Digital Embarkation Card for St Maarten: The Free ED Form (2026)
Since October 2024, every traveler arriving in St Maarten by air or sea must complete a digital Embarkation and Disembarkation (ED) card. It is free, filled out online at the official site entry.sx, and returned as a PDF with a QR code that replaced the old paper forms. Do it within seven days of arrival, ideally at least 24 hours before you fly. Watch out: in 2026 scam sites are charging fees for this free form, so use entry.sx only.
- The digital ED card is mandatory for all arrivals to St Maarten by air or sea since October 2024.
- It is free on the official government site, entry.sx, and returned as a QR-code PDF.
- Complete it within seven days of arrival, ideally 24 hours or more before departure.
- The official form costs nothing. Avoid third-party sites that charge a fee.
What is the digital embarkation (ED) card?
The ED card is St Maarten's digital Embarkation and Disembarkation form. Since 8 October 2024, every traveler entering the island by air or sea has to complete it. It replaced the paper cards that airlines used to hand out on board, and it is now filled in online before you travel. You get back a PDF with a QR code that immigration scans on arrival.
My clients and guests ask about this constantly, so I keep the answer simple and current: it is required, it is quick, and it is free.
How and when do I fill it out?
You complete the ED card online at the official government website, entry.sx. You can do it within seven days of arrival, and the recommendation is to complete it at least 24 hours before departure so your arrival at Princess Juliana Airport is smooth. Save the PDF with the QR code to your phone or print it.
Watch out for the 2026 scam sites
This is the one I flag hardest. In 2026, plenty of look-alike sites are charging travelers a fee for the ED card, sometimes calling it a processing or assistance charge. The official form is completely free. Fill it in yourself at entry.sx and do not pay anyone for it. If a site asks for a payment to submit your ED card, close the tab.
The same goes for anyone offering to do it for you for a fee. It takes a few minutes, and I am happy to point clients and guests to the right place at no cost.
How this fits your trip or move
The ED card is a travel formality, not an immigration permit. Tourists from the US, Canada, the UK, and the EU still enter with a valid passport and no visa for stays up to 90 days, and the ED card is the arrival form on top of that. If you are coming to view property or planning a longer stay, I help my clients get the small things right so nothing trips you up at the airport. For longer stays and living here, see my guide to moving to St Maarten.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the St Maarten ED card mandatory?
Yes. Since October 2024 every traveler arriving by air or sea must complete the digital Embarkation and Disembarkation card. It replaced the paper forms handed out on flights.
How much does the ED card cost?
Nothing. The official ED card is free at entry.sx. In 2026, scam sites charge a fee for it, so use only the official government site and do not pay a third party.
Where do I fill out the ED card?
At the official government website entry.sx. You complete it online and receive a PDF with a QR code that immigration scans when you arrive at Princess Juliana Airport.
When should I complete the ED card?
Within seven days of arrival, and ideally at least 24 hours before you fly, so your arrival is smooth. Save the QR-code PDF to your phone or print it.
Do I still need a passport and can I skip a visa?
US, Canadian, UK, and EU tourists enter with a valid passport and no visa for up to 90 days. The ED card is a separate arrival form you complete on top of that.