North and Central America and Caribbean

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public places, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign nationals.  

 

For more general information see our Terrorism Abroad page.

Crime

You should take precautions and avoid isolated areas, including beaches, after dark.  Do not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery. Avoid carrying your passports, credit cards and valuables in  the same place, and where possible, these should be left in the safety deposit boxes and hotel safes.

 

For more general information see our Victims of Crime Abroad page.

Martinique is an Overseas Department of France (départements d’outre-mer).  If your passport describes you as a British Citizen or British Subject with Right of Abode in the United Kingdom, you will not need a visa to enter.  Other British passport holders should confirm the current entry requirements with the nearest French Diplomatic mission.  All British passport holders require a valid passport.  There is no minimum passport validity requirement but you should ensure that your passport is valid for the proposed period of your stay.

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the French Embassy in London.

There is a dedicated swine flu page. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website.

General health care facilities, including emergency services in health service general hospitals, and the availability of doctors (GPs) in Martinique, are very good and of an equivalent standard to those found in mainland France.  Specialist treatment is also available.

You should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK.  The EHIC is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as French nationals.  It also does not cover you for medical repatriation, on-going medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature.  For more general information see EHIC.

The EHIC provides emergency health cover for treatment in Martinique by the French state health service for which you will have to pay but for which you will be able to claim back up to 70% of the costs on your return to the UK.  Visitors travelling (or being air lifted) to Martinique from other non-French islands specifically for medical treatment should be aware that such treatment will not necessarily be covered.

British nationals planning a permanent move to Martinique, especially those who have not yet reached retirement age, should consult the UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) at the earliest opportunity to obtain advice on their longer-term entitlement as residents to health care provision under the French national system.  Enquiries should be made to the DWP Overseas Medical Benefits help-line on 00 44 191 218 1999 which is open on Mondays to Fridays from 08.00 to 20.00 daily. Alternatively, information can be obtained direct from the English language service of the Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie (French social security service) on 00 33 8 20 90 42 12 or  CLEISS (the Helpdesk in France for international mobility and social security) on 00 33 1 45 26 33 4.  Information is also available on the website of the British Embassy in France at:  http://ukinfrance.fco.gov.uk.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Martinique and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.  For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see our Travel Health