Hurricane Beryl
A major hurricane struck Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on 1 July 2024, significantly impacting services and causing widespread damage. If you plan to visit Union Island, Mayreau, or Canouan, confirm arrangements with your travel agent or accommodation provider. Services are still affected on these islands, and there are ongoing relief and reconstruction efforts. Services have returned to normal on St. Vincent and Bequia.
You should follow and monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Center and follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders. See Extreme weather and natural disasters
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
About FCDO travel advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in St Vincent and the Grenadines set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact St Vincent and the Grenadines’ High Commission in the UK .
Passport validity requirements
To enter St Vincent and the Grenadines, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
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.
Importing food
Because of foot and mouth disease, you will need an import licence if you bring any food to the island.
Visa requirements
You do not need a visa to visit St Vincent and the Grenadines.
On entry, you will be granted a period of 6 months. To stay longer, you must apply and pay for an extension from the St Vincent Immigration Department.
It’s illegal to stay longer than the period allowed or to work without a work permit.
Vaccine requirements
To enter St Vincent and the Grenadines, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s St Vincent and the Grenadines guide.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of St Vincent and the Grenadines. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Terrorism
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.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in St Vincent and the Grenadines
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in St Vincent and the Grenadines, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Crime
Protecting your belongings
Most visits are trouble-free, but there have been crimes including murder, armed robbery and assault.
Take precautions such as:
- avoiding isolated areas, including beaches, after dark
- take particular care around large gatherings, including street and beach parties, especially after dark or during the festival season
- keeping valuables secure and out of sight
- making sure your accommodation is secure, including if you’re staying on a yacht
Do not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery. If possible, leave valuables and travel documents in a safety deposit box or hotel safe.
Carnival
St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Vincy Mas carnival takes place in early July. Theft and opportunistic crime may increase during carnival. Only use licensed taxis and take particular care at late-night street parties.
Drink spiking
Do not leave drinks unattended. You should:
- be cautious at crowded events
- have a clear plan to get home safely after an evening out
Laws and cultural differences
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
There are severe penalties for all drug offences. Pack your own luggage and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else.
Laws on clothing
It’s illegal for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing.
LGBT+ travellers
Attitudes towards the LGBT+ community are mostly conservative throughout the Caribbean. LGBT+ travellers should be aware that showing affection in public may attract unwanted and negative attention. Some homosexual acts are illegal.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
Swimming safety
Some beaches may have strong undercurrents known as riptides. Not all beaches have lifeguards or flag warning systems. Make sure you follow any local advice.
See more information on safe swimming on ABTA’s swim safe webpages.
Transport risks
Road travel
If you’re planning to drive in St Vincent and the Grenadines, see information on driving abroad.
You must get a local temporary driving licence. Car hire companies will usually help with this process. You must show a valid UK driving licence to get your temporary licence.
Driving standards
You should:
- watch out for potholes and speed bumps
- take care on minor roads where there can be very steep drops with no safety barriers
- watch out for blind corners on narrow roads
- keep car doors locked when driving – do not stop if you’re flagged down by pedestrians
If you’re involved in an accident, call the police and do not move the vehicle. If the accident happens at night in a remote area, drive to the nearest police station.
Be aware that:
- pedestrians often walk on the roads
- drivers do not always use indicators
- some roads are unlit at night
- road signs and hazards may not be visible
- taxi vans make random stops
Taxis
Taxis are not metered. There are set fares for most destinations. Agree the fare in local currency with the driver before you set off. You can often pay in US dollars instead of East Caribbean dollars.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Hurricanes
The hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June to November. Monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organization and the US National Hurricane Center and follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders.
Earthquakes
Earthquakes are a risk. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
Volcanic eruptions
The last explosive eruption of La Soufrière volcano on St Vincent was in 2021.
You should also monitor the alert level of the underwater volcano Kick ‘em Jenny, located 5 miles off the coast of nearby Grenada. Keep out of maritime exclusion zones and follow the advice of local authorities if there is increased volcanic activity or an eruption.
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 911 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
To avoid mosquito-borne viruses, such as dengue and Zika virus, take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Healthcare in St Vincent and the Grenadines
The main government hospital can cope with many types of treatment but serious cases may need emergency evacuation.
FCDO has a list of medical providers in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Emergency services in St Vincent and the Grenadines
Telephone: 911 or 999 (ambulance, fire, police)
Ambulance: 911
Police: 999 or landline 457 1211
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Refunds and changes to travel
For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
- where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
- how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim
Support from FCDO
FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
Help abroad
See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
Help in the UK
You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
Find out about call charges
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