Country Specific Info.
The United States State Department produces Consular Information Sheets with health, safety and other country information for every country in the world. They are one good source of information, though you should look at multiple sources of information and take your own personal situation into account when selecting a country to study in.
The latest Consular Information Sheet for Saint Lucia is below. We do not take responsibility for this information or edit it in any way.
You can access the State Department travel site directly at: https://travel.state.gov/travel/
Embassies and Consulates
U.S. Embassy Bridgetown Wildey Business Park Wildey St. Michael BB 14006 Barbados, W.I. Telephone: +(246) 227-4399 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(246) 227-4000 Fax: +(246) 431-0179
Email: BridgetownACS@state.gov
Destination Description
See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Saint Lucia for information on U.S. – Saint Lucia relations.
Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements Passports and visa: U.S. citizens must have a U.S. passport that is valid for 6 months following your departure date. 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 on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.
Safety and Security
Crime: Crimes, including murder, rape, armed robbery, petty street crime, automobile break-ins and burglary, do occur. Do not leave valuables unattended in public areas, unsecured hotel rooms or in rental homes.
Avoid walking alone, especially in isolated locations and at night. Do not leave valuables unattended in public areas, unsecured hotel rooms or in rental homes. Do not leave drinks unattended, as there have been reports of use of date rape drugs. Do not buy counterfeit or pirated goods. These are illegal in the United States, and you may also be breaking local law.
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 on help 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 on victim’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.
For further information:
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Call us in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for Worldwide Caution, Travel Advisories. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.
Local Laws & Special Circumstances
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 U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.
Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for 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.
See our LGBTI Travel Information page 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 our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.
Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers
Health
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 recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.
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 all vaccinations recommended 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)
Travel and Transportation
Road Conditions and Safety: 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 our Road Safety page for 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 our Road Safety page for 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: Mariners planning travel to Saint Lucia should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings.
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