Saint Lucia

Use Normal Level of Caution

Saint Lucia is an island in the eastern Caribbean, part of the Lesser Antilles and one of the Windward Islands. It is north of Trinidad and Tobago and south of Martinique. The estimated population is 161,000 people. While English is the official language, French patois is also spoken.

The government is a parliamentary democracy and St. Lucia is a Commonwealth realm. The chief of state is the monarch of England, with a governor general as the monarch's representative and appointed by the monarch. The head of government is a prime minister. In 1979, Saint Lucia became an independent state of the British Commonwealth of Nations.

Tourism is the mainstay of St. Lucia’s economy and the largest source of employment. The island has a mountainous terrain with hills leading up to active volcanoes. Tourist attractions include many sandy beaches, rain forests and walking trails. Scuba diving and sailing can be found almost anywhere. St. Lucia’s culture is a reflection of West Indian life with its unique cuisine and reggae music.

Currency	XCD: East Caribbean dollar
Language	English
Capital	Castries
Recent Alerts	1
Latest Alert	July 01, 2021 - Tropical Storm ELSA en route to Caribbean Islands

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Saint Lucia. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Saint Lucia through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.
Dengue Fever Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in Saint Lucia, and the risk to travellers is significant.
Hepatitis B There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Saint Lucia.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Saint Lucia, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Ciguatera Fish Poisoning This kind of marine seafood toxin poisoning occurs sporadically in Saint Lucia.
Chikungunya Fever Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.
Yellow Fever There is no risk for yellow fever transmission for this country. However, this country requires all persons of any age to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a country where yellow fever is present, including travellers transiting through St. Lucia, and including travellers who have transited through an airport in a country/territory at risk for yellow fever transmission. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers who are travelling to countries/territories, as published by WHO, requiring the international certificate of vaccination against yellow fever as a condition for entry.
Rabies Rabies may be present in bats.
Zika Fever There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Saint Lucia.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Yellow Fever Vaccine The yellow fever vaccination is not recommended for this country. However, this country requires all persons of any age to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a country where yellow fever is present, including travellers transiting through St. Lucia, and including travellers who have transited through an airport in a country/territory at risk for yellow fever transmission. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers who are travelling to countries/territories, as published by WHO, requiring the international certificate of vaccination against yellow fever as a condition for entry.
Rabies Vaccine Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Saint Lucia.

None required.

Safety and Security in Saint Lucia

Emergency Numbers

911

Personal Safety

Travellers should be aware of their personal safety in Saint Lucia as the country has a moderate crime rate. Petty crime, such as theft and pick-pocketing, is common in tourist areas, and increases during annual festivals. Travellers should ensure their personal belongings, valuables, and travel documents are kept safe at all times.

Violent muggings can also occur. Travellers should avoid isolated areas and unpatrolled beaches, particularly after dark.

Areas To Avoid

The following areas should be avoided as they are unsafe and experience high criminal activity: Marchand, St. Grass, St. Leslie Land, and Wilton Yard.

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Updated: July 01, 2021