even easier:
- If you have trouble accessing the website, switching to a French IP address can help. We’ve used Surfshark for this and had no issues.
- Using Google Chrome makes it easy to translate the site into English if needed.
- After completing your first form, you can duplicate your previous file under the “Other Actions” tab. This is a huge time-saver since your boat and crew details will already be filled in – you’ll just need to update your location and dates.
Clearance Costs on the French Side
There is no cost to create an account or to clear in and out of St. Martin, Martinique, or Guadeloupe.
This is a big change from when we first visited when you had to find a local chandlery with a computer kiosk to complete the process. Now, it’s quick, easy, and can be done entirely online.
Compared to the Dutch side, this process is much faster and easier, which is why many cruisers choose to clear into the French side first.
Clearing Out of St. Maarten / St. Martin
Clearing out of St. Martin and St. Maarten is generally straightforward, especially if you’ve already gone through the check-in process. The steps will depend on which side of the island you’re currently checked into.
Here’s what to expect when clearing out from each side:
Clearing Out of St. Maarten (Dutch Side)
To clear out of the Dutch side, you’ll need to return to the Customs and Immigration office near the Simpson Bay Bridge.
- Visit the Customs & Immigration office in person
- Provide your passports and boat documentation
- Submit your outbound clearance details (next destination, crew, etc.)
- Receive your clearance paperwork
We’ve found it’s best to allow a little extra time, especially during busy periods when larger yachts are clearing in and out.
Clearing Out of St. Martin (French Side)
Clearing out of the French side is done through the same online system used for check-in.
- Log into your account
- Duplicate your previous file (huge time saver)
- Update your departure details
- Submit the form
- Download your clearance document
Since all your information is already saved, this process usually only takes a few minutes.
When to Clear Out of St. Maarten / St. Martin
You should clear out shortly before departing, usually the same day or the day before. Once cleared out, you’re typically expected to leave within 24 hours.
Common Mistakes When Clearing Into SXM
Clearing into St. Maarten can go pretty smoothly, by avoiding some common mistakes:
- Not bringing printed paperwork
While digital copies may be accepted, Customs and Immigration strongly prefer printed documents. We’ve used digital copies on our phones before when it was quiet, but it’s not something we’d rely on. - Arriving when one office is closed
Customs and Immigration have different hours. If one is closed, you won’t be able to complete the process and will need to return later. - Trying to use SailClear
St. Maarten and St. Martin do not use SailClear, so there’s no need to complete anything online before arriving on the Dutch side. - Not checking bridge timing
The area gets busy right after bridge openings, when larger yachts come in to clear their crew and guests. Planning around this can save you time.
FAQs About Clearing Into St. Maarten by Boat
Do you have to clear into both sides of St. Martin / St. Maarten?
No, you only need to clear into the side where your boat is anchored or docked. Once cleared in, you’re free to move around the entire island. If you move your boat to the other side, you’ll need to check out and clear in again.
Is clearing into St. Martin free?
Yes, clearing into the French side of St. Martin is free. On the Dutch side of St. Maarten, there are fees for clearance, anchoring, and bridge use.
Can you clear into St. Martin online?
Yes, clearing into the French side of St. Martin is done entirely online. Clearing into the Dutch side of St. Maarten must be done in person at the Customs and Immigration office.
Do you need SailClear to clear into SXM?
No, SailClear is not used in St. Maarten or St. Martin. The Dutch side requires an in-person check-in, while the French side uses its own online clearance system.
How long does it take to clear into St. Maarten?
Clearing into St. Maarten typically takes 30 minutes to an hour on the Dutch side, depending on how busy it is. The French side is usually much faster and can be completed online in just a few minutes.
Clearing Into St. Maarten Is Easier Than You Think
Clearing into St. Maarten might seem a bit confusing at first, but once you understand how the two sides work, it’s actually a straightforward process.
Whether you choose the French side for its simplicity or the Dutch side for access to marinas, services, and the main lagoon entrances, it’s a stop that quickly becomes a favorite for many cruisers.
If you’re planning your stay, we share everything you need to know about sailing to St. Martin and entering the Simpson Bay Lagoon, including anchoring, provisioning, and what to expect once you arrive.
