Travel Vaccines and Advice for Saint Barthélemy
Saint Barthélemy is an overseas collectivity of France located in the West Indies.
Saint Barthélemy’s population is small. All the residents in Saint Barthélemy are considered French citizens. French is the native language and is the most spoken language on the island, but many speak English. Other languages spoken in small amounts are Patois (a version of French) and Creole French.
The government of Saint Barthélemy is run by its own elected president and two councils.
The capital and largest city of Saint Barthélemy is Gustavia. Other cities include St. Jean and Pointe Milou.
Do I Need Vaccines for Saint Barthélemy?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Saint Barthélemy. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Saint Barthélemy: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Saint Barthélemy |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Saint Barthélemy |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Saint Barthélemy?
Requirements for entry are the same as France, with visas not required for trips less than 90 days. Proof of onward travel, suffient funds and lodging may be required. Business visas are required for those travellers. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required.
Saint Barthélemy Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Saint Barthélemy? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of France and Government of Canada
What Is the Climate Like in Saint Barthélemy?
The climate in Saint Barthélemy is tropical and it is warm and muggy year-round. The time between December and April is the coolest time to travel. It is usually a warmer and more humid between May to November. Temperatures range from 20 to 30 depending on the time of day and month.
June to November is hurricane season. All the islands in the Caribbean are susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms.
How Safe Is Saint Barthélemy?
The crime rate throughout Saint Barthélemy is low. Petty crime is the most common. Do not buy counterfeit goods that are targeted to tourists for this is illegal.
Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.
Kitesurfing in Saint Barthélemy
A popular tourist attraction and activity in Saint Barthélemy is kitesurfing. The shallow, reef protected waters make Saint Barthélemy an ideal spot for this sport. The best places to kitesurf in Saint Barthélemy are Grand Cul-de-Sac and Pointe Milou.
If you want to prepare for kitesurfing before you go, try wakesurfing, for it shares many of the same concepts. The best time to go kitesurfing is between November through April.
What Should I Take To Saint Barthélemy?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Saint Barthélemy:
- Hats and sunscreen to protect against the consistent sun.
- Swimsuit and other swimming gear if you plan to snorkel.
- A 110-220 Voltage converter.
- Light rain jacket (sometimes the weather can be unpredictable)
- Mosquito repellent and clothing that covers bare skin to prevent mosquito bites and mosquito-borne illnesses.
Canadian Embassy in Saint Barthélemy
If travellers face issues or have concerns while travelling throughout the country, contact or visit the Canadian Embassy.
There is no Canadian embassy in Saint Barthélemy, but it is served by the embassy in Paris.
Canadian Embassy in Paris
130, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré,
75008 Paris, France
Telephone: +33 (0)1 44 43 29 02
Email: paris-consulaire@international.gc.ca
If you have any questions about travelling to Saint Barthélemy or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.
On This Page:
What Vaccines Do I Need for Saint Barthélemy?
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Saint Barthélemy?
What Is the Climate Like in Saint Barthélemy?
How Safe Is Saint Barthélemy?
Kitesurfing in Saint Barthélemy
What Should I Take to Saint Barthélemy?
Canadian Embassy in Saint Barthélemy
