Saint-Pierre and Miquelon are a small group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, south of Newfoundland and Labrador. First settled by the French in the early 17th century, the islands represent the sole remaining vestige of France’s once vast North American empire, New France.
Although Saint-Pierre and Miquelon are territories of France, and as such are within the European Union, they are not part of the Schengen Area and so immigration procedures are different from those of France.
Citizens of Canada do not require passports for stays of up to three months; official government issued photo identification cards – such as a drivers licence – are acceptable.
All other nations require passports.
Citizens of the European Economic Area, Andorra and Monaco do not require visas and are generally allowed to stay for as long as they want.
Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macau, Marshall Islands, Malaysia, Mauritius, Micronesia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Switzerland, Tonga, Tuvalu, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela, and persons holding British National (Overseas) or British Subject passports do not require a visa and may stay for up to three months.
Citizens of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia do not require a visa and may stay for up to three months, provided they have a biometric passport.
Citizens of Taiwan do not require a visa and may stay for up to three months, provided that their ID number is stipulated in their passport.
Additionally, holders of a valid residence permit issued by the Préfet of a French overseas département, the High Commissioner of a French territorial collectivity or a Schengen state do not require a visa and may stay for up to three months.
All other nationalities will require a Saint-Pierre and Miquelon visa, which can be applied for at a French embassy or consulate. Most travellers are only given a cursory inspection when entering the island of Saint-Pierre.
Marine Atlantic ferry service runs from North Sydney, Nova Scotia, to Port aux Basques, Newfoundland and Labrador (on the west coast of the island of Newfoundland), throughout the year, and to Argentia, Newfoundland and Labrador (about 90km from St. John’s), during the summer. The duration of the ride depends on the weather and water conditions, so patience is of the essence. It is advisable to call Marine Atlantic ahead of time to make a reservation (call 1-800-341-7981). If you are bringing a U-haul or something other than a passenger vehicle, you will likely be considered a commercial vehicle. Commercial vehicles can only make reservations by doubling the usual fare. It is cheaper to simply take your number, wait in line and hope for the best.
In general, Marine Atlantic Ferries cater to your every whim, carrying food, alcohol, gift shops, cinemas and sleeping accommodations. There will be lots for you to do.
Once in Newfoundland, drive or take a bus to Fortune. From here, you’ll leave your car and take the ferry to Saint-Pierre with SPM EXPRESS