Martinique

Use Normal Level of Caution

Martinique is one of the Windward Islands in the Caribbean Sea, south of St. Lucia. The island is an Overseas Department of France. The population is about 400,000 people, and they are French citizens. Since Martinique is a region of France, it is part of the European Union.

The government of Martinique consists of a General Council and the president of the General Council, and members are elected by popular vote. There is a Regional Council, also with a president, and members are also elected by popular vote. Martinique has two seats in the French Senate and has four seats in the French National Assembly.

The island was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1502. French settlers arrived in Martinique in 1635, and France officially annexed the island in 1674. The people of Martinique are highly literate and mainly employed in the tourist sector. The culture is a blend of French and West Indian lifestyles. Tourists are attracted by the tropical climate, scenery, and beaches.

Currency	EUR: Euro
Language	French
Capital	Fort-de-France
Recent Alerts	2
Latest Alert	July 01, 2021 - Tropical Storm ELSA en route to Caribbean Islands

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Martinique. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Martinique through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.
Hepatitis B There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Martinique.
Dengue Fever Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in Martinique.
Schistosomiasis The parasite that causes schistosomiasis is found in rural areas of Martinique. It is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.
Ciguatera Fish Poisoning This kind of marine seafood toxin poisoning occurs sporadically in Martinique.
Chikungunya Fever Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.
Zika Fever Zika fever has occurred in this country.
Yellow Fever There is no risk of yellow fever transmission in this country. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Rabies Rabies may be present in bats.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in this country, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where water and food may not be safe.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Martinique.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Yellow Fever Vaccine The yellow fever vaccination is not recommended for this country. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Rabies Vaccine Rabies may occur in bats in this country. Rabies vaccination is recommended for travellers who may come in contact with bats (i. e. cavers, adventure travellers, researchers, and anyone working with bats).
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Martinique.

None required.

Safety and Security in Martinique

Emergency Numbers

112

Personal Safety

The crime rate is low in this country, and most travellers have no safety or security problems. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, or other theft can occur in any crowded area or tourist destination. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Avoid walking alone at night. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and never leave your drinks out of your sight.

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Updated: July 01, 2021