Saint-Pierre and Miquelon
Phone Code
+508
Capital
Saint-Pierre
Population
6,000
Native Name
Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon
Region
Americas
Northern America
Timezone
Pierre & Miquelon Daylight Time
UTC-03:00
On This Page
Saint-Pierre and Miquelon is a French archipelago of eight islands roughly 25 kilometres off Newfoundland's Burin Peninsula — the last remaining piece of France's once-vast North American colonial territory, which at its height stretched from Quebec through the Great Lakes to Louisiana. Around 6,000 residents live across the two main inhabited islands, Saint-Pierre and Miquelon-Langlade, maintaining French language, culture and a centuries-old fishing tradition in this remote Atlantic outpost. As a French overseas collectivity outside the Schengen Area, entry follows its own rules: EU/EEA/Swiss citizens enter freely, and Canadians, Americans and many other nationalities enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
Visa Requirements for Saint-Pierre and Miquelon
Saint-Pierre and Miquelon's entry requirements differ from mainland France because the territory sits outside the Schengen Area — a Schengen visa for mainland France does not grant entry here, and entry here does not grant access to Schengen countries. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens enter freely with a national ID card or passport for stays of any duration. Canadian citizens, given the islands' proximity to Newfoundland, enter visa-free for up to 90 days with a valid passport (passport cards are not accepted); citizens of the US, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries also enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Access is by Air Saint-Pierre flights from Halifax, Montreal or St. John's, or by seasonal ferry from Fortune, Newfoundland — there are no direct flights from Europe, so all routes run via Canada. Travellers who need a visa must apply specifically for French overseas territories, not a standard Schengen visa, through a French consulate. See the visa categories below for the specific requirements.
Common Visa Types
Visa-Free Entry (EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens)
For citizens of EU member states, EEA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway), and Switzerland visiting this French Republic overseas collectivity.
Visa-Free Entry (90 Days - Canadians)
For Canadian citizens visiting for tourism or business given proximity to Newfoundland (25 km) and historical connections.
Visa-Free Entry (90 Days - Other Eligible Countries)
For citizens of ~60 countries including USA, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore for tourism or business.
French Overseas Territory Visa
For nationals not eligible for visa-free entry requiring visas for French overseas territories (distinct from Schengen).
Essential Travel Information
Discover Saint-Pierre and Miquelon
France ceded nearly all of its North American territory to Britain in 1763, and lost most of what remained after Napoleon sold Louisiana in 1803 — Saint-Pierre and Miquelon is what's left because the islands changed hands between France and Britain several times over the following decades before their status was permanently settled as French in 1816, and they were valued specifically for their position near the Grand Banks fishing grounds rather than for farmland or trade routes. That fishing-first purpose is still visible in the islands today — Saint-Pierre grew around its harbour, not around agricultural land, because there was never much of the latter to build a colony on.
Money & Currency
Euro (EUR)
Currency code: EUR
Practical Money Tips
Euro in a French Territory Near Canada
Saint Pierre and Miquelon uses the euro — a French overseas collectivity located just off Newfoundland. Canadian dollars are accepted at many businesses given proximity to Canada. US dollars are less widely accepted; exchange them at the local Caisse d'Épargne branch.
Limited ATMs — Plan Ahead
ATMs are available in Saint-Pierre town at the Caisse d'Épargne branch. Options are limited — bring adequate cash as a backup, especially if visiting Miquelon island where banking facilities are minimal.
Cards Accepted at Most Businesses
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in Saint-Pierre. Apple Pay and Google Pay work at modern terminals. Smaller establishments and vendors on Miquelon island tend to prefer cash.
Keep Euros and Canadian Dollars
Having both euros and Canadian dollars is practical — many locals operate in both currencies given cross-border trade with Newfoundland. Tipping 10% is appreciated but not obligatory.
Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.
Most Western nationalities — including Canadians, Americans, Australians and New Zealanders — enter visa-free for up to 90 days, and EU/EEA/Swiss citizens enter freely with no time limit; a Schengen visa for mainland France does not cover the islands, since they sit outside the Schengen Area.
There are no direct flights from Europe — access runs entirely via Canada, either on an Air Saint-Pierre flight from Halifax, Montreal or St. John's, or on the seasonal ferry from Fortune, Newfoundland (roughly May to September).
Because it genuinely is France — a French overseas collectivity where French is the everyday language, the currency is the Euro, and daily life (bakeries, wine shops, café culture) runs on French rather than North American conventions, despite sitting just 25 kilometres off Newfoundland.
This overview comes from Visaja's worldwide missions database (visaja.com), checked against official government sources; for binding answers, the mission itself always has the final word.