About St Vincent and the Grenadines

Travel Advice

SVG’s Carnival, also known as ‘Vincy Mas’, normally takes place in early July. There will be a number of events to celebrate the festival and there may be an increase in robberies and opportunistic crime. Do not leave your drinks unattended, practice caution at crowded events, be aware of your surroundings and have a clear plan to return home safely after attending any events. See Safety and security page

Most visits to St Vincent and the Grenadines are trouble-free, but there have been incidents of crime including murder, robbery and assault. See Crime

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check your cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

The hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June to November. You should follow and monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the US National Hurricane Centre and follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders. See Natural disasters.

Dengue fever is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. Following an upturn in cases in St Vincent and the Grenadines, you should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. See Health

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been confirmed in St Vincent and the Grenadines. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in St Vincent and the Grenadines, attacks can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism

Consular support is not available from the British High Commission in Kingstown. However, the British High Commission in Bridgetown, Barbados can provide consular support to British nationals.

Coronavirus travel health

Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for St Vincent and the Grenadines on the TravelHealthPro website.

See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

You should contact local authorities for information on testing facilities.

Entry and borders

See Entry requirements

Be prepared for your plans to change

No travel is risk-free during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.

Plan ahead and make sure you:

• can access money
• understand what your insurance will cover
• can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned

Travel in St Vincent and the Grenadines

Covid-19 related restrictions in SVG have now been lifted. It is a personal choice whether you wish to wear a mask or practice standard hygiene measures and social distancing.

Accommodation

Hotels and private rentals have re-opened to the public.

Public places and services

There are no longer any restrictions on mass gatherings.

Healthcare

For contact details of English speaking doctors visit our list of healthcare providers.

Your emotional and mental wellbeing is important. Read guidance on how to look after your mental wellbeing and mental health.

View Health for further details on healthcare in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The St Vincent and the Grenadines Emergency Medical Service is asking the public to call the COVID-19 inquiries hotline on (+1 784) 534 4325 or e-mail [email protected] if they suspect they might have contracted the virus, been exposed to it, or any other matters relating to the virus. Travellers requiring exit screening COVID-19 PCR tests are asked to utilize the services of private laboratories.

Crime

Most visits are trouble-free, but there have been incidents of crime including murder, robbery and assault.

You should maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as you would in the UK and make sure your accommodation is secure. This also applies if you are staying on a yacht. Be vigilant at all times. Take care when walking alone off the busy main roads and avoid isolated areas, including beaches, particularly after dark.

SVG’s Carnival, also known as ‘Vincy Mas’, normally occurs in early July. There will be a number of events to celebrate the festival and there may be an increase in robberies and opportunistic crime. Only use licensed taxis and take particular care at late night street parties.

Don’t leave your drinks unattended, practice caution at crowded events, be aware of your surroundings and have a clear plan to return home safely after attending any events.

Don’t carry large amounts of cash or jewellery. If possible, leave valuables and travel documents in a safety deposit box or hotel safe. You should check that the hotel safe is securely fixed before using it to store your items.

Road travel

Driving is on the left. To drive on the island you must get a local temporary driving licence. The car hire companies will usually assist with this process. You must present a valid UK driving licence.

Take care when driving on the roads as there can be potholes and speed bumps. Observe the speed limits. You should take extra care on minor roads and in rural areas where there are narrow roads and blind corners. Pedestrians often walk on the roads and indicators are not always used.

Take extra care when driving at night as some roads are unlit. Road signs and hazards may not be easily visible.

Don’t stop if you’re flagged down by pedestrians. Keep car doors locked when driving.

In the event of an accident, call the police and don’t move the vehicle.

Taxis aren’t 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 EC dollars.

Public transport is available and cheaper. Minibus drivers might drive above the speed limit.

Air travel

You can find a list of recent incidents and accidents on the website of the Aviation Safety network.

The FCDO can’t offer advice on the safety of individual airlines. However, the International Air Transport Association publishes lists of registered airlines that have been audited and found to meet a number of operational safety standards and recommended practices – IATA Operational Safety Audit and IATA Standard Safety Assessment. These lists aren’t exhaustive and the absence of an airline from this list doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s unsafe.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation has carried out an audit of the level of implementation of the critical elements of safety oversight in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Swimming

Take great care at all times when swimming as currents can be deceptively strong and not all beaches have lifeguards and/or warning flags. You should monitor all beaches carefully and obey any local warnings.

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in St Vincent and the Grenadines, attacks can’t be ruled out.

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. You should remain vigilant at all times.

There are severe penalties for all drug offences. Pack your own luggage and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else.

It is an offence for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing.

Local attitudes towards the LGBT community are mostly conservative throughout the Caribbean. Public displays of affection (such as hand-holding or kissing) between opposite or same-sex couples are uncommon. Certain homosexual acts are illegal. LGBT travellers should be mindful of local attitudes and be aware that public displays of affection may attract unwanted and negative attention. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.

This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in St Vincent and the Grenadines set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how St Vincent and the Grenadines’ entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy, high commission or consulate.

