PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The application process for the annual Hurricane Passes for the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season started mid-April, and the deadline for submitting all documentation is May 31. This communication serves as a reminder to those planning to apply for a pass.
There are two types of passes: the Disaster Pass and the Hurricane Pass. No passes will be issued to business owners, except for some exemption categories, as noted below.
The pass allows the bearer to access the public road to visit the place of business to assess possible damage to the property. No company passes will be accepted during curfew hours. This can only take place during certain hours that will be stipulated and announced by the Prime Minister in a curfew situation.
Potential applicants have until May 31 to present all relevant information related to the process of requesting a pass.
Disaster Passes are issued to the following crucial disaster relief organizations and are valid for three years. The disaster relief organization consists of the following: Emergency Operations Center staff, Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) staff, Crucial governmental organizations, and entities involved in disaster management such as medical institutions, general practitioners and pharmacies, Red Cross, WIEMS, White & Yellow Cross Foundation, National Security Service VDSM, Sea Rescue, Shelter Management, Ministers, and their drivers.
The following categories qualify for a Hurricane Pass, which is valid for two years: Essential Government personnel without a disaster pass; Essential personnel of crucial companies or organizations: NV GEBE, Seven Seas Water, Telecom and Internet providers, Princess Juliana International Airport, Port St. Maarten, Hotels and Guesthouses, Marinas, Fuel distributors, and gas stations, Commercial banks, Hardware stores, Security companies (supervisors only), Medium and large sized supermarkets, Restaurants (those providing food services to emergency services), Importers and Wholesale Companies for perishable goods (Only requests can be submitted for refrigeration and or generator technicians).
The crucial organizations as listed above (disaster & hurricane passes) can request personal passes for their key personnel.
The Office of Disaster Management, which falls under the Ministry of General Affairs, is handling the application process for the passes on behalf of the Prime Minister.
The Hurricane Pass is valid for the 2024 and 2025 hurricane seasons and will remain the property of the Government of Sint Maarten.
Please note that company passes from the following institutions, Sint Maarten Medical Center and White & Yellow Cross Foundation, will be accepted during curfew hours.
The pass system is a mechanism to maintain public order during emergencies. The Prime Minister assesses the damage in conjunction with Emergency Disaster Management entities of the Government after a disaster has occurred and can impose a curfew if the extent of the damage poses a threat to the safety and security of the community.
An application form can be requested by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Emails should include the following: the name of the business or organization, a short description of its activities, and a request for either a disaster or hurricane pass.
When submitting the application, the following documents need to be attached:
- copy business license fee paid (or receipt) for 2024 for businesses.
- proof of 2024 registration at the Chamber of Commerce for organizations.
- copy the valid Sint Maarten ID card of the applicant.
- Nafl. 50,- in legal stamps per application (to be obtained at the Receiver’s Office or the Simpson Bay Public Service Center); this is a non-refundable handling fee; a copy of a digital payment transfer is also accepted.
- One (1) passport picture for new applicants is to be sent in JPEG format to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the person's name clearly indicated.
The application form has to be completed and submitted to the offices of the Fire Department & Disaster Management – in print form to the attention of the secretary located at Jackal Road 5 (Office hours Monday-Friday 9.00 AM to 4.00 PM), Cay Hill, by May 31, 2024, with all necessary documents attached.
Applicants will be informed by email or telephone when to pick up the pass at the aforementioned address.