St. Eustatius
St. Eustatius, affectionately known as Statia, is a small Dutch Caribbean island in the northeastern Caribbean, nestled between Saba and St. Kitts. Covering just 11.8 square miles and home to around 3,200 people, it’s often called The Historic Gem of the Caribbean. Its capital, Oranjestad, is divided into Upper Town—home to most residences, businesses, and government offices—and Lower Town, where you’ll find the harbor, cozy restaurants, small hotels, and the island’s conservation hub, STENAPA.
As a special municipality of the Netherlands, Statia has preserved its authentic charm by steering clear of mass tourism—partly thanks to its rocky shores rather than sandy beaches. What it does offer is world-class diving, with vibrant marine life and historic shipwrecks in one of the Caribbean’s most stunning underwater parks. Hikers and nature lovers will also love exploring The Quill, a dormant volcano with a lush rainforest in its crater, and spotting sea turtles or the endangered Lesser Antillean iguana along the way.
Rich in history, Statia is dotted with ruins and archaeological sites that tell the story of its colonial past, making it a fascinating destination for both adventurers and history buffs. Visit our website
Dining
For a small island, St. Eustatius boasts an impressively diverse culinary scene, with many of the top spots found in Upper Town. You’ll find mouthwatering Caribbean favorites like bull-foot soup, grilled triggerfish, and jerk chicken at Franky’s; rich goat and conch stews at Ocean View Terrace; and flavorful grouper piccata at Boardwalk Café. Craving something Dutch? Head to Para Mia for frikandel, kroket, or a classic uitsmijter—an open-faced sandwich with ham, cheese, and egg. For dessert, don’t miss the old-fashioned Dutch apple pie at The Old Gin House Restaurant.
Statia’s food culture blends Caribbean flair with influences from American, European, and Asian cuisines. And if you want a true taste of the island, try the national dish: goat meat served with rice and peas, provisions, and sweet fried plantains—a hearty and satisfying local staple.
Quick Facts
Languages spoken: English, Dutch and Spanish; Dutch is the official language but English is spoken everywhere.
Banks & Banking Hours: In St. Eustatius, the primary banks are Maduro & Curiel’s Bank (MCB) and The Windward Islands Bank Ltd. Most banks are open from Monday to Friday, from 8:30am to 3:30pm.
Currency: St. Eustatius’ currency is the US Dollar.
Climate: The average daytime temperature is 77F with lovely trade winds bringing cool breezes. The average nighttime temperature is a comfortable 73F. Generally, St. Eustatius is dry and sunny, although there may be more rain during April, June and September.
Dress Code: It is generally advisable to dress modestly, especially when visiting towns, villages or religious sites. Beachwear is acceptable in tourist areas. For evenings out in restaurants, casual elegant attire is recommended.
Driving: A valid American driver’s license is required. Driving is on the right-hand side.
Electricity: 110 AC, 60 cycles (plugs tend to be two flat prongs).
Time Zone: AST – Atlantic Standard Time (one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time). Daylight Savings Time is not observed.
Activities
There’s no shortage of things to do on Statia. Spend your day diving or kayaking off the beach in Lower Town, then wander the charming streets of Upper Town, where history comes alive. You can explore landmarks like the Simon Doncker Museum, the old Jewish Synagogue, the Dutch Reformed Church, and other fascinating sites that speak to the island’s rich past. Don’t be surprised if you end up in a friendly conversation with a local—Statians are known for their warm hospitality and love sharing stories about their home.
Nature lovers won’t want to miss a hike up The Quill, the island’s dormant volcano with a lush crater at the top. And be sure to explore Boven National Park too, with its rugged trails, scenic views, and diverse wildlife. Learn more
As much as there is to do on land, snorkelers and divers will want to explore Statia’s crystal clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and shipwrecks. Learn More
Travel Essentials
Flight Information
St. Eustatius cannot be reached directly from the U.S. but is easily reached through a few nearby islands either through regional flights or by boat/ferry.
From Antigua:
Winair offers flights to St. Eustatius from Antigua.
From St. Kitts:
From St. Kitts, Makana Ferry Service offers a 70-minute ferry ride, Friday through Monday.
Some properties will offer speedboat transfers (check with your hotel). Winair offers multiple flights each day to St. Eustatius from St. Kitts.
From St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport:
Winair offers flights from St. Maarten to St. Eustatius multiple times per day.
Entry Requirements for Americans
A valid American passport is required for the duration of your stay, as well as a return or onward ticket. If travelling for more than 180 days, a visa would be required.
