St. Eustatius
St. Eustatius is a small Dutch Caribbean island located in the north eastern Caribbean Sea. It lies on the northern part of the Lesser Antilles. St. Eustatius measures 11.8 square miles (approx. 21 square kilometers) and has a population of approximately 3,200 people. It is located southeast of Saba and northwest of St. Kitts.
Locals refer to the island as ‘Statia’. It is also often referred to as ‘The Historic Gem’ of the Caribbean. Oranjestad (Orange City) is the capital of the island. It is comprised of two distinct sections. Upper Town and Lower Town. Upper Town is residential and where most businesses and governmental activities take place. Lower Town is where the harbor is located as well as several restaurants, hotels and the local nature preservation organization St. Eustatius National Parks (STENAPA).
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St. Eustatius is a Special Municipality of the Netherlands (referred to as a ‘Public Entity’).
Unlike many Caribbean islands, St. Eustatius does not have miles of white sandy beaches. This has protected it from mass tourism. It is a sought-after tourism destination for avid divers looking for shipwrecks to explore and has one of the most spectacular underwater marine parks in the world.
Nature lovers will also be thrilled by the variety of flora and fauna. From dry arid landscapes, a unique rain forest in the dormant volcano’s crater (The Quill), to various types of sea turtles which nest on Zeelandia Beach. One can even find the endangered Lesser Antillean iguana perched in trees or walking through the brush. There is truly something for everyone to marvel at on St. Eustatius.
The island is dripping with history and has many active dig sites. Archeologists and history buffs alike will find ruins all over the island which invite one to fantasize about the rich history of this unique island.
Dining
St. Eustatius’ culinary scene is impressive for such a small island, with the best restaurants located in the Upper Town. Appetizing Caribbean dishes are available, such as bull-foot soup, grilled triggerfish and jerk chicken at Franky’s; goat and conch stew at Ocean View Terrace and grouper piccata at Boardwalk Café. Traditional Dutch entrees including frikandel (meat patties) kroket (croquettes) and witsmijter (ham, cheese and egg toasted sandwich) are offered at the traditional Dutch lunchroom Para Mia, and old-style Dutch apple pie is baked at the Old Gin House Restaurant.
The food scene on St Eustatius is heavily influenced by American, European, and Asian cuisines. Don’t forget to try our national dish: Goat’s meat, rice and peas with provisions and fried plantains.
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 27C with lovely trade winds bringing cool breezes. The average nighttime temperature is a comfortable 23C. 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 Canadian 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 is not observed.
Activities
There are many activities to enjoy on Statia. You can dive and kayak at the beach in Lower Town, explore the quaint streets of Upper Town, visit the museum (Simon Doncher House), Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Reformed Church and other historical sites. You may also choose to pass the time away by chatting to local Statians, they are always more than happy to engage with visitors to the island.
The Quill, the dormant volcano is a hiker’s paradise, not to miss Boven National Park as well. 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 Canada but is easily reached through a few nearby islands either through regional flights or by boat/ferry.
From Canada to Antigua:
Air Canada, Sunwing and WestJet all fly from Toronto to Antigua. In high season, Air Canada operates a weekly flight from Montreal to Antigua. WinAir offers flights to St. Eustatius from Antigua.
From Canada to St. Kitts:
Air Canada offers a weekly service from Toronto to St. Kitts from November through April.
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 Canada to St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport:
From Toronto: Air Canada, Sunwing, Transat and WestJet all offer direct, non-stop flights into St. Maarten (some of these flights are seasonal, however there are flights to St. Maarten year-round from Toronto).
From Montreal: Air Canada and Sunwing offer direct, non-stop flight during the winter season to St. Maarten.
WinAir offers flights from St. Maarten to St. Eustatius multiple times per day.
Entry Requirements for Canadians
A valid Canadian passport is required for the duration of your stay, as well as a return or onward ticket. If travelling for more than 90 days, a visa would be required.
Long Stays
Coming Soon
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. Please consult the Caribbean Event calendar found on the home page.
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 Canada.
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.
