Travel Vaccines and Advice for Saint Barthélemy
Saint Barthélemy is an overseas collective 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.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Saint Barthélemy?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in 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?
St. Jean Beach
What Should I Take to Saint Barthélemy?
U.S. Consular Services in Saint Barthélemy
Do I Need Vaccines for Saint Barthélemy?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Saint Barthélemy. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Saint Barthélemy: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, chikungunya, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- 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. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Chikungunya –
Mosquito –
Few cases reported since 2016. Increased risk for those who may be in more rural areas. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - 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. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Saint Barthélemy |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Chikungunya | Mosquito | Few cases reported since 2016. Increased risk for those who may be in more rural areas. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Saint Barthélemy |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| 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. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi, typically spread through contaminated food or water, leading to fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The typhoid vaccine provides immunity against this bacteria, significantly reducing the risk of contracting the disease, especially in areas where typhoid is common.
- Hepatitis A – Contagious hepatitis A, caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), spreads through contaminated food, water, or close contact. Prevention involves vaccination and practicing good hygiene, particularly when traveling to high-risk areas.
- Chikungunya – Chikungunya, spread by infected mosquitoes, can be prevented through mosquito bite prevention and vaccination. The chikungunya vaccine is considered the best form of protection.
- Rabies – Rabies is a lethal disease transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, and vaccination is the key to prevention. Pre-exposure vaccination is advised for individuals at risk, and immediate post-exposure vaccination is crucial if one encounters a potentially rabid animal.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, a liver infection, is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids. Prevention includes practicing safe behaviors, but the cornerstone of protection is hepatitis B vaccination. This vaccine activates the immune system, generating antibodies that offer potent and enduring defense against the virus.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly contagious viral infections. Vaccination is the cornerstone of prevention. The MMR vaccine, with its two-dose regimen, ensures strong immunity, reducing the risk of disease transmission and protecting both individuals and the broader population from these potentially severe illnesses.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Saint Barthélemy
Prevent Bug Bites in Saint Barthélemy
To ward off bug bites, follow CDC advice: wear long clothing, use screens, and remove standing water. Opt for EPA-registered repellents with DEET, picaridin, or OLE for protection. If bitten, wash the area, avoid scratching, and apply remedies. Seek medical help for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Saint Barthélemy
When traveling, prioritize food safety with CDC’s advice: consume fully cooked foods, avoid raw seafood, and pick clean eateries. Opt for bottled drinks, exercise caution with ice, and practice responsible alcohol consumption. Prevent travelers’ diarrhea by maintaining good hand hygiene and avoiding street food in unsanitary conditions.
Infections To Be Aware of in Saint Barthélemy
- African Tick-Bite Fever – African Tick-Bite Fever (ATBF) spreads through tick bites in sub-Saharan Africa. To reduce the risk, wear appropriate clothing, use tick repellents, and conduct tick checks. Consult healthcare providers before traveling to endemic areas.
- Dengue – The CDC describes dengue fever as a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, presenting symptoms such as rash and joint pain. Prevention strategies focus on reducing mosquito exposure and breeding grounds. Treatment is supportive, emphasizing the importance of mosquito bite prevention.
- Zika – Zika virus spreads through mosquito bites, sexual contact, and mother-to-child transmission. To prevent infection, individuals should use insect repellent, practice safe sex, and stay informed about travel advisories.
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Saint Barthélemy?
All passports must be valid for six months beyond the intended travel dates. You do not need a travel or any kind of visa if your stay in Saint Barthélemy is under 90 days.
Cruises that leave from and return to the United States do not require a passport for entry. But, if you leave the cruise or plan an extended stay, you will need to have a passport.
Saint Barthélemy Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Saint Barthélemy? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Saint Barthélemy and U.S. State Department
What Is the Climate Like in Saint Barthélemy?
St. Barts is a tropical island in the Caribbean that is a popular destination for tourists. The island has warm temperatures and two main seasons – a wet season from May to November and a dry season from December to April. St. Barts is known for its beautiful beaches, which have temperatures that range from the mid-70s to low-80s all year. Some of the most popular tourist destinations on the island include St. Jean Beach, Gustavia, and Colombier Beach.
St. Jean Beach is a famous beach with clear waters and soft, white sand. Gustavia is the capital of the island and is known for its culture and history. Colombier Beach is a secluded beach that requires hiking to get there, but it’s worth it for the beautiful views and peaceful atmosphere. All of these places have similar temperatures throughout the year. But, Gustavia receives slightly more rainfall during the wet season.
Visitors to St. Barts can expect warm temperatures and sunny skies, with occasional rain showers during the wet season. It’s a beautiful destination to visit and enjoy the beaches and culture.
How Safe Is Saint Barthélemy?
When traveling to Saint Barthelemy, or St. Barts, there are things you can do to stay safe. Always pay attention to what’s happening around you, especially in crowded places. Be careful when driving because the roads can be narrow and winding. It’s important to follow traffic laws, wear your seatbelt, and never drive if you’ve been drinking alcohol.
Swimming in St. Barts can also be dangerous due to strong currents. Always swim in designated areas and never swim alone. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Be sure to drink plenty of water.
It’s important to respect the local culture by dressing modestly when visiting churches or other religious sites.
It’s also important to be prepared for natural disasters, like hurricanes, which can happen in St. Barts. Keep an eye on the weather and have a plan in case of an emergency.
St. Jean Beach
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
St. Jean Beach is a beautiful place in St. Barthelemy that people like to visit. People go there to do lots of fun things, like swimming, sunbathing and scuba diving. There are also restaurants and shops where you can eat and buy things. If you like to watch boats, you can do that too, because there are many fancy yachts that stop by. The beach has clear blue water and soft sand, which makes it a great place to relax and enjoy the Caribbean weather.
St. Jean Beach is a perfect place for people who want to enjoy the outdoors and have fun in the water.
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.
U.S. Consular Services in Saint Barthélemy
All Americans visiting Saint Barthélemy should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
There is no U.S. embassy in Saint Barthélemy, but it is served by the embassy in Barbados.
U.S. Embassy Bridgetown
Wildey Business Park
Wildey
St. Miachael BB 14006
Barbados, WI
Telephone: (246) 227-4399
Emergency Phone: (246)-227-4000
BridgetownACS@state.gov
If you have any questions about traveling to Tokelau 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.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Saint Barthelemy
“Excellent service and kind people who are efficient and helpful! Saint Barthelemy here we come!”
“This is one of the best experiences that I have EVER had in a health clinic. I definitely attribute this awesome experience to the RN at the clinic. She was fantastic, extremely professional, and very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this clinic to anyone going to St. Barts!”
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