Electricity

The electrical current in Martinique is 220 volts, 50Hz. European round pin attachment plugs are in use.

Language

French is the official language of Martinique, but Antillean Creole (Creole Martiniquais) is mostly spoken among islanders. English is typically spoken only in the larger hotels and tourist areas.

Money

The local currency is the euro (EUR); major credit cards are widely accepted.

Tipping

As in France, tips are usually included in restaurant bills in Martinique, and taxes and service charges are included in hotel rates.

Health

Medical and health care facilities in Martinique are on a par with those of France and are considered to be some of the best in the French West Indies. Specialist treatment is also available. There are around 20 hospitals and clinics located on the island, including 24-hour emergency facilities. Travellers should be up to date on common vaccinations such as hepatitis A and hepatitis B, tetanus, and MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) before travelling to Martinique, and travellers need proof of yellow fever vaccination.

Visitors from EU countries are entitled to discounted medical treatment and medicines on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. Medical insurance is advised nonetheless.

Safety

There is very little crime in Martinique but visitors should take sensible precautions and avoid isolated areas after dark, and not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery. Valuables and travel documents should, where possible, be left in safety deposit boxes and hotel safes.

Local customs

Unlike many tropical islands, Martinique has a thriving economy and is not solely dependent on tourism. Relaxed, informal clothing is acceptable around town, but scanty beach wear is considered improper in urban areas. The only officially designated clothing-optional beaches in the French islands are in Guadeloupe and St. Martin, but at hotel pools and at private beaches near hotels in Martinique, topless swimming and sunbathing is common.

Doing business

Lightweight suits are recommended for the climate, and visiting business people will need to rely on the French language, as most of the island's business is connected with France.

Duty free

Those travelling to Martinique from non-EU member states may import 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g tobacco, two litres of liquor, and perfume in amounts reasonable for personal use duty-free. Travellers who are visiting with goods purchased within the EU may bring in 800 cigarettes, 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco, and 20 litres of liquor duty free.

Communications

The international dialling code for Martinique is +596. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). WiFi is freely available at all hotels, cafes, restaurants and guesthouses; travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones or use eSIMs if their cellular providers support it on their networks.

Passport & Visa

Martinique is part of the French West Indies. All foreign passengers to Martinique must hold a return or onward ticket, the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country. Schengen visas are also valid for travel to Martinique, provided they are endorsed as such. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Martinique if visitors are older than one year of age, are arriving from a country with a risk of transmission, or have spent more than 12 hours in an airport located in a country with a risk of transmission. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

US citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Martinique. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months after the date of departure. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Martinique. No visa required for stays up to 90 days.

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Martinique. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Martinique. A visa is required.

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for the duration of intended stay in Martinique. No visa is required.

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Martinique. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Useful contacts

Comité Martiniquais du Tourisme: https://us.martinique.org/

18 (Fire); 17 (Police); 15 (Ambulance).

Embassies / consulates in other countries

French Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Martinique): +1 202 944 6000.

French Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Martinique): +44 207 073 1000.

French Embassy, Ottawa, Canada (also responsible for Martinique): +1 613 789 1795.

French Embassy, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for Martinique): +61 26 216 0100.

French Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for Martinique): +27 12 425 1600.

French Embassy, Dublin, Ireland (also responsible for Martinique): +353 1 277 5000.

French Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand (also responsible for Martinique): +64 4 384 2555.

Embassies / consulates in Martinique

United States Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 1 4312 2222.

British Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 1 4451 3100.

Canadian Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 1 4443 2900.

Australian Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 1 4059 3300.

South African Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 1 5359 2323.

Irish Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 1 4417 6700.

New Zealand Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 1 4501 4343.