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Tourism & short stayPublishedInformational impactVerified

U.S. State Department Issues Level 1 Travel Advisory for Saint Barthélemy: Exercise Normal Precautions

🇺🇸 United StatesTravel Advisories1 recorded versionLast change 27 Aug 2026
ConfidenceVery high · 100%

Current rules

The State Department now has a dedicated Saint Barthélemy Travel Advisory that states: Level 1 — Exercise Normal Precautions. The advisory says Saint Barthélemy is generally a safe destination, but warns that the territory regularly experiences hurricanes. Travellers are also advised to take ordinary safety precautions, including securing valuables, being cautious at night and remaining aware of their surroundings. The advisory also highlights: hurricanes and tropical storms; heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding; slope failures; earthquakes; road-safety considerations; scams; and general personal-security precautions. The State Department recommends that travellers consider travel insurance, enrol in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) and review relevant health and emergency information before travelling.

Overview

The U.S. Department of State has updated its travel advisory for Saint Barthélemy, classifying it as Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. This assessment indicates that the destination is generally safe for travellers but highlights the frequent occurrence of hurricanes. Travellers are advised to review specific guidance on weather, natural disasters, and general travel preparation for a safe trip.

Who is affected by the latest change

  • U.S. citizens planning to travel to Saint Barthélemy
  • Travellers using U.S. government travel-risk information
  • U.S. businesses sending employees to Saint Barthélemy
  • Students or researchers travelling from the United States
  • Tourists and other short-term visitors who want updated safety information

What changed in the latest version

Before

Before this update, the United States State Department also classed Saint Barthélemy as Level 1 — Exercise Normal Precautions. The old advice was part of the wider French West Indies advice. This covered Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy. That advice was dated 22 August 2024.

After

The State Department now has specific travel advice for Saint Barthélemy. It states: Level 1 — Exercise Normal Precautions. The advice says Saint Barthélemy is generally a safe place to visit. But it warns that hurricanes happen regularly there. Travellers must also take usual safety steps. These include keeping valuables safe, being careful at night, and knowing what is happening around them. The advice also highlights: hurricanes and tropical storms; heavy rain and possible sudden floods; slope failures, which are landslides or rockfalls; earthquakes; road safety points; scams; and general personal safety steps. The State Department recommends that travellers think about travel insurance. They should enrol in STEP, which is the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. This programme allows United States citizens and nationals travelling or living abroad to tell the nearest United States Embassy or Consulate about their trip. They should also read important health and emergency information before travelling.

This update makes it clearer and adds more detail about what United States citizens must do when planning or going to Saint Barthélemy. It is more than just stating the advice level. Travellers must now actively look for and check detailed information about weather, natural disasters, and general travel guidance. This was less clear before. Not checking these specific sources could mean travellers are less prepared for possible dangers, especially during hurricane season. This change shows how important pre-trip research is for United States citizens visiting the island.

Explained simply

Imagine Saint Barthélemy is like a playground where you usually don't need to worry too much, but you still need to be sensible. The U.S. government says it's generally safe, like a Level 1 warning, which is the lowest. However, it's also like a playground that sometimes has big storms, like hurricanes. So, they're telling you to enjoy yourself, but definitely check the weather forecast and how to stay safe if a storm is coming.

Frequently asked

Version history

  1. v77Effective 20 Aug 2026PublishedInformational impact
    U.S. State Department Issues Level 1 Travel Advisory for Saint Barthélemy: Exercise Normal Precautions

    The United States State Department has given Saint Barthélemy a Level 1 Travel Advisory. This means United States citizens should 'Exercise Normal Precautions'. This advisory confirms Saint Barthélemy is generally a safe place to visit. However, it now clearly tells travellers to read information about 'Weather and Natural Disasters in Saint Barthélemy'. This is especially important for regular hurricane activity. Travellers must also look at the 'Travel Guidance for Saint Barthélemy' to help ensure a safe trip. The source does not give the exact publication or effective dates for this updated advice.

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