In Martinique, people presenting symptoms such as fever, cough and fatigue must immediately dial 15 to contact the Samu Center (Service d’Aide Médicale Urgente) for an examination.
In case of suspicion of COVID 19, a test will be applied.
As for the flu, preventive measures such as (coughing in your elbow, one time use of Kleenex, wearing of a mask, washing your hands regularly) are efficient.
First sighted by Columbus on his initial expedition in 1493, Martinique played host to its first European “tourists” in 1502 when Columbus landed there during his fourth voyage. Dubbed Martinique by Columbus, the island was inhabited by Kalinago Indians who had driven away the Arawaks (both tribes had come to the island from South America). Martinique was claimed by France in 1635 and officially annexed in 1674. France and Britain fought over the island until 1815, when France prevailed. Slavery was abolished in 1848. In 1946, Martinique became a Department of France and in 1974 a Region of France, its current status.
Modern day Martinique is truly “a little bit of France in the Caribbean.” It exudes an alluring and distinctly French sensibility in the excellence of its cuisine and rhums, the chic sophistication of its fine resorts and hotels, its fashion and art scene, and more. Yet Martinique has a cachet all its own. It possesses an endearing West Indian warmth in its personality, a special spice in its music and dance, its local dishes, cultural heritage, and way of life. It is an island with style and so much more. A special place, to be sure, with so much to offer – Martinique c’est magnifique!
Entry Requirements
U.S. and Canadian citizens may enter without a visa for stays of up to three months, however a valid passport is required. A visa is also not required for stays of up to three months for the following:
- Nationals holding a valid ID card or passport from a EU member country or other European Economic Area (EEA) countries, Andorra, Monaco and Switzerland.
- France residence permit holders (carte de séjour).
For more details, contact your Regional French Consulate.
Arrival/Departure Taxes
None for air or cruise arrivals.
Ferry Boat
3x’s per-week ferry service is available between Martinique (Fort-de-France) and Guadeloupe, St. Lucia, and Dominica aboard sleek catamarans operated by:
Express des Iles (leaving from Fort-de-France)
Tel: +596 596 63 05 45
www.express-des-iles.com
Jeans for Freedom (leaving from Saint-Pierre)
Tel: +1 (767) 255-1200
www.jeansforfreedom.com
Additional Ferry service is available between Martinique (le Marin) and St Lucia with:
Compagnie Maritime West Indies
Tel. +596 596 74 93 38
ciemaritime.westindies@wanadoo.fr
Cruise
If you’re going on a Caribbean cruise that will include Martinique as a port of call or if you’re just thinking about a cruise vacation, you may want more information about this French-speaking island that is located just north of Saint Lucia and Barbados and south of Puerto Rico.
Cruise Lines featuring Martinique include:
Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Star Clippers, Club Med, Compagnie du Ponant, Costa, MSC Cruises.
Yachting
Bareboat or crewed charters can be arranged at most hotels. Yachtsmen can choose among several marinas, most notably Port de Plaisance in Le Marin.
Getting Around by Rental Car
5,000+ cars available from Avis, Budget, Hertz and more. Driving is on the right. A valid driver’s license is required; min. age is 21.
