Martinique

Security Status

High Degree of Caution

Travel Alert

Since September 2024, there have been cost of living protests and strikes in Martinique, and acts of violence have taken place. Some local authorities have imposed nightly curfews 00.00-05.00. Irish visitors to Martinique should follow the advice of local authorities, and stay away from any demonstrations. Roadblocks, as well as disruption to transportation and public services may occur, and flights may be affected. Visitors should carry their passport at all times, and stay in touch with their travel providers and airlines.

General Travel Advice

Irish citizens need a valid passport or passport card to enter Martinique.

Martinique is an Overseas Department of France and part of the European Union. Irish passports do not have a minimum validity requirement while travelling to the UK or within the EU. When travelling within Europe with an Irish passport, it should be valid for the duration of your stay.

Irish citizens do not require a visa to enter Martinique.

Visitors to Martinique are advised to follow the guidance of national and local authorities and stay fully informed of what's going on by monitoring local news and social media.

Emergency Assistance

The best help is often close at hand so if you have problems, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.

You can contact the emergency services in Martinique by dialling 112. Specific emergency numbers are:

• Police: 17
• Fire brigade: 18
• Ambulance: 15

The hurricane season in Martinique normally runs from June to November and can bring heavy rain, flooding, and extremely high winds. Citizens with plans to be in the affected region during this period should consider the need to travel based on information relating to extreme weather projections.

You can find further information on the websites of the World Meteorological Organisation and the National Hurricane Centre.

Our Tips for Safe Travels:

• Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers all your planned activities.
• Get a European Health Insurance Card.
• Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly if there’s an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency.
• Follow us on X @dfatravelwise and Instagram @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates.
• Read our ‘Know Before You Go’ guide.
• Read our Consular Assistance Charter that clearly sets out the assistance that can be provided to citizens in difficulty overseas, and the limits of what the Department can do.

As there is no Irish Embassy or Consulate in Martinique, we are limited in the help we can offer you in an emergency situation. However, if there is an emergency, or if you need help and advice, you can contact our Embassy in Paris on +331 44176700 or our Consular Assistance Unit at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Dublin on +353 1 408 2000.

Hurricane Season

The hurricane season in the Caribbean normally runs from July to October. You should pay close attention to local and international weather reports and follow the advice of local authorities. Always monitor local and international weather updates for the region by accessing, for example, the Weather Channel, or the US National Hurricane Centre website.

Travel and Medical Insurance

Before travelling, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. You should check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Zika Virus

There have been outbreaks of Zika Virus (a dengue-like mosquito-borne disease) in Central and South America and the Caribbean. Irish Citizens especially those with a weakened immune system or women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant are advised to follow guidance available on the website of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).

Vaccinations

Check with your doctor well in advance of travelling to see if you need any vaccinations for travel to Martinique.

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

Visa/Passport

Entry requirements for Irish citizens traveling to Martinique are the same as for travel to France. There is no need to obtain a visa (short stay or long stay) and the Irish passport must be valid up to the return date. No extra validity is required.

As there is no Irish Embassy or Consulate in Martinique, we are limited in the help we can offer you in an emergency. However, if you need assistance, you can contact the Irish Embassy in Paris.

Please note that if you require urgent assistance while the Embassy is closed, contact the main Embassy number, +33 1 44 17 67 00, and leave a message on the Duty Officer voice mailbox.

This mailbox will be monitored regularly.

Monday to Friday 09:00-12:30