All travellers

The entry requirements into St Vincent and the Grenadines vary depending upon country of origin and are subject to review or change on a regular basis. You should consult the St Vincent and the Grenadines’ entry protocol documents for the full and latest information.

As of September 2022, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines no longer requires air or sea passengers travelling from a foreign country to SVG to show a negative COVID-19 test before they board their flight or to have proof of quarantine arrangements. All COVID-19 related travel restrictions have been lifted.

If a non-direct option via a transit country (e.g. Barbados) is used, entry requirements may well be different to those of St Vincent and the Grenadines. You should check the travel advice of the country through which you are transiting en route to St Vincent and the Grenadines before you travel.

Check your passport and travel documents before you travel

You should check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Passport validity

If you are visiting St Vincent and the Grenadines, your passport should be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive.

Visas

British passport holders don’t need a visa to visit St Vincent and the Grenadines.

On entry, you will be granted a specified period to stay. If you wish to stay longer, you must apply and pay for an extension of stay through the St Vincent Immigration Department.

It’s an offence to overstay the entry period or to work without a work permit.

Foot and mouth disease

Import licences are required for the import of any foodstuffs to the island.

Yellow fever certificate requirements

Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.

Departure tax

Departure tax is included in the flight costs.

Returning to the UK

Check what you must do to return to the UK.

If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.

General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

UK health authorities have classified St Vincent and the Grenadines as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For information and advice about the risks associated with Zika virus, visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre website.

Mosquito-borne diseases, such as Chikungunya virus and Dengue fever are present in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Dengue fever is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. In September 2020, an upturn in Dengue fever cases was reported. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. In view of a current local shortage in mosquito repellent, you may wish to bring your own with you.

The main government hospital can cope with many types of treatment but serious cases may mean emergency evacuation.

Medical treatment in St Vincent and the Grenadines can be expensive. Make sure that you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment. Before choosing to be treated at a private facility, you should check their policies on pre-payment. Private clinics may not accept medical travel insurance as payment for treatment.

While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).

Hurricanes

The hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June to November. You should follow and monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the US National Hurricane Centre and follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders.

See our Tropical cyclones page for advice about how to prepare effectively and what to do if you’re likely to be affected by a hurricane or tropical cyclone.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are a potential threat and tremors are felt occasionally in the Caribbean. In the event of an earthquake, you should be directed by the local authorities. To learn more about what to do before, during and after an earthquake, visit the website of the US Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Volcanoes

The SVG Prime Minister reported on 29 December 2020 that La Soufriere volcano on St Vincent was in an active state of effusive eruption.

During the morning of 9 April 2021, there were several explosive eruptions of La Soufriere and an ash plume 6km high. Such activity continued until 22 April, when the last explosive eruption occurred. On 2 December 2021, it was reported that the eruptive phase had ended.

British Nationals should continue to heed the advice of local authorities.

You should monitor the alert level of the underwater volcano ‘Kick’em Jenny’, located 5 miles off the coast of Grenada. Observe any maritime exclusion zones and follow the advice of the local authorities in the event of increased activity or an eruption.

If you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad, contact the FCDO in London on 020 7008 5000 (24 hours).

Foreign travel checklist

Read our foreign travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe while you’re there.

Travel safety

The FCDO travel advice helps you make your own decisions about foreign travel. Your safety is our main concern, but we can’t provide tailored advice for individual trips. If you’re concerned about whether or not it’s safe for you to travel, you should read the travel advice for the country or territory you’re travelling to, together with information from other sources you’ve identified, before making your own decision on whether to travel. Only you can decide whether it’s safe for you to travel.

When we judge the level of risk to British nationals in a particular place has become unacceptably high, we’ll state on the travel advice page for that country or territory that we advise against all or all but essential travel. Read more about how the FCDO assesses and categorises risk in foreign travel advice.

Our crisis overseas page suggests additional things you can do before and during foreign travel to help you stay safe.

Refunds and cancellations

If you wish to cancel or change a holiday that you’ve booked, you should contact your travel company. The question of refunds and cancellations is a matter for you and your travel company. Travel companies make their own decisions about whether or not to offer customers a refund. Many of them use our travel advice to help them reach these decisions, but we do not instruct travel companies on when they can or can’t offer a refund to their customers.

For more information about your rights if you wish to cancel a holiday, visit the Citizen’s Advice Bureau website. For help resolving problems with a flight booking, visit the website of the Civil Aviation Authority. For questions about travel insurance, contact your insurance provider and if you’re not happy with their response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Registering your travel details with us

We’re no longer asking people to register with us before travel. Our foreign travel checklist and crisis overseas page suggest things you can do before and during foreign travel to plan your trip and stay safe.

Previous versions of FCDO travel advice

If you’re looking for a previous version of the FCDO travel advice, visit the National Archives website. Versions prior to 2 September 2020 will be archived as FCO travel advice. If you can’t find the page you’re looking for there, send the Travel Advice team a request.

Further help

If you’re a British national and you have a question about travelling abroad that isn’t covered in our foreign travel advice or elsewhere on GOV.UK, you can submit an enquiry, or contact us on Twitter or Facebook. We’re not able to provide tailored advice for specific trips.