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All Country Guides


Martinique


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  1. Intro
  2. Geography
  3. Travel
  4. Embassies & Visas
  5. Currency
  6. Health

Quick Facts

Official name: Martinique (Overseas Department of France)
Capital city: Fort-de-France
Languages spoken: French, Martinican Creole
Population: Around 370,000
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Time zone: GMT-4
Driving side: Right
Climate: Tropical, warm year-round with a wet season from June to October and a drier, breezier spell from December to May

Martinique, an overseas region of France in the Caribbean, combines French sophistication with a laid-back island lifestyle. Its culture reflects a fusion of European and Afro-Caribbean influences, seen in its cuisine, music, and festivals. The island is popular with visitors for its golden beaches, lush rainforests, and dramatic volcanic landscapes, particularly the iconic Mount Pelée in the north.

Martinique is part of the Lesser Antilles and is volcanic in origin. The rugged north is dominated by mountains and rainforests, while the south offers gentler landscapes and sandy beaches. The coastline alternates between calm Caribbean shores and the wilder Atlantic-facing side.

Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport serves flights from Paris, other French territories, and some Caribbean neighbours. Ferries connect the island with Guadeloupe, Dominica, and Saint Lucia. Within the island, driving is the most practical way to get around, with car hire widely available. Public transport is limited, though taxis and minibuses operate in main towns.

As Martinique is part of France and the EU, entry requirements are the same as mainland France. UK citizens and most Europeans can enter visa-free for short stays, while longer stays follow standard French immigration rules. Consular support is available through the French authorities on the island.

The euro (EUR) is the official currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are plentiful in towns and resorts. Prices are generally higher than in many Caribbean neighbours, but services and infrastructure are reliable.

Healthcare in Martinique is of a high standard, with modern hospitals and clinics, particularly in Fort-de-France. Pharmacies are common, and medical staff usually speak French. No special vaccinations are required beyond routine ones, but mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever can occur. Travel insurance is still recommended to cover unexpected medical costs or evacuation.