The Sint Maarten Entry/Departure Card (ED Card) is a mandatory electronic travel form required for all visitors to the Dutch side of the island of Saint Martin. This beautiful Caribbean destination, famous for its stunning beaches, duty-free shopping, and the iconic Maho Beach where planes land just meters above sunbathers, welcomes visitors from around the world. The ED Card system was introduced to streamline immigration processing and collect important traveler information in advance.
The ED Card is free and can be completed entirely online before your trip. It replaces the traditional paper forms that were previously distributed on flights and at the airport. By submitting your information in advance, you help ensure faster processing at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) or other entry points, allowing you to start enjoying this stunning island destination sooner.
This guide covers everything you need to know about completing the Sint Maarten ED Card in 2026, including step-by-step application instructions, required information, visa requirements for different nationalities, and tips for your visit to this unique Caribbean island.
What is the Sint Maarten ED Card?
The Sint Maarten Entry/Departure Card (ED Card) is an electronic immigration form that collects traveler information for visitors arriving in Sint Maarten (Dutch side). The system helps border authorities pre-screen arrivals and maintain security while speeding up the immigration process at points of entry.
The ED Card captures your personal details, passport information, travel itinerary, accommodation in Sint Maarten, and health declaration. Once submitted, your information is available to immigration officers electronically, allowing for faster processing when you arrive. The system applies to arrivals by air, sea, and land (from the French side).
Sint Maarten has developed its ED Card system to handle the unique nature of the island - shared between Dutch and French territories with Princess Juliana International Airport serving as the main gateway for both sides. The electronic system ensures that while the island maintains open borders between the Dutch and French sections, proper immigration records are maintained for all international arrivals entering through Dutch Sint Maarten's official ports of entry.
Sint Maarten ED Card Quick Facts
Cost: Completely FREE
When to submit: Within 72 hours before arrival
Processing: Instant confirmation
Validity: Single entry
Required for: ALL visitors (tourists and residents)
Application: Online only
Time to complete: About 5 minutes
Who Needs to Complete the ED Card?
All travelers entering Sint Maarten must complete the ED Card online, including:
- All tourists: Regardless of nationality or visa requirements
- Business travelers: Those visiting for work or meetings
- Cruise passengers: Disembarking at Philipsburg cruise port
- Private yacht arrivals: Those entering by sea
- Residents and citizens: Returning to Sint Maarten
- French side visitors: Those crossing from Saint-Martin (French side)
Children also require their own ED Card submission. Parents or guardians can complete forms on behalf of minors. Each traveler, regardless of age, needs a separate submission linked to their own passport or travel document. When traveling with children, ensure you have their passport details readily available before starting the online submission process.
The only exception is same-day transit passengers who remain in the airport transit area without entering Sint Maarten. If you're connecting to another flight and not entering the country, you may not need the ED Card - but confirm with your airline before your trip to avoid any last-minute complications at the airport.
What You'll Need
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay
- Flight details: airline, flight number, departure city
- Arrival date in Sint Maarten
- Accommodation details: hotel name and address or private address
- Contact phone number and email address
- Length of intended stay
- Purpose of visit (tourism, business, etc.)
- Credit card for any applicable visa fees (if visa required)
Important: Complete Before Arrival
Submit your ED Card within 72 hours before your scheduled arrival in Sint Maarten. While it's technically possible to complete it at the airport, doing so beforehand ensures faster immigration processing and avoids potential delays or queues at arrival.
How to Complete the ED Card
- Access the official portal — Visit the official Sint Maarten EHAS portal or authorized platforms like DoVisa
- Select 'Entry' for arrivals — Choose the entry form for your upcoming visit
- Enter personal information — Provide your full name, date of birth, nationality, and sex exactly as shown on your passport
- Add passport details — Enter your passport number, issue date, expiry date, and country of issue
- Provide contact information — Enter your email address and phone number
- Add travel details — Enter your flight information, arrival date, and departure date from Sint Maarten
- Enter accommodation — Provide your hotel name and address, or private accommodation details
- Complete health questions — Answer any health declaration questions honestly
- Review all information — Check every field carefully for accuracy
- Submit the form — Complete submission and note your confirmation number
- Save confirmation — Screenshot or save the confirmation email for your records
ED Card Tips
Have your passport and flight confirmation open while completing the form. Use the exact name spelling from your passport. Save your confirmation to your phone for easy access. Complete forms for your entire travel group at the same time to ensure consistent information.
