Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia
O D K E N H U T C
Exercise normal precautions in Saint Lucia.
Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.
Exercise normal precautions in Saint Lucia.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Saint Lucia.
If you decide to travel to Saint Lucia:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
- Review the Country Security Report for Barbados, which covers Saint Lucia.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
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Quick Facts
PASSPORT VALIDITY:
Valid for duration of stay in Saint Lucia
BLANK PASSPORT PAGES:
1 page required for entry stamp
TOURIST VISA REQUIRED:
No, but see entry-exit requirements below
VACCINATIONS:
None
CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR ENTRY:
None
CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR EXIT:
None
ALL / ALL /
U.S. Embassy Bridgetown
Wildey Business Park
St. Michael BB 14006
Barbados, W.I.
Telephone: +(246) 227-4000
Email:BridgetownACS@state.gov
Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.
Passports and visa:U.S. citizens must have a U.S. passport that isvalid for the duration of your stay. No visa is required if you have an onward or return ticket, confirmation of accommodation, and can produce evidence of your ability to maintain yourself.
NOTE:Generally, all U.S. citizens are required to present a valid U.S. passport when traveling to Saint Lucia, as well as proof of anticipated departure from the country. This includes travelers arriving by airplane and by private sea-going vessel. Those traveling to Saint Lucia on a cruise may use another Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document. However, we strongly recommend visitors obtain a passport before travel in case of an unforeseen emergency that requires a cruise passenger to disembark and return by air.
HIV/AIDS:The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Saint Lucia.
Find information ondual nationality,prevention of international child abductionandcustoms regulationson our websites.
Crime:U.S. citizens are not specifically targeted for crime in the Eastern Caribbean islands. However, crimes of opportunity such as petty larceny, burglary, automobile break-ins; as well as incidents of violent crime, such as murder, sexual assault, robbery, shootings, and drug related crimes do occasionally occur. As you would in any major metropolitan area of the United States, use the below personal security measures while traveling:
- Do not leave valuables unattended in public areas, on beaches, unsecured in hotel rooms, or in rental homes.
- Avoid walking alone, especially at night, on beaches, and in isolated or poorly lit locations.
- Go out in groups or with a companion and limit nighttime activities to established safe and reputable venues.
- Use only clearly marked taxis and avoid rides with strangers.
- Stick to well-lit and well-traveled routes.
- Avoid displaying flashy jewelry, expensive electronics, and large amounts of cash.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times. If you see something suspicious or unusual contact local police to report immediately.
- Use added caution when shopping in crowded areas, especially during the holiday season.
- Use added caution when attending crowded events, celebrations, music festivals, etc.
- Do not leave drinks unattended in public venues as this could create a potential vulnerability for the use of “date rape” drugs in furtherance of criminal activity.
- Do not be predictable; vary your daily routes and schedules.
- Do not engage in illegal activity.
- For boaters: Be wary of unfamiliar persons or crafts approaching your boat, whether at anchor or at sea.
Firearms: Do not enter Saint Lucia with firearms or ammunition without prior express consent from the Saint Lucia government. Please contact the Embassy of Saint Lucia with questions regarding travel with firearms.
Victims of Crime:Report crimes to the local police at 911 and contact the U.S. Embassy at (246) 227-4000.
Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.
See our webpage onhelp for U.S. victims of crime overseas.
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.
We can:
- help you find appropriate medical care
- assist you in reporting a crime to the police
- contact relatives or friends with your written consent
- explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
- provide a list of local attorneys
- provide our information onvictim’s compensation programs in the United States
- provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
- help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
- replace a stolen or lost passport
Domestic Violence:U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance at (246) 227-4000.
Watersports Advisory:Carefully assess the potential risks of recreational water activities and consider your physical capabilities and skills. Never venture out alone, particularly at isolated beaches or far out to sea. Avoid entering the water above your waist if you have been drinking and always be mindful of jet ski and boat traffic in the area.
Tourism:The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, hospitals are able provide urgent medical treatment, though very serious injuries often require medical evacuation. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.
Criminal Penalties:You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.
Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs or firearms are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website oncrimes against minors abroadand theDepartment of Justicewebsite.
Arrest Notification:If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officialsto notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See ourwebpagefor further information.
Firearms: Do not enter Saint Lucia with firearms or ammunition without prior express consent from the Saint Lucia government. Please contact the Embassy of Saint Lucia with questions regarding travel with firearms.
Faith-Based Travelers:See the following webpages for details:
- Faith-Based Travel Information
- International Religious Freedom Report– see country reports
- Human Rights Report– see country reports
- Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad
LGBTI Travelers:Consensual same-sex sexual activity is illegal, with penalties up to 10 years in prison. No legislation protects persons from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
SeeourLGBTI Travel Informationpage and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.
Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:Access to buildings, pedestrian paths, and transportation is extremely difficult for persons with mobility issues. Sidewalks (if they exist) are very uneven and will only occasionally have ramps at intersections. Pedestrian crossings are also very infrequent and can be poorly marked. Buses and taxis do not have special accommodations.
Students:See ourStudents Abroadpage and FBI travel tips.
Women Travelers:See our travel tips forWomen Travelers.
Medical facilities in Saint Lucia do not meet U.S. standards. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
We do not pay medical bills.Be aware that U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not apply overseas.
Medical Insurance:Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. . Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. We strongly recommendsupplemental insuranceto cover medical evacuation.
See our webpage for moreinformation on insurance coverage overseas.
If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of St. Lucia to ensure the medication is legal in St. Lucia. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.
The following diseases are present:
- Chikungunya
- Dengue
- Zika
Vaccinations:Be up-to-date on allvaccinationsrecommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Further health information:
- World Health Organization
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Road Conditions andSafety:Be extremely careful when driving, riding in a vehicle, or crossing roads on foot. Major roads are in average to poor condition, and you may encounter wandering animals and slow moving heavy equipment. Drivers often stop in the middle of the roadway without warning. Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you and watch for signs of sudden braking. Automobiles may lack working safety and signaling devices.
See ourRoad Safety pagefor more information.
Traffic Laws:Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. There is relatively little police enforcement of traffic regulations. A local temporary driver's license is required. These can be purchased at all car rental offices and from the Transportation Office in Gros Islet.
Public Transportation:Public transportation consists of mini-buses and taxis.
See ourRoad Safety pagefor more information.
Aviation Safety Oversight:The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Saint Lucia’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Saint Lucia’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.
Maritime Travel:Information may be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings.
Fact Sheet
Please see Fact Sheet for this country/area.
For additional travel information
- Enroll in theSmart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
- See theState Department’s travel websitefor theWorldwide CautionandTravel Advisories.
- Follow us onTwitterandFacebook.
- Seetraveling safely abroadfor useful travel tips.
International Parental Child Abduction
Review information about International Parental Child Abduction inSaint Lucia. For additional IPCA-related information, please see theInternational Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)report.
Last Updated: October 10, 2023
