Entry Requirements

Important: Travel to Costa Rica requires a passport that is valid for 6 months after expected travel dates.

All travelers between the U.S. and the Caribbean are required to carry passports beginning January 1, 2007 as mandated by the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. We encourage you to begin the passport application process early to avoid unexpected delays. Travelers should allow a minimum of six weeks between their application submission and receipt of passport. Passports can be expedited for an additional fee. Visas are not required for US passport holders.

Foreign residents of the United States and all other foreign visitors not holding a US Passport must contact the appropriate government authorities to determine the entry and visa requirements. Please visit travel.state.gov for the most current entry requirements.

Vaccinations

Immunization is not required unless traveling from an infected area within six days of arrival to St. Lucia. Recommended immunizations include Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid. Health information is subject to change. We recommend visiting www.cdc.gov for the most up to date health requirements.

Departure Tax

There is a Departure Tax of $22 U.S. ($54 EC) for passengers 12 and over. (Subject to change)

What to Wear

Light shirts and shorts are best suited for the warm year-round weather and swimwear should be kept near the beach and pool areas. Some restaurants may require jackets for men and dresses for ladies. Resort restaurants typically require a collared shirt and long pants for gentlemen and island casual for ladies when dining in the evening.

Banks & Currency

Currency exchange and ATM’s are easily accessed through the many banks available in St. Lucia’s major resort areas. The Eastern Caribbean Dollar is the unit of currency and is fixed to the U.S. dollar at a rate of U.S. $1.00 = E.C. $2.70

Customs

The following duty free items can be brought into St. Lucia:

1.) 200 Cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco or 50 cigars

2.) 1 liter of spirits or wine

Luxury items include Jewelery, Batiks, Giftware, Local Crafts, Liquor, Cigarettes and Cigars. Duty free allowances are subject to change.

Driving

Like most islands in the Caribbean, driving on the left is customary. International driver’s licenses are accepted. Those without an international drivers license can purchase a 3 month permit for $20 U.S. Driving is best left to professional taxis or resort provided transportation.

Communications

Cable and wireless systems support the telephones and cellular connections on St. Lucia. Public card and coin telephones are available throughout the island. Calling cards can be purchased at Cable and Wireless offices, St. Lucia Tourist Board Information Centers and other outlets. Cellular phones can be rented through the Cable and Wireless Caribbean Cellular offices. Most shopping malls provide Internet access and facsimiles can be accessed through most hotels or through the Cable and Wireless offices in Castries.

The international dialing code for St. Lucia is 1 758. To call the U.S. dial 1 plus the number.

Electricity

St. Lucia uses 220 Volts/50 cycles and 3 pin square plugs. Some venues use 110 volts/60 cycles, 2 pin round plugs or flat American plugs. Adaptors can normally be found at the hotels.

Water

The water in St. Lucia is safe from the tap and bottled water is available for those wanting an alternative.

Airports

Hewanorra International Airport at Vieux Fort and the George Charles Inter Island Airport just outside Castries are the 2 airports in St. Lucia. Care should be taken in selecting your arrival airport. St. Lucia Resorts with all inclusive features may be situated very near one airport and an hour's drive from the other. Convenience, price, and the type of plane enter into the decision on the arrival airport. Smaller commuter-type planes service the George Charles Airport(Vigie Airport- code SLU) while larger jets fly into Hewanorra(UVF).

Geography

St. Lucia’s geography boasts the complete character of an exotic Caribbean destination. White sand beaches, verdant plains, tropical forests and towering mountains all flourish within the islands 238 breathtaking square miles. The central mountain range runs the length of the island and escalates to the twin volcanic peaks of the Piton Mountains. Cascading waterfalls, botanical gardens and therapeutic sulfur springs are hidden throughout the island. And its volcanic history provides the only drive-in volcano in the world. Just off the shore is the equally impressive geography of St. Lucia’s coral reefs.

Climate

St. Lucia boasts a sub-tropical climate that is cooled by gentle trade winds year-round. The average year-round temperature is near 80 degrees.

Language

The official language of St. Lucia is English, but the common patois of the St. Lucians is a French Creole.

Government

St. Lucia stands as an independent country and a member of the British Commonwealth. The Queen serves as the Ceremonial Head of State and is represented by the Governor General at proceedings. A two-house system of parliament consisting of a Senate and House of Assembly also preside with the Governor General.

History

St. Lucia’s far-reaching history began with the peaceful tribe of the Arawak Indians and has since spawned a history of war for the many nations and tribes desiring its beauty. Columbus’ initial discovery of St. Lucia in 1499 gave way to European influence and eventual domination. Two centuries after his arrival, French and British armies arrived to lay their claim, and would ultimately end up in a 150-year war over the island. Remnants of this long conflict can still be seen through the many forts and military structures scattered along St. Lucia.

Cultural Experience

The Caribbean culture comes well blended in St. Lucia, with a unanimous passion for cricket, rum and traditional island music shared by the locals. Sip the locally brewed ale, savor the delicious Creole cuisine or dance to the rhythms of traditional calypso tunes. You’ll find many ways to sample the culture through the myriad of carnivals, festivals and bustling markets found here.

Time Zone

St. Lucia is set in accordance with the Eastern Time Zone (4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time) and does not observe Daylight Savings Time.

Destination information is subject to change without prior notice.