Visa Information for Sint Maarten
Sint Maarten is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands located in the beautiful Caribbean region. Visa requirements are based on the common visa policy established for the Dutch Caribbean islands:
Visa Requirements by Nationality
| Category | Nationalities | Visa Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Visa-free up to 90 days | USA, Canada, EU/EEA, UK, Australia, Japan, most Caribbean nations | No |
| Visa-free up to 30 days | Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and others | No |
| Visa required | India, China, Nigeria, Pakistan, and many African/Asian countries | Yes - apply before travel |
The ED Card is required regardless of visa status - both visa-free visitors and visa holders must complete it. If you require a visa for Sint Maarten, this must be obtained before travel through a Dutch embassy or consulate. The visa application process is separate from the ED Card.
Note that Sint Maarten (Dutch side) and Saint-Martin (French side) are on the same island but have different entry requirements. A Schengen visa allows entry to the French side, while the Dutch Caribbean visa applies to the Dutch side. In practice, there's no border control between the two sides, but you should technically meet the requirements for whichever side you're arriving through.
Common Myths About the ED Card
The ED Card is the same as a visa for Sint Maarten
The ED Card is NOT a visa. It's an electronic entry form for immigration processing. Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality. Visa-free travelers still need the ED Card, and visa holders also need it. They serve different purposes.
You don't need the ED Card if you're a cruise passenger
Cruise passengers disembarking in Sint Maarten (Philipsburg) must complete the ED Card just like air travelers. The only exception is if you're staying on the ship and not entering Sint Maarten. If you're getting off the cruise ship, even for a few hours, complete the ED Card.
Sint Maarten
Capital: Philipsburg
Currency: Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG) / USD widely accepted
Language: Dutch, English
Timezone: UTC-4 (AST)
Processing: Instant
Quick Facts
- ED Card: FREE
- Submit: 72 hours before arrival
- Processing: Instant
- Visa-free: Many nationalities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sint Maarten ED Card free?
How early can I submit the ED Card?
Do I need an ED Card for both Dutch and French sides?
Can I complete the ED Card at the airport?
Do children need their own ED Card?
What if I'm visiting from the French side?
Do cruise passengers need the ED Card?
What if my plans change after submitting?
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Comments(10)
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Just returned from Sint Maarten - the ED Card was super easy! Completed it on my phone the night before the flight. Maho Beach is incredible - watching planes land right overhead is a must-do experience!
Tip: You can explore both the Dutch and French sides of the island freely. The ED Card gets you through the Dutch side airport, then there's no checkpoint between the two sides. Two countries, one island!
We came on a cruise and had to complete the ED Card individually even though we're a family. The cruise line sent reminders which was helpful. Processing at Philipsburg was quick!
Is the US dollar widely accepted? I don't want to exchange currency for a short visit.
The duty-free shopping is amazing! Front Street in Philipsburg has great deals on electronics, jewelry, and liquor. Combine that with beautiful beaches - perfect island getaway!
Princess Juliana Airport is an experience in itself. The approach over Maho Beach is legendary. Complete your ED Card early so you can enjoy the arrival without rushing through immigration!
How long can I stay with the ED Card as a US citizen?
We split our trip between the Dutch and French sides - the French side has amazing food and beaches too! No border crossing hassle at all. One island, two cultures, twice the fun!
Sunset at Maho Beach watching the last planes land is absolutely magical. Simple free entertainment and one of the most unique experiences I've ever had. Sint Maarten is underrated!
The ED Card confirmation came to my email instantly. Saved it as a screenshot and showed it at immigration - super smooth. The whole process from landing to leaving the airport was maybe 30 minutes.