Travel Report for Saint Lucia

Country Profile for
Saint Lucia

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: November 22, 2006 16:40 EST
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 23:10 EST

Saint Lucia

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

Section 2 of this Travel Report has been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

For more information on new entry requirements to the United States as of January 23, 2007, please see our Current Issues page.

See our Current Issues page for information on the 2007 Cricket World Cup.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country if they are going to be there for longer than three months. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure personal belongings and travel documents are secure at all times. Petty crime occurs and increases with the approach of annual festivities, such as the jazz festival in May and carnival celebrations in July. Muggings have occurred in areas frequented by tourists, and these attacks are occasionally accompanied by violence. Avoid unpopulated areas and unpatrolled beaches, especially after dark. Check with local authorities to determine which beaches are safe. The districts of Marchand, Broglie, St. Grass, St. Leslie Land, and Wilton Yard should be avoided because of drugs and high criminal activity.

The telephone number for police, fire, and ambulance is 911.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Traffic drives on the left. Roads are narrow and steep, with few guardrails. Do not pick up hitchhikers. Roadside assistance is not widely available.

Car rentals as well as public transportation are available. Regular minibus services provide fast and inexpensive travel. Taxis are available at airports and resort areas. Confirm fares before departing.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The hurricane season in the Caribbean extends from June to the end of November. Flooding may occur during this period. Transportation, utilities, emergency and medical care, as well as food, fuel and water supplies, may be disrupted. Canadians should monitor local weather reports, avoid disaster areas, and contact the nearest Canadian High Commission in Bridgetown, Barbados (see below). Travellers