Warning About Scam Website Impersonating Sint Maarten Immigration Portal

A deceptive website has surfaced, pretending to be the official immigration portal for Sint Maarten. This site charges unwitting users fees to fill out a free entry form.

The local government on the Dutch side of the Caribbean island has alerted travelers that scammers are asking for payment for completing the entry/disembarkation forms (ED cards).

According to an official announcement, “Recent reports have highlighted private third-party websites charging visitors for the required form completion or ‘processing.'” The government emphasized that submitting the ED form through the official site incurs no fees.

These fraudulent sites are reportedly demanding as much as $139.99 from each person for the ED cards.

Sint Maarten’s Tourism Director, Meilin Chun, reassured the public that the government is dedicated to safeguarding visitors. She advised, “We urge all travelers to ensure they are using the official website prior to submitting any personal details or making payments.”

Should anyone suspect they’ve been charged by an unofficial website, Chun suggests reaching out to their bank or card provider without delay.

Gabriela Ribeiro from a New Jersey marketing firm specializing in transportation and safety noted that there is only one legitimate ED card website for Sint Maarten: www.entry.sx.

She mentioned that the form is straightforward, takes just a few minutes to fill out, and is completely free. Unfortunately, many of these third-party sites pop up at the top of search results as sponsored links, creating the illusion that payment is necessary.

Ribeiro also cautioned travelers to be aware of sponsored listings that offer “expedited” or “supplemented” ED card services for a fee, highlighting that while these may not exactly be scams, they often lead to paid services that could be completed for free on official government sites.

These unofficial sites frequently mimic genuine government portals, which can mislead travelers into thinking they have to spend money. This situation is particularly concerning since travelers might rush through entry requirements while finalizing their trip details, often choosing the first link they see.

In 2023, Sint Maarten welcomed 395,053 overnight guests and 1,318,177 cruise passengers, according to government statistics.

In light of this, it’s crucial to visit the official website to avoid unnecessary charges and ensure that you’re not being tricked by impersonating sites.