Saint Martin does not appear on its own in the UN treaty list, which covers states. Check which IDP is accepted with the official source before you travel.
Saint Martin does not appear on its own in the UN treaty list, which covers states. Check which IDP is accepted with the official source before you travel.
Which IDP version Saint Martin accepts
Saint Martin does not appear on its own in the UN treaty list, which covers states. Check which IDP is accepted with the official source before you travel.
| Convention | Status |
|---|---|
| 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic | Not a party |
| 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic | Not a party |
Source: United Nations Treaty Collection.
Getting the right IDP for Saint Martin
Check with the official source which IDP Saint Martin accepts before you apply.
What the UK, US and Canadian governments tell their citizens
No IDP needed with a UK licence.
UK licence holdersUK licence accepted, no IDP needed.Source: UK FCDO, updated 10 December 2025
US licence holdersNot covered by this source.
Canadian licence holdersNot covered by this source.
What the governments say
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
You can drive using your UK driving licence in St Martin and St Barthélemy.
Source: UK FCDO travel advice for Saint Martin, updated 10 December 2025.
Road conditions in Saint Martin
Canada describes road safety in Saint Martin as follows:
The road network is well-maintained and it's possible to drive safely around the island. There is severe traffic congestion during the tourist season, December to April.
Source: Government of Canada.
Canada’s advice on local laws that affect drivers in Saint Martin:
Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe.
Source: Government of Canada.
Questions
Can I drive in Saint Martin with a foreign licence?
Saint Martin does not appear on its own in the UN treaty list, which covers states. Check which IDP is accepted with the official source before you travel.
Do UK licence holders need an IDP in Saint Martin?
No. A UK driving licence is accepted in Saint Martin. Source: UK FCDO, updated 10 December 2025.
About International Driving Permits
A 1949 IDP is valid for 1 year from issue, a 1968 IDP for up to 3 years.
What an IDP is and how to get one
Related
- International Driving Permit: all countries
- Do I need an IDP in Sint Maarten?
- Do I need an IDP in Anguilla?
- Do I need an IDP in Saint Barthélemy?
- Is It Safe to Travel to Saint Martin?
Sources and methodology
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: travel advice for Saint Martin, Open Government Licence v3.0.
- United Nations Treaty Collection: status of the 1949 and 1968 road traffic conventions.
Licences and full attribution for all sources
Last updated 9 November 2026. Government advice changes often: confirm the current rules with the official source before you travel.