Travel warning: Dutch citizens can be denied entry to Sint Maarten without the ED Card

Planning a sunny escape to Sint Maarten from the Netherlands?

Before you head to the airport, make sure you’ve completed one crucial requirement: the Sint Maarten Electronic Disembarkation (ED) Card.

Here’s everything Dutch travelers need to know.

Get the ED card now

What is the Sint Maarten ED Card?

The Electronic Disembarkation (ED) Card is an online form that all travelers must fill out before entering Sint Maarten.

It’s not a visa, but it is mandatory to show upon arrival.

💡 Femke Strietman, iVisa travel expert:

"Even though you can board your flight without the ED Card, having it sorted beforehand means fewer delays on arrival. Register before you fly to save time at customs."

If you forget to do it online, paper forms may be available at the airport – but that could mean long queues.

Do Dutch citizens need the ED Card?

Yes. All Dutch passport holders entering the Dutch side of the island (Sint Maarten) are required to complete the ED Card online in advance – including those in transit.

Even though Sint Maarten is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, it is an autonomous country with its own immigration policies. Dutch nationals are not exempt from the ED Card requirement.

You’ll also need:

A passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date
A return or onward ticket
Accommodation details (hotel or private stay)
Proof of sufficient funds to support your stay
For minors: a parental consent letter if only one parent is travelling

Is Sint Maarten the same as Saint Martin?

The island is shared by two nations:

Sint Maarten: the southern, Dutch-governed part
Saint Martin: the northern, French-governed part

There’s no physical border, but each side has different entry rules.

✅ You need the ED Card if you...	❌ You don’t need the ED Card if you...
Fly into Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side	Arrive at Grand Case–Espérance Airport (SFG) on the French side
Arrive by boat to Sint Maarten	Enter Saint Martin from a French territory by ferry
Transit through Sint Maarten	Cross the border between north and south by land

How to get your Sint Maarten ED Card online

Fill in your travel and personal details via iVisa or the iVisa mobile app
Upload a scan of your passport
Submit and receive your ED Card by email – often within minutes!

Why apply with iVisa?

Feature	iVisa ✅	Do It Yourself ❌
No technical issues	✅	❌ Platform bugs common
Ready before landing	✅	❌ Risk of delays
24/7 customer service	✅	❌ Limited assistance

💡 Femke Strietman, iVisa travel expert, advises:

"Changed your travel plans or flights? Just resubmit your ED Card with the new details – easy and hassle-free."

Other Sint Maarten entry rules for Dutch citizens

A Dutch national ID card is not accepted for entry into Sint Maarten. You must travel with a valid passport, even if you're coming from another part of the Kingdom.

Dutch citizens do not need a visa for Sint Maarten, but the ED Card is still required for entry. Think of it as a digital immigration form, not a visa.