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Before you travelÌý

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:Ìý

• ²õ±ð±ðÌýgeneral advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• ²õ±ð±ðÌýgeneral advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read aboutÌýsafety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insuranceÌý

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.Ìý

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen� passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of St Lucia’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in St Lucia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the .

Passport validity requirementsÌý

If you’re visiting St Lucia, your passport must have an ‘expiry dateâ€� after the day you plan to leave.Ìý

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.ÌýÌý

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.Ìý

Make sure the border control officer puts a stamp in your passport. Border guards will use passport stamps to check you have not stayed longer than you’re allowed. Ìý

Visa requirementsÌý

You can visit St Lucia without a visa.ÌýÌý

On entry, you’ll be allowed to stay for a maximum period of 6 weeks.Ìý

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must . You’ll need to go to the Immigration Department in Castries to apply to extend your stay.ÌýÌý

It’s illegal to overstay the entry period or to work without a work permit.Ìý

Online immigration formÌý

Fill in an no more than 3 days before you arrive. If you do not complete it before you arrive, you’ll be asked to fill in the electronic form on arrival or fill in a paper form, if available.Ìý

Vaccine requirementsÌýÌý

To enter St Lucia, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a .

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see .Ìý

Customs rulesÌý

There are strict rules about . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.Ìý

TerrorismÌýÌý

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.Ìý

Terrorism in St LuciaÌý

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in St Lucia, attacks cannot be ruled out.Ìý

CrimeÌý

Large-scale events

Most visits are trouble free but robberies and opportunistic crime may occur during the periods of and around large-scale events such as the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival in May and Saint Lucia Carnival in July.Ìý If you are attending a large-scale event take sensible precautions and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid displaying jewellery or valuable items that may attract attention of criminals. Do not leave your drinks unattended, practice caution at crowded events and have a clear plan to return home safely after attending any events.

Crime and assault

There have been incidents of crime in St Lucia including murder, armed robbery and sexual assault.Ìý

There is a continuing serious risk of homicides, primarily gang related and involving guns. Some incidents have taken place in public areas.Ìý

Take precautions to protect your personal safety:Ìý

• make sure your accommodation is secure â€� this also applies if you’re staying on a yachtÌý
• take care when walking alone off main roads
• take particular care around large gatherings, including street and beach parties, especially after dark or during the festival seasonÌý
• avoid isolated areas, including beaches, after darkÌý
• only use licensed taxisÌý
• do not carry large amounts of cash or jewelleryÌý
• leave valuables and travel documents in your hotel safe or a safety deposit boxÌý

Laws and cultural differences Ìý

Laws on clothingÌý

It’s illegal for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing.Ìý

Illegal drugs penaltiesÌý

There are severe penalties for all drug offences. Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else.Ìý

LGBT+ travellersÌý

Attitudes towards the LGBT+ community are mostly conservative throughout the Caribbean. in St Lucia. Showing affection in public may attract unwanted and negative attention. It is uncommon for opposite or same-sex couples to show affection in public in St Lucia.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.Ìý

Outdoor activities and adventure tourismÌýÌý

Swimming safetyÌý

Currents can be deceptively strong and not all beaches have lifeguards or warning flags. Monitor all beaches carefully and obey any local warnings.

SeeÌýÌýfrom the Royal Life Saving Society.

Transport risksÌýÌý

Road travelÌý

If you’re planning to drive in St Lucia, see information on driving abroad.ÌýÌý

Travellers without a St Lucian driving licence must get a temporary driving permit. You will need a:Ìý

• driving licenceÌý
• passportÌý
• passport size photo of yourselfÌý
• 54 Eastern Caribbean dollars or 20 US dollarsÌý

You must go in person to the Department of Transport at the Ministry of Infrastructure, Ports, Transport, Physical Development and Urban Renewal at the Union Complex, in Union, Castries. Telephone +1 758 468 4300 for the latest opening hours.Ìý

Some hire car companies can get the permit for you. Ask your hire company if this is a service they can provide.Ìý

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience or a higher minimum age.Ìý

Roads can have potholes and speed bumps. Minor roads and roads in rural areas are often narrow, with steep gradients, hairpin bends and blind corners. Drivers do not always use indicators. Pedestrians often walk on the roads.Ìý

Some roads are unlit at night. Road signs and hazards may not be easily visible.Ìý

Do not stop if you’re flagged down by pedestrians. Keep car doors locked when driving.Ìý

Accidents often happen on the main east coast road to and from Hewanorra International Airport.Ìý

In the event of an accident, call the police and do not move the vehicle.ÌýÌý

Taxis and minibusesÌý

Taxis are not metered. Standard taxi fares exist for most destinations. Agree the fare in local currency with the driver before you set off. You can often pay in US dollars as well as East Caribbean dollars.Ìý

Minibus drivers often drive above the speed limit.ÌýÌý

Extreme weather and natural disastersÌý

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

HurricanesÌýÌý

The hurricane season in the Caribbean normally runs from June to November. Monitor local news and check the and the .Ìý

The hurricane season often brings heavy rains, which may cause flash floods and landslides. After a storm or hurricane, power, communications, transport and water supplies can be disrupted. Even in holiday resorts, utility services cannot be guaranteed. Flights to and from the UK may be delayed or cancelled.Ìý

EarthquakesÌý

Earthquakes are a risk in the Caribbean and tremors are occasionally felt in St Lucia. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about .Ìý

VolcanoesÌý

Check the , located 5 miles off the coast of Grenada. Observe any maritime exclusion zones and follow the advice of the local authorities if there is increased activity or an eruption.Ìý

Check the , located on the nearby island of St Vincent. Its eruption in 2021 sent ash over St Lucia, which caused some disruption.

Before you travel check that:Ìý

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may needÌý
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.Ìý

Emergency medical numberÌý

Call 911 and ask for an ambulance.Ìý

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.Ìý

Vaccine recommendations and health risksÌýÌý

At least 8 weeks before your trip:Ìý

• check the latest Ìý
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the Ìý

MedicationÌý

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.Ìý

Read .Ìý

Carry a copy of your prescription for any medications you bring with you, especially any that may be classed as controlled drugs.Ìý

Healthcare in St LuciaÌý

The main government hospital can cope with many types of treatment, but serious cases may mean emergency evacuation.ÌýÌý

Medical treatment in St Lucia can be expensive. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.Ìý

Before choosing to be treated at a private facility, check their policies on pre-payment. Some private clinics may not accept medical travel insurance as payment for treatment. The Tapion Hospital does not accept travel or foreign medical insurance for payment.ÌýÌý

FCDO has a list of medical providers in St Lucia.

Travel and mental healthÌý

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also .Ìý

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.Ìý

Emergency services in St LuciaÌýÌý

Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police)Ìý

Contact your travel provider and insurerÌý

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.Ìý

Refunds and changes to travelÌý

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.Ìý

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:Ìý

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a providerÌý
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claimÌý

Support from FCDOÌý

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:Ìý

• finding and in St LuciaÌý
• dealing with a death in St LuciaÌý
• being arrested or imprisoned in St LuciaÌý
• getting help if you’re a victim of crimeÌý
• what to do if you’re â€�in hospitalÌý
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attackÌý

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Help abroad  �

³§±ð±ð  including in an emergency. Ì�

Help in the UK  �

You can call�FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  �

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  �

Find out about call chargesÌý

Get travel advice updates  �

Sign up to�get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  �

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