From Panama to St. Maarten

[globaltraveler]

I read that St. Maarten will not allow pets in from Central America. Is this true. We have a Great Dane that we need to take with us? Any help appreciated.

[Jerry]

If you enter the French side then there is no such restriction. Your pet must be vaccinated for rabies and accompanied by the veterinary certificate for St. Martin. Although not technically required it would be best if your pet was micro chipped with the ISO 15 digit microchip and had a blood titer test in advance of travel by at least 30 days. The rules and forms for St. Martin are available here: http://pettravelstore.com/products/Pet-Passport-St-Martin.html
Jerry

[globaltraveler]

the Airport is on the Dutch side. How would one enter on the French side?

[Jerry]

My first response to your question was not accurate. I have reviewed the rules for St. Martin (Dutch Portion) and I find no such prohibition against pets coming from Central America. Please advise where you saw this information.
Jerry

[globaltraveler]

Here is what I found
http://www.dogfriendly.com/server/travel/info/customs/travelcustoms.shtml


https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/tcsneakpreview/page/customrules/SX/rules.htm#Pets

Dogs entering St. Maarten/St. Martin are required to have a Veterinarian Good Health Certificate issued from their point of origin not earlier than 2 weeks before arrival and an electronic implanted micro-chip. Vaccines against rabies and canine distemper must also be given at least 30 days prior to arrival.

With the exception of dogs from Suriname, dogs (also in transit) from Central and South America are prohibited.

Is this not true?

[Jerry]

This is the address of the government website and it does not mention a ban on pets from Central America.
http://www.sintmaartengov.org/Visitors/Pages/TravelInformation.aspx

You need an import permit to take your pet into St. Martin and here is the contact information for the person who issues those permits. He can probably answer your question.
Mervyn.Butcher@sintmaartengov.org

Mervyn Butcher
Inspection Dept. TEATT - Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries.
Zoutsteeg nr. 3,
Philipsburg.
St. Maarten.
Tel: +1 (721) 543 7820(O) / +1 (721) 580 9443 (M)
Fax: +1 (721) 543 7822

Jerry

[dusbal]

thanks for all the information guys