Security travel advice for St Lucia

HOW SAFE IS ST LUCIA ?

Threat level: Medium

COVID-19 Situation in St Lucia

There are reported cases of coronavirus in St Lucia and as a result of this, a series of other measures have been implemented including the mandatory use of face masks on public transport and in public places, the respect of social distancing rules, acceptance to being subject to screening and temperature checks at port of entry and during your stay. Besides, business and commercial facilities must close before 21:00. Further to this, travellers from overseas must stay in a COVID-19 Certified hotel for the duration of their visit, unless when taking part in an excursion arranged by their hotel. When travelling to St Lucia, international travellers must present a negative PCR test result on arrival, taken no more than 5 days prior to arrival and they must complete a Pre-Arrival registration form, confirming their reservation in either a COVID-19 certified property or a Government operated quarantine facility. See our healthcare section for more information.

SECURITY SITUATION IN ST LUCIA

The current travel advice for St Lucia to be aware of the global security risk of terrorism at prominent tourist destinations. Although the risk is low it is recommended to be cautious. Petty crime and other serious crimes do occur, which can be targeted at tourists. There is limited medical facilities, so please be aware of this during your stay.

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Recent Security Risk Events
In 2014, a robbery and attack on a yacht that was moored off St Lucia led to the death of a British man aboard the yacht. Whilst such violent crimes occur sporadically, travellers are advised to carry out basic security measures and remain wary of their surroundings at all times, especially in the areas of port of Vieux Fort and Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens near Soufrière where previous incidents have taken place.

There are annual festivities with a Jazz festival in May, carnivals in July and others during the winter holiday season. During these times the crime rate is higher especially muggings targeted at tourists. It is best to show low levels of affluence and not to carry large sums of cash on your person.

There is a low threat of terrorism in the country however please be mindful that hotspots for tourism in the Caribbean are soft targets for future attacks, with many American travellers visiting this destination, it may be a desirable target. Please report anything suspicious to the authorities and remain vigilant throughout your stay.

Security Risks
As with all popular travel destinations there is always an underlying risk of petty crime and theft from busy areas or where tourist dwell. Assaults can occur against tourists the best travel advice for St Lucia is to avoid isolated areas, or unpatrolled beaches after dark to limit the risk, avoid staying in hotels and villas in isolated areas. It may be advisable to check with local authorities which beaches and areas are safest to visit.

There are incidents as with many countries of crimes such as murder, rape, burglary, armed robbery and lesser crimes. High net worth clients may be a desirable target for theft so please take sensible precautions to secure your belongings especially on yachts. This may be more prominent during festival season.

Please take sensible security precautions during your stay such as securing your belongings and not carrying large amounts of cash on your persons. Carrying out such measures will assist in making sure your stay is trouble free.

There are known beggars, peddlers and sellers of contraband good who will approach you especially on the beaches offering goods and even illegal substances. Please note some of these items may not pass customs such as volcanic rock items. It is illegal to take plant based items such as coconut husks and palm-frowns through customs. Also you may find that they may harass you in which case you may need to be very firm with them. Please only buy goods from official retailers.

ST LUCIA'S INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

St Lucia is a Commonwealth nation and as such has good diplomatic ties and multilateral relations with many international organisations such as the United Nations, The Carribbean Community (CARICOM) and many others. Its main allies are the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and France. There are some feelings in the international community with regards to St Lucia being part of the transiting line for drugs leaving South America.

TRAVELLING AROUND ST LUCIA

This region is one of a tropical climate and as such has an active hurricane season which runs from June to November, please note during this time in times of severe weather infrastructure and services may be affected. There is also a risk of tremors and possible earthquakes, ‘Kick’em Jenny’ is an active volcano near to Grenada which may impact your stay if erupts.

The road conditions are poor with them being also narrow and steep. Please note that roadside assistance is not available throughout the island. Negotiate taxi fares before departure and only use registered licence taxis.

There are many snakes on the island with one being poisonous “Fer-de-Lance”. This snake is brown and/or black with pale yellow or cream-colored bands that crisscross the back and sides of the body, making dark triangular and diamond patterns. The head is large and in a triangle shape, when the head is clearly wider than the neck, and/or triangular.

COMMERCIAL TRAVEL RISK SERVICES

EMERGENCY SERVICES IN ST LUCIA

Police emergency: 911
Fire emergency: 999
Ambulance emergency: 911

ST LUCIA OVERVIEW

Capital: Castries
Official languages: English
Religion: Christianity
Currency: East Caribbean Dollar

CONSULAR INFORMATION FOR ST LUCIA

There is no American Embassy in St Lucia, you will have to contact the Embassy in Barbados if you require consular assistance:
U.S. Embassy Barbados
Wildey Business Park,
Wildey,
St. Michael BB 14006,
Barbados, W.I.
Telephone: +1 246 227-4000
Email: bridgetownacs@state.gov

British High Commission St Lucia
Francis Compton Building,
2nd Floor,
PO Box 227,
Waterfront,
Castries,
St Lucia
Telephone: +1 758 452 2484

VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR ST LUCIA

British, Canadian, Australian, EU and United States of America Passport holders do not need a travel visa to enter St Lucia. Many other countries require a visa, further information can be found at the Visa Policy of St Lucia website.

HEALTHCARE AND IMMUNISATIONS

COVID-19 cases have been reported in St Lucia. There is no vaccination against the disease, protection is through preventive measures like self-isolating, maintaining social distancing, washing hands and avoiding touching your mouth and eyes, as well as avoiding unnecessary travel and gatherings.

It is advised that visitors to St Lucia are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. You should ensure that you have been further vaccinated against diseases such as Tetanus which is usually administered when you are a young baby.

It is advised that visitors to St Lucia are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. You should ensure that you have been further vaccinated against diseases such as Tetanus which is usually administered when you are a young baby.

Although there is no direct risk of Yellow Fever in St Lucia, if you are coming from a country where there is a risk of the disease you will be required to provide a vaccination certificate. Check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.

There is a higher population of HIV positive persons in St Lucia. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.

There have been confirmed cases of the Zika virus, Chikungunya fever and Dengue fever in St Lucia and suitable precautions are advised. All three diseases are transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes and although there is no vaccine at present, taking precautions against bites can prevent contraction in the first place.

You can find more about the Zika virus here: Zika virus facts
More information on Dengue fever, see: Dengue Fever facts
Information about the Chikungunya Fever, see: Chikungunya Fever facts