For more information, follow this link: US State Department/St. Eustatius
Getting Married
The following applications and documents are required for marriage on St. Eustatius:
Note of intent to marry (betroth)
If you plan to get married, you first need to register this intention at the Census office. This is called notice of intent to marry (betroth). It is a means of giving official notice of your intention to get married.
- You submit a written request to the Census Office to be married with desired date, time and place.
- You need to do this at least three (3) weeks before the intended date of the wedding.
- The wedding must take place within one year of the notice of intent to marry.
- Please note: if the one (1) year period has expired, then you will need to re-submit the notice of intent to marry.
- ALL original documents should be submitted to the Census office two (2) weeks before the actual wedding date.
- The ceremony can be performed in two (2) languages; Dutch and English.
Groom & Bride
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must provide a valid proof of identity (copy of passport).
- A recent copy of your birth certificate (with parent’s name).
- A recent proof of ‘single’ status.
- If previously married, a recent copy of the divorce decree or a recent death certificate.
Foreign Documents
- Documents from certain countries must be legalized or provided with an apostille.
- All foreign documents not written in Dutch, French, German or English must be translated into English by a sworn translator.
- These documents should not be older than six (6) months.
Location
The Census office and the Government Guesthouse are appointed by Government; any other location will be charged extra and will need to be evaluated.
Prices (all in USD)
| Subtract from Registrar | $ 12.00 |
| Marriage Certificate | $ 17.00 |
| Fees for betrothal | $ 35.00 |
| Marriage at Courthouse during working hours (9am to 5pm) | $120.00 |
| Marriage at Courthouse after working hours (after 5pm | $145.00 |
| Marriage performed on Sundays, Saturdays and holidays | $250.00 |
| Marriage performed at a particular location | $ 65.00 |
| Application for a specific location | $ 25.00 |
| Witness (if you do not have, we will provide for you) | $15.00 |
To review all documents in advance or if any additional information is needed, please contact the Census office.
Census Office/Sint Eustatius Government
Chapelpiece Road #1, St. Eustatius
Phone: +599-318-207 or +599-318-2497
Email: census.office@statiagov.com
Wedding Planner: Island Essence
Email: info.islandessence@gmail.com
Cultural/Annual Events
Visitors to Statia are welcome to join in at events held throughout the year.
PUBLIC AND/OR GOVERNMENT HOLIDAYS:
The Government of St. Eustatius (Statia) observes the following holidays each year:
(Some services may be impacted with reduced hours, or there may be full closures on these days)
2026 Public Holidays
Thursday, January 1, 2026 – New Year’s Day
Friday, April 3, 2026 – Good Friday (Stores closed)
Sunday, April 5, 2026 – Easter Sunday
Monday, April 6, 2026 – Easter Monday
Monday, April 27, 2026 – King’s Day
Friday, May 1, 2026 – Labor Day
Thursday, May 29, 2026 – Ascension Day
Monday, June 8, 2026 – Whit Sunday
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 – Emancipation Day
Monday, November 16, 2026 – Statia Day
Friday, December 25, 2026 – Christmas Day
Saturday, December 26, 2026 – Boxing Day
Medical & Dental Information
The main hospital in Oranjestad is the St. Eustatius Health Care Foundation.
Address: HM Queen Beatrix Rd. 25, St Eustatius
Ph: +599 318-2211 or +599 318-2371
EMERGENCY DENTAL SERVICES:
There are limited Dental Services available on island, however both the neighbouring islands of St. Kitts and St. Maarten do offer emergency dental care.
Dental Care Clinic: PH 721-542 3584 (St. Maarten)
Premier Dental Ltd: PH 869-466-2030 (St. Kitts)
SDA Dental Clinic: PH 869-465-8174 (St. Kitts)
FOR DIVERS:
Divers should be aware that there is a hyperbaric chamber located on the island of Saba. In addition, the emergency boat in Statia has a hyperbaric chamber (with 5 chambers) on board.
Accessibility
Please ensure that your airline is aware of any special needs travel prior to departure from the U.S.
Airport Services
F.D. Roosevelt International Airport (EUX): Learn More
- Accessible parking in the short-term parking lots
- Accessible washrooms with wheelchair access are available
- Wheelchair Assistance: available at the airline counters
- Ramps are available
Transfers and tours:
There are no wheelchair accessible transfer vehicles. Larger taxis will fold collapsible wheelchairs and store these in the trunk of their car for transport.
For Accessibility information at hotels located in St. Eustatius, please consult the hotel’s individual websites.
