Travel To Saint Lucia: What Americans Need To Know

Saint Lucia is a popular destination for travellers of all kinds, from music lovers to adrenaline junkies and honeymooners. Located in the Eastern Caribbean, it is known for its exotic beaches, luxury resorts, and striking scenery. For Americans looking to visit, here is some essential information to help you plan your trip.

Entry requirements

To enter Saint Lucia, you will need a passport that is valid for the duration of your stay. If you are travelling by air, your passport should be valid for at least six months from your travel date. It is recommended that you have at least one blank page in your passport to ensure there is room for your entry stamp.

U.S. citizens can enter Saint Lucia without a visa for up to six months. However, stays longer than six months will require a visa, which can be acquired through the Immigration Department in Saint Lucia.

All travellers are required to provide proof of departure when arriving in Saint Lucia, so you may need to present your return ticket at immigration. You may also be asked to provide proof of accommodation and evidence of your ability to maintain yourself financially.

If you are travelling to Saint Lucia by sea, you can use a passport or one of the following documents:

• Passport cards
• Trusted Traveller Programs
• Enhanced Driver's Licenses

Cruise visitors are not required to travel with their passport and can use other Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant documents. However, it is still recommended that cruise travellers from the U.S. bring their passports in case of an emergency that requires them to return home by air.

If you are travelling on a closed-loop cruise (one that starts and ends at the same U.S. port), you won't need a passport. In most cases, a government-issued driver's license or birth certificate will suffice.

Children under the age of 16 can use a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship if travelling to and from Saint Lucia by sea. Children under 19 can also use birth certificates if travelling by sea with a school, church, or social/cultural group supervised by an adult.

All travellers arriving by air are strongly encouraged to complete the new Online Immigration Form prior to arrival to avoid delays. The form should be submitted no more than three days before travelling to Saint Lucia.

There are no currency restrictions for entering or exiting Saint Lucia. However, travellers coming into the island may need to declare currency exceeding $10,000.

Transport options

There are more than a dozen airlines that service Saint Lucia's two airports: Hewanorra International Airport and George Charles Airport. These airports receive flights from a host of international and local destinations.

For those arriving by sea, cruise lines and local ferries dock daily at Port Castries and Soufriere.

If you wish to travel around the island of Saint Lucia, the best way to do so is by car or minibus. Taxis are also available, and water taxis around the island are plentiful. Rental cars can be obtained at Hewanorra International Airport, with rates averaging about $70 a day.

Public transportation is limited, consisting of minibuses and taxis.

Local laws and customs

Saint Lucia is a safe destination for Americans to travel to, with the US Department of State advising visitors to 'exercise normal precautions'. However, there are some local laws and customs that travellers should be aware of before their visit.

Customs

All persons entering Saint Lucia are required by law to declare to Customs anything in their baggage or on their person that was obtained outside of Saint Lucia. Passengers must also answer all questions from the Customs officer regarding their travels, baggage, contents, and other imported items. Customs declaration forms are distributed at ports of entry and exit, airline and ship agent offices, and it is advisable to fill out this declaration in advance to expedite your Customs/Immigration clearance. The form requires a list of items brought with you, including gifts for other people, articles carried for others, articles for sale, and commercial samples. It is important to note that personal effects are not included in this list.

For duty purposes, the value used will be the price paid or payable for the article, which will be converted to Eastern Caribbean dollars to indicate the amount of duty payable. Misinformation can result in delays and penalties. Passengers over 18 years of age may import the following items duty-free:

• Alcoholic drinks: up to 40 fluid ounces
• Tobacco products: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 2 kilograms of smoking tobacco
• Gifts and souvenirs: items with a value not exceeding 270 Eastern Caribbean dollars

Prohibited Imports

Prohibited imports are items deemed detrimental to the country's welfare and will be seized by Customs. The importer may also face severe penalties. These prohibited items include:

• Counterfeit currency and coins
• Food unfit for human consumption
• Indecent or obscene prints, paintings, photographs, books, cards, lithographic or other engravings, pornographic records, videos, or any other indecent articles
• Matches containing white or yellow phosphorus
• Prepared opium and pipes or utensils for smoking opium or other narcotic drugs
• Opium, morphine, cocaine, LSD, marijuana, and other narcotic drugs
• Any pistol or apparatus in the form of a stylographic pen or pencil capable of firing any kind of shot cartridge
• Fictitious stamps and any materials capable of making such stamps
• Condoms manufactured by MONKOK LATIX of South Korea
• Flick knives, blades, nightsticks, ratchet knives, and other similar knives with flying blades
• Shaving brushes made in or exported from Japan
• Publications, articles, or other matters associated with black magic, secret magic obeah, witchcraft, or other magical arts and occultism
• Goods whose importation is prohibited by any enactment of the State
• Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances except under the license of the Chief Medical Officer
• Ginger and dry coconuts except under license from the Ministry of Agriculture
• Any goods bearing the Coat of Arms or Flag of Saint Lucia or any other representation, except with the approval of the Prime Minister's Office
• Rare or threatened species of animals or plants, their products, and derivatives without the appropriate permits from CITES authorities
• Foreign currency exceeding the prescribed amount without exchange control permission

Local Laws

It is important to remember that, as a visitor to Saint Lucia, you are subject to local laws. Even unknowingly violating a local law may result in severe consequences, including expulsion, arrest, or imprisonment.

