Are we supposed to have our passports with us at all times when on the island? For example, do you take your passport with you when you get in the car at night and drive to dinner?

We never take them with us and I'm wondering if that is a violation. I'm also wondering what would happen if we were in some sort of situation where we were asked for our passports but we didn't have them with us.

We don't travel around with our passports, no need. If they happen to get stolen you will be in a mess! I have never heard of anyone being asked to present a passport while traveling around on St. Maarten/St. Martin.

We even left them in our hotel safe in Europe. We leave then in our boat safe when in the Caribbean.

We lock them in safe - only time you will need is when leaving at airport or when traveling to Anguilla etc

I usually put a copy of my passport in my wallet...might not need it but at least I have a copy with all of the important information if I need it. SXM is pretty easy as "foreign" countries go but I started doing this when traveling in Europe and it doesn't require much effort.

I upload a scanned image to a personal photo site which can be accessed from any computer with internet (if needed).

The answer is no, you don't need it on island when just traveling around. You should make a copy and take it with you to SXM, or upload it somewhere on the net where you can access it though, in case your original gets lost. The photocopy isn't the same as the original, but it's much easier to get a replacement if you have a copy.

Here's a rule of thumb I've used for well over 30 years of international travel: Unless you will be crossing an international boarder while you are "out and about" leave your passport locked in your room safe. FYI - There is no formal border crossing between the French and Dutch sides of St. Martin so you won't need a passport unless you plan to go to Anguilla.

If you take a day trip to Anguilla or St. Barts you will need to take your passport with you. Other than that, we too leave them in our safe, but I have made copies of the main page with our photos which I keep in my wallet. One time we were stopped on an alleged traffic stop on the French side and they asked for our passports. Luckily my driver's license worked, but I was told, I think since I can't speak French, that I should have my passport or a copy of the title page with me at all times when on the island. Anyone else have that experience?

Nope. We were stopped twice on the French side, and were only asked for our drivers license and rental car paperwork. We don't speak French either.

Yes, just keep a photocopy on your person with the original under lock and key.

If you feel more comfortable, do as so many have suggested and make a copy to carry but please don't carry the real thing with you unless you're doing an off-island trip. Leave it safe and securely locked in your room safe. In forty plus years of annual plus visits we have NEVER been asked for any identification on the island other than clearing C&I when arriving and departing the island. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

The only requirement is for you to have some sort of identification with you at all times. So just make sure you have your drivers license and you will be good.

Thank you to all who replied. I never have carried my passport out and about, but have always wondered what would happen if I didn't have it (if asked) during some kind of situation (such as a traffic stop).