Overall country Risk Rating: 

 

AA - Stable state, there is a low HSE risk.. Worksite risk is deemed to be low.. The country scores 1.229 on corruption control.(Point estimates range from -2.5 to 2.5. Higher values correspond to better governance outcomes).

Genvisec advises that all travel can continue to St Lucia.

 

Crime

 

Most visits are trouble-free, but there have been incidents of crime including murder, armed robbery and sexual assault.

 

You should maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as you would in your home country and make sure your accommodation is secure. This also applies if you are staying on a yacht. Be vigilant at all times. Take care when walking alone off the busy main roads and avoid isolated areas, including beaches, particularly after dark.

 

Only use licensed taxis and take particular care at late night street parties, especially during the festival season. Don’t carry large amounts of cash or jewellery. If possible, leave valuables and travel documents in a safety deposit box or hotel safe. You should check that the hotel safe is securely fixed before using it to store your items.

 

Road Travel

 

Driving is on the left. To drive on the island you must get a local temporary driving licence. The car hire companies will usually help with this. You must present a valid UK driving licence.

 

Take care when driving on the roads as there can be potholes and speed bumps. Observe the speed limits. You should take extra care on minor roads and in rural areas where there are narrow roads and blind corners. Pedestrians often walk on the roads and indicators are not always used.

 

Take extra care when driving at night as some roads are unlit. Road signs and hazards may not be easily visible.

 

Don’t stop if you’re flagged down by pedestrians. Keep car doors locked when driving.

 

In the event of an accident, call the police and don’t move the vehicle.

 

Taxis aren’t 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 EC dollars.

 

Take care especially on the main east coast road to and from Hewanorra International Airport.

 

Public transport is available and cheaper. Minibuses drivers may drive above the speed limit.

 

Local laws and customs

There are severe penalties for all drug offences. Pack all luggage yourself and don’t carry anything through Customs for anyone else.

 

It is an offence for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing.

 

Certain homosexual acts are illegal under the laws of St Lucia.

 

Health

Dengue fever is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year.

 

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been confirmed in St Lucia. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. For more details about this outbreak, see the website of the National Health Network and Centre.

 

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

 

Medical treatment in St Lucia can be expensive.

 

Make sure that you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.

 

Before choosing to be treated at a private facility, you should check their policies on pre-payment. Private clinics may not accept medical travel insurance as payment for treatment.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Natural Disasters

The hurricane season in the Caribbean normally runs from June to November. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the US National Hurricane Center.

 

Visas

 

EU Passport holders don’t need a visa to visit Saint Lucia. On entry, you will be granted a specified period to stay. If you wish to stay longer, you must apply and pay for an extension of stay through the St Lucia Immigration Department. It is an offence to overstay the entry period or to work without a work permit.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of exit from St Lucia.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from St Lucia.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

Previous travel to countries affected by Ebola

 

Entry restrictions may apply if you ordinarily live in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, or you have visited any of those countries in the previous 28 days. Check with the St Lucia High Commission before you travel.

 

Departure tax

 

Departure tax is included in the flight costs.

 

See our Tropical cyclones page for advice about what to do if you’re caught up in a storm.

 

Earthquakes

 

Earthquakes are a potential threat and tremors are felt occasionally in the Caribbean, In the event of an earthquake, you should be directed by the local authorities