Welcome to Martinique

With a cosmopolitan air, stunning beaches (some of them with arresting black volcanic sand), and a lush, mountainous interior, Martinique remains one of the Caribbean’s most alluring escapes.

It’s a little touch of France in the West Indies. Don’t miss the cultural scene in the capital of Fort-de-France, where you’ll get the story of the island’s history and the chance to eat incredible island cuisine as well.

Unique Facts

• There is a small version of Paris’ Sacre Coeur on Martinique. It’s called the Balata church and it was constructed in the exact style of the iconic French cathedral.
• Martinique has a huge mangrove forest, representing six percent of the total forested area on the island. It starts in the center of the island and spreads to Genipa Bay.
• There are several black-sand beaches on Martinique, located around the active volcano, Montagne Pelee, in the northwest region of the island.
• The island was originally known as Jouanacaera-Matinino, which means “mythical island” from the Tainos of Hispaniola, before Christopher Columbus named it Martinique.
• Colombo, a curried chicken with spiced masala of Tamil origins, is the most popular dish in the country.

Language

Martinique’s official language is French.

When To Go

The best time to go to Martinique is in May, after the December to April high season and before the storms of summer and fall.

Airports

Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None for stays of up to 90 days

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Martinique: Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B, Rabies and Yellow Fever vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C, D and E. Standard voltage: 2200V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Euro

Getting Around

While still rebuilding from the 2017 hurricane season, the roads in the French West Indies are generally the best in the Eastern Caribbean. There is an expressway through Martinique and the roads are well paved, maintained and marked.

Public transportation options include taxi, van and bus service.

Driver’s License

A valid US driver’s license is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Bridgetown
Wildey Business Park
Wildey
St. Michael BB 14006
Barbados, W.I.
Telephone: +(246) 227-4399
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(246) 227-4000
Fax: +(246) 431-0179
BridgetownACS@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Comité Martiniquais du Tourisme
Avenue Loulou Boislaville – Tour Lumina
97200 Fort-de-Frence
Martinique, FWI
Tel: (596) 596-61-61-77
infos.cmt@martiniquetourisme.com

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Ambulance: 15
Police: 17
Fire: 18

Safety and Security

Petty street crime, including purse snatching, occasionally occurs. Do not leave valuables unattended.