{"slug":"st-lucia","title":"St Lucia travel advice","updated_at":"2025-12-10T12:34:04+00:00","reviewed_at":"2025-12-10T12:34:04Z","change_description":"New information about dual nationals returning to the UK (‘ Entry requirements’ page).","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/st-lucia","entry_requirements_html":"<p>This information is for people travelling on a full <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/types-of-british-nationality\">‘British citizen’ passport</a> 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.</p>\n\n<p>The authorities in St Lucia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.govt.lc/ministries/external-affairs-international-trade-and-civil-aviation/high-commission-for-saint-lucia\">St Lucian High Commission in the UK</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"passport-validity-requirements\">Passport validity requirements </h2>\n\n<p>If you’re visiting St Lucia, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ after the day you plan to leave. </p>\n\n<p>Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport/renew\">Renew your passport</a> if you need to.  </p>\n\n<p>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. </p>\n\n<div role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Warning\" class=\"application-notice help-notice\">\n<p>Make sure you get your passport stamped. </p>\n</div>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"dual-nationals\">Dual nationals</h2>\n\n<p>When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports\">British passport</a> or <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/right-of-abode/apply-for-a-certificate-of-entitlement\">certificate of entitlement</a>. See <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/dual-citizenship\">Dual citizenship</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"visa-requirements\">Visa requirements </h2>\n\n<p>You can visit St Lucia without a visa.  </p>\n\n<p>On entry, you’ll be allowed to stay for a maximum period of 6 weeks. </p>\n\n<p>To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://externalaffairs.gov.lc/extension-of-stay/\">meet the St Lucian government’s entry requirements</a>. You’ll need to go to the Immigration Department in Castries to apply to extend your stay.  </p>\n\n<p>It’s illegal to overstay the entry period or to work without a work permit. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"online-immigration-form\">Online immigration form </h2>\n\n<p>Fill in an <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.stlucia.org/en_UK/entry/\">online immigration form</a> 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. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"vaccine-requirements\">Vaccine requirements  </h2>\n\n<p>To enter St Lucia, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/65/countries-with-risk-of-yellow-fever-transmission\">country listed as a transmission risk</a>.</p>\n\n<p>For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/208/st-lucia#Vaccine_Recommendations\">TravelHealthPro’s St Lucia guide</a>. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"customs-rules\">Customs rules </h2>\n\n<p>There are strict rules about <a rel=\"external\" href=\"http://www.customs.gov.lc/travellers-information.php\">goods you can take into or out of St Lucia</a>. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. </p>\n\n","safety_html":"<h2 id=\"terrorism\">Terrorism  </h2>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n<p>UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/runhidetell/\">staying safe</a> and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduce-your-risk-from-terrorism-while-abroad\">how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"terrorism-in-st-lucia\">Terrorism in St Lucia </h3>\n\n<p>Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in St Lucia, attacks cannot be ruled out. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"crime\">Crime </h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"large-scale-events\">Large-scale events</h3>\n\n<p>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.  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.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"crime-and-assault\">Crime and assault</h3>\n\n<p>There have been incidents of crime in St Lucia including murder, armed robbery and sexual assault. </p>\n\n<p>There is a continuing serious risk of homicides, primarily gang related and involving guns. Some incidents have taken place in public areas. </p>\n\n<p>Take precautions to protect your personal safety: </p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>make sure your accommodation is secure – this also applies if you’re staying on a yacht </li>\n  <li>take care when walking alone off main roads</li>\n  <li>take particular care around large gatherings, including street and beach parties, especially after dark or during the festival season </li>\n  <li>avoid isolated areas, including beaches, after dark </li>\n  <li>only use licensed taxis </li>\n  <li>do not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery </li>\n  <li>leave valuables and travel documents in your hotel safe or a safety deposit box </li>\n</ul>\n\n<h2 id=\"laws-and-cultural-differences-\">Laws and cultural differences  </h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"laws-on-clothing\">Laws on clothing </h3>\n\n<p>It’s illegal for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"illegal-drugs-penalties\">Illegal drugs penalties </h3>\n\n<p>There are severe penalties for all drug offences. Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"lgbt-travellers\">LGBT+ travellers </h3>\n\n<p>Attitudes towards the LGBT+ community are mostly conservative throughout the Caribbean. <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.humandignitytrust.org/country-profile/saint-lucia/\">Certain same-sex sexual acts are illegal</a> 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.</p>\n\n<p>Read more <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-foreign-travel-advice\">advice for LGBT+ travellers</a>. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"outdoor-activities-and-adventure-tourism\">Outdoor activities and adventure tourism  </h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"swimming-safety\">Swimming safety </h3>\n\n<p>Currents can be deceptively strong and not all beaches have lifeguards or warning flags. Monitor all beaches carefully and obey any local warnings.</p>\n\n<p>See <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.rlss.org.uk/safety-on-holiday\">water safety on holiday</a> from the Royal Life Saving Society.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"transport-risks\">Transport risks  </h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"road-travel\">Road travel </h3>\n\n<p>If you’re planning to drive in St Lucia, see information on <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad\">driving abroad</a>.  </p>\n\n<p>Travellers without a St Lucian driving licence must get a temporary driving permit. You will need a: </p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>driving licence </li>\n  <li>passport </li>\n  <li>passport size photo of yourself </li>\n  <li>54 Eastern Caribbean dollars or 20 US dollars </li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>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. </p>\n\n<p>Some hire car companies can get the permit for you. Ask your hire company if this is a service they can provide. </p>\n\n<p>Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience or a higher minimum age. </p>\n\n<p>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. </p>\n\n<p>Some roads are unlit at night. Road signs and hazards may not be easily visible. </p>\n\n<p>Do not stop if you’re flagged down by pedestrians. Keep car doors locked when driving. </p>\n\n<p>Accidents often happen on the main east coast road to and from Hewanorra International Airport. </p>\n\n<p>In the event of an accident, call the police and do not move the vehicle.  </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"taxis-and-minibuses\">Taxis and minibuses </h3>\n\n<p>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. </p>\n\n<p>Minibus drivers often drive above the speed limit.  </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"extreme-weather-and-natural-disasters\">Extreme weather and natural disasters </h2>\n\n<p>Find out what you can do to <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tropical-cyclones\">prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"hurricanes\">Hurricanes  </h3>\n\n<p>The hurricane season in the Caribbean normally runs from June to November. Monitor local news and check the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://worldweather.wmo.int/en/country.html?countryCode=LCA\">World Meteorological Organisation</a> and the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/\">US National Hurricane Center</a>. </p>\n\n<p>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. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"earthquakes\">Earthquakes </h3>\n\n<p>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 <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes\">what to do before, during and after an earthquake</a>. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"volcanoes\">Volcanoes </h3>\n\n<p>Check the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://uwiseismic.com/volcanoes/kick-em-jenny/kej-monitoring/\">alert level of the underwater volcano ‘Kick ‘em Jenny’</a>, 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. </p>\n\n<p>Check the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://uwiseismic.com/volcanoes/la-soufriere-eruption-2020-2021-hub/\">alert level for La Soufriere volcano</a>, located on the nearby island of St Vincent. Its eruption in 2021 sent ash over St Lucia, which caused some disruption.</p>\n","customs_snippets":["You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.","do not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery","Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else.","Agree the fare in local currency with the driver before you set off.","The hurricane season often brings heavy rains, which may cause flash floods and landslides."]}