Some laws that differ from those in the United States include:

• Same-sex sexual activity is illegal, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison. There is also no legislation protecting individuals from discrimination based on sexual orientation.
• Firearm laws: do not enter Saint Lucia with firearms or ammunition without prior express consent from the Saint Lucia government.
• Road safety: major roads are in average to poor condition, and there may be wandering animals and slow-moving heavy equipment. Drivers often stop in the middle of the road without warning, so it is important to maintain a safe distance and watch for signs of sudden braking.
• Medical facilities do not meet US standards, and doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. It is recommended to purchase medical evacuation insurance.

Recommended vaccinations

While there are no vaccination requirements for entering Saint Lucia from the United States, there are several recommended vaccinations that travellers should consider. The CDC recommends that travellers are up-to-date on all routine vaccines, including MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP), varicella (chickenpox), polio, and the annual flu vaccine.

In addition, the following vaccinations are recommended for travel to Saint Lucia:

• Hepatitis A: This is recommended for all travellers to Saint Lucia, as it can be contracted through contaminated food or water.
• Typhoid: Typhoid is also present in Saint Lucia and can be contracted through contaminated food or water. The CDC recommends this vaccine for most travellers, especially those staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or adventurous eaters.
• Hepatitis B: The CDC recommends this vaccine if you may have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures, as it can be contracted through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products.
• Rabies: Rabies is present in bats in Saint Lucia, but it is not a major risk to most travellers. The CDC recommends the rabies vaccine only for travellers involved in outdoor activities in remote areas that may put them at risk of bat bites, and those who will be working with or around bats.
• Yellow Fever: There is no risk of yellow fever in Saint Lucia, but the government requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever.

It is also important to take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases such as Chikungunya, dengue fever, and Zika virus, which are prevalent in Saint Lucia.

Tourist attractions

Saint Lucia is an island in the Eastern Caribbean known for its exotic beaches, luxury resorts, and striking scenery. It is a popular destination for tourists, offering a wide range of attractions and activities. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Saint Lucia:

• The Pitons: These iconic volcanic cones are Saint Lucia's most famous landmark. The Pitons consist of Gros Piton and Petit Piton, rising 2,000 feet above the deep blue waters. Gros Piton is the higher of the two at 738 meters and offers a challenging four-hour round trip hike through winding forest trails.
• Sulphur Springs: Sulphur Springs is a unique attraction located inside the bowl of an extinct volcano. Visitors can explore the observation platforms to see belching mud pools, multicolored mineral deposits, and noxious vents.
• Pigeon Island National Park: Pigeon Island has a rich history and is now linked to the mainland by a wide causeway. It features a barracks, a well-preserved fortress with cannons, and beautiful beaches.
• Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens: These gardens offer a peaceful escape with stunning natural beauty. Visitors can explore the hiking and jogging trails, enjoy the sun streaming through the palm leaves, and discover the fascinating history of the old plantation.
• Gros Islet Street Party: This street party is a popular attraction, offering a lively atmosphere with music, drinks, food, and local wares. It is often compared to a walk down Bourbon Street in New Orleans.
• Marigot Bay: Marigot Bay is a classic Caribbean setting with white sandy beaches, coconut palms, and steep walls of tropical greenery. It is a favorite spot for film crews and offers a mix of heavily developed spots and secluded coves accessible only by boat.
• Rodney Bay: Rodney Bay is a small town with a handful of resorts, a flashy marina, a vast mall, and a casino. It is often passed through on the way to Pigeon Island or the fishing village of Gros Islet.
• Soufrière: Soufrière is Saint Lucia's former colonial capital, named after the nearby active volcano. It is known for its charming French-Caribbean gingerbread houses and market square. Soufrière is also the gateway to the Pitons and the drive-in volcano, as well as beautiful botanical gardens.
• Anse Chastanet Beach and Reef: This beach offers great snorkeling opportunities and is known for its reef-sheltered bay. It is a bit crowded but has smooth roads leading to the nearby Anse Mamin beach, which is more secluded.
• Millet Bird Sanctuary: This sanctuary is a bird-watcher's paradise, home to over 30 bird species, including five of the island's six endemics, such as the elusive Saint Lucia parrot. The 3km trail offers a variety of scenery and stunning views from the clearing at the top.

Frequently asked questions