Martinique

Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean Archipelago and a member of the French West Indies, Martinique is one of the many islands to make up the group of Lesser Antilles, affectionately referred to as the 'Breezy Islands'. This vibrant island has all the charm of a small village in the south of France stirred together with a little Créole flavour and a lot of spice.

With such a rich and diverse history, culture lovers will enjoy the many historical sites including La Pagerie, where Napoléon's Empress Joséphine was born in 1763, Diamond Rock, a 600-foot (182m) pinnacle in the sea and St-Pierre, a somewhat modern day Pompeii, if you will. It was Martinique's principal city until 1902 when Mt. Pelée volcano erupted, wiping out the city and its 30,000 people in just three minutes.

Featuring two beautiful peaks, Carbet and Mont Pelée, the now dormant volcano that is the highest mountain on the island at 4,586 feet (1398 metres), this area is also home to Martinique's legendary tropical rainforest. The unspoiled beauty of this area will inspire visions of the lush Caribbean landscape from centuries ago, romancing visitors into believing the Garden of Eden still exists.

There is something for just about everybody on the beautiful island of Martinique, with plenty of water activities such as kitesurfing, yachting, diving, surfing and sailing as well as mountain biking, hiking and the adventure sport of 'canyoning', throwing yourself down waterfalls into pools below. For the less adventurous, warm sunny days can be spent lazing on the sandy white palm-fringed beaches, many of which are something to write home about. Salines Beach at the southernmost tip of Martinique is like something straight out of a picture perfect postcard.

Climate

The average monthly temperatures in Martinique are surprisingly constant. This stability is due to the refreshing breezes that blow from the northeast, known as the trade winds (Les Alizés). The dry season is December through May, while June through November is the more humid season. However rain showers can occur at any time throughout the year. Average air temperatures in coastal regions range from 72ºF - 86ºF (22ºC - 30ºC) while the inland areas average from 66ºF - 81ºF (9ºC - 27º C). The rainforests are naturally slightly cooler and warmer coastal waters average between 68ºF and 74ºF (20ºC and 23ºC). Hurricanes may occur any time from June through November and are most common in September.

Money

The local currency is Euros but US Dollars, traveller's checks and major credit cards are widely accepted.

Passport Visa

Martinique is part of the French Antilles. 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. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Martinique, if arriving in the country within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your 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 three months.
• British citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Martinique. No visa is required, for holders of British passports endorsed British Citizen, or British Subject (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom). Other British passport holders should confirm their visa/entry requirements with the nearest French Diplomatic mission.
• Canadian 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 three months.
• 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 three months.
• 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 period 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 three months.

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, the largest of them being Hospital Pierre Zobda Quikman, which has 24-hour emergency room. Travellers should be up to date on common vaccinations like Hepatitis A and B, tetanus, and measles boosters before travelling to Martinique. Medical insurance is advised.

Embassy Consulates

• French Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Martinique): +1 (202) 944 6000.
• French Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Martinique): +44 (0)207 073 1000.
• French Embassy, Ottawa, Canada (also responsible for Martinique): +1 613 789 1795.
• French Embassy, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for Martinique): +61 (0)26 216 0100.
• French Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for Martinique): +27(0)12 425 1600.
• French Embassy, Dublin, Ireland (also responsible for Martinique): +353 (0)1 277 5000.
• French Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand (also responsible for Martinique): +64 (0)4 384 2555.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 (0)1 4312 2222.
• British Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 (0)1 4451 3100.
• Canadian Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 (0)1 4443 2900.
• Australian Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 (0)1 4059 3300.
• South African Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 (0)1 5359 2323.
• Irish Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 (0)1 4417 6700.
• New Zealand Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Martinique): +33 (0)1 4501 4343.