January 12,
2004
COUNTRY
DESCRIPTION: The French West Indies consists of two French overseas
departments containing the islands of Martinique, Guadeloupe, St. Martin (the
French side) and St. Barthelemy. These islands are well developed. In St. Martin
and St. Barthelemy, English is widely spoken and U.S. currency is
accepted.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Passports are required of U.S. citizens entering the French West
Indies. Visitors who arrive on a commercial air carrier with a round-trip ticket
may enter for up to 90 days without a visa. For further information, travelers
can contact the Embassy of France
at 4101 Reservoir Road, N.W., Washington, DC 20007; telephone 1 202 944-6000; or
the nearest French consulate in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles,
Miami, New York, New Orleans or San Francisco; Internet:
http://www.info-france-usa.org.
In an effort to prevent
international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at
entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of
relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal
guardian if not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not
required, may facilitate entry/departure.
DUAL
NATIONALITY: In addition to being subject to all French laws affecting
U.S. citizens, dual nationals may also be subject to other laws that impose
special obligations on French citizens. Although France recognizes dual
nationality, dual nationals are considered French citizens and are subject to
French laws without regard to the other nationality. For additional information,
visit the Consular Affairs home page on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov
for our Dual Nationality
flyer.
SAFETY AND
SECURITY: For the latest security information, Americans traveling
abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at
http://travel.state.gov where the current
Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can
be found.
The Overseas Citizens
Services call center at 1-888-407-4747 can answer general inquiries on safety
and security overseas. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who
are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may
obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.
CRIME:
Petty street crime, including purse snatching, occurs throughout the French West
Indies. Visitors should take care whenever traveling to safeguard valuables and
always lock hotel rooms and car doors.
The loss or theft abroad of
a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the
nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while
overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest
U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for
example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members
or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the
investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local
authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal
justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
U.S. citizens may refer to
the Department of State's pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad, for ways
to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at
http://www.gpoaccess.gov, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at
http://travel.state.gov.
MEDICAL
FACILITIES: Medical care is available throughout the French West
Indies. Martinique has the best medical care in the Eastern Caribbean, with 13
hospitals. Le Maynard Hospital is located in Fort-de-France. Guadeloupe also has
good medical care. Not all doctors speak or understand English. Hyperbaric
chambers are available in Guadeloupe at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire in
Abymes and in Martinique. Hyperbaric chambers are available in Guadeloupe, in
Abymes, and in Martinique. Saint Barthelemy has no hospital; persons requiring
medical attention are taken to St. Martin or Guadeloupe.
MEDICAL INSURANCE:
The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their
medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their
policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a
medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs
incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased.
Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical
services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private
companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred
overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.
When making a decision
regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors
and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a
medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured
travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties.
When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment
will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed
later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for
psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND
ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may
encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the U.S. The
information below concerning the French West Indies is provided for general
reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or
circumstance.
Guadeloupe:
Safety of Public Transportation:
Good
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road
Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Availability of Roadside Assistance:
Good
Martinique:
Safety of Public Transportation: Good
Urban Road
Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Fair
Driving in the French West
Indies is on the right side of the road. Children under 12 are not legally
allowed in the front seat. Seatbelt laws are strictly enforced. The roads in the
French West Indies are the best in the Eastern Caribbean. Roads are well paved
and well maintained. Main roads are well marked; secondary roads and tourist
sites are adequately marked. Excellent maps are available and local residents
are helpful, especially if greeted in a friendly manner. Both Martinique and
Guadeloupe have some six-lane highways. Traffic safety is enforced by the
police. Night driving can be dangerous, especially in the mountains and on
winding rural roads. Public transportation in the form of taxis, vans, and buses
is relatively safe.
CUSTOMS
REGULATIONS: French customs authorities may enforce strict regulations
concerning temporary importation into or export from the French West Indies of
items such as firearms, medications, animals, etc. For questions, travelers may
wish to contact the Embassy of France or a French Consulate for specific
information regarding customs requirements.
CRIMINAL
PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to
that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from
those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the
individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe
than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating French laws,
even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for
possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in the French West Indies are
strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Under
French law, no bail is offered for those arrested with illegal drugs in their
possession and they can expect to wait several months before their case is
heard. Detained persons are presumed guilty and must prove their
innocence.
CONSULAR
ACCESS: The U.S. Embassy with consular jurisdiction over the French
West Indies is located in Bridgetown, Barbados. A Consular Agent is available in
Martinique who can assist in limited circumstances. U.S. citizens are encouraged
to carry a copy of their U.S. passports with them at all times, so that, if
questioned by local officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship are
readily available.
DISASTER
PREPAREDNESS: The French West Indies can be affected by hurricanes. The
hurricane season normally runs from June to the end of November, but there have
been hurricanes in December in recent years. General information about natural disaster
preparedness is available via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov/.
CHILDREN'S
ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and
international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at
children's_issues.html or telephone the Overseas Citizens Services call center
at 1-888-407-4747. The OCS call center can answer general inquiries regarding
international adoptions and abductions and will forward calls to the appropriate
country officer in the Bureau of Consular Affairs. This number is available from
8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal
holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those
calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours
by calling 1-317-472-2328.
REGISTRATION/EMBASSY
AND CONSULATE LOCATIONS: U.S. citizens living in or visiting the
French West Indies are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the
U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown, and obtain updated information on travel and
security within the French West Indies. The Embassy is located in the First
Caribbean International Bank Building on Broad Street. Internet:
http://bridgetown.usembassy.gov. The Consular Section is open for American
Citizens Services from 8:30am to 11:30pm and 1:00 to 2:pm, Monday-Friday, except
Barbados and U.S. holidays. For after-hours service, American citizens may
contact the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados, telephone 1-246-436-4950.
The U.S. Consular Agency in Martinique
is located at the Hotel Valmeniere #615, Avenue des Arawaks, 97200 Fort de
France, telephone (596) (596) 757575, fax (596) (596) 756970, email:
hritchie@outremer.com. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 12:00pm,
except Martinique and U.S. holidays.
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This replaces the Consular
Information Sheet dated November 25, 2002, to update all
sections.
