Group trips to Martinique

Find out the entry requirements for Martinique, and, if needed, apply for your visa through our partner Sherpa.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Martinique – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

• UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.

Martinique is in the Atlantic Standard Time zone. When it's 12pm in the UK, it will be 8am in Martinique. If it's 12pm in New York (Eastern Time), it will be 1pm in Martinique. Keep in mind that Martinique does not use daylight saving time, so during the period when the UK and parts of the USA do, the time difference will change.

Martinique uses the Euro as its currency. Here are the daily exchange rates to give you an idea:

• 1 British Pound Sterling (GBP) is approximately 1.14 Euros
• 1 US Dollar (USD) is about 0.95 Euros
• 1 Euro is equivalent to 1 Euro

You can exchange your currency at banks, currency exchange offices, or at the airport.

In Martinique, you can pay using credit cards, debit cards, and cash. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, especially Visa and MasterCard. However, it is a good idea to carry some cash for smaller vendors and markets where cards might not be accepted. ATMs are readily available for withdrawing cash if needed. Remember to check with your bank about any international transaction fees before you go.

In Martinique, tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Service charges are often included in the bill at restaurants, usually around 10 to 15 percent. If you receive exceptional service and want to leave something extra, a small tip is always welcomed. For taxi rides, rounding up to the nearest euro is common. In hotels, you might want to tip porters or housekeeping staff a few euros for their services.

In Martinique, internet access is generally good, with Wi-Fi widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants. However, if you want constant connectivity, buying a local SIM card might be a good idea. Providers like Digicel and Orange offer prepaid SIM cards with data plans that you can use during your stay. Consider an e-SIM data plan if your phone supports it for hassle-free activation. This will give you more flexibility than relying solely on Wi-Fi.

In Martinique, the official language is French. However, you'll also hear Martinican Creole spoken widely among locals. Here are some useful expressions you might hear or want to use:

• Hello: Bonjour (French)
• Thank you: Merci (French)
• How are you?: Sa ka fè? (Creole)
• Goodbye: Au revoir (French)
• Please: S'il vous plaît (French)

English is not commonly spoken, so having a few French or Creole phrases handy can be very helpful.

In Martinique, the plugs used are Type C and Type D, with a standard voltage of 220V and a frequency of 50Hz. If you're coming from a country that uses a different plug type, we suggest you bring a universal adapter to keep your devices charged during your stay.

In Martinique, the main religion is Christianity, predominantly Roman Catholicism, reflecting the island's French colonial history. Religious practices include regular church attendance and celebrating major Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter. While there are no specific dressing requirements due to religion, it's respectful to dress modestly when visiting churches.

Martinique is a beautiful Caribbean island with a tropical climate. You'll want to pack light and be prepared for sun and occasional rain.

• Clothing:
  • Lightweight shirts and tops
  • Shorts and skirts
  • Swimwear
  • Light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings
• Shoes:
  • Comfortable sandals
  • Flip-flops for the beach
  • Walking shoes for exploring
• Accessories and Technology:
  • Sunglasses and a hat
  • Waterproof phone case
  • Portable charger
• Toiletries and Medication:
  • Sunscreen with high SPF
  • Insect repellent
  • Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner
  • Basic first-aid kit with band-aids and antiseptic wipes
  • Over-the-counter medication like pain relievers and motion sickness tablets

Martinique has a tropical climate with two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.

• Dry Season (December to May): Warm and humid, with average temperatures around 24-30°C (75-86°F). This is the best time to visit.
• Rainy Season (June to November): Higher humidity with frequent rain showers, especially from August to October, and temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F).

The island has a consistent climate with refreshing trade winds, making it pleasant most of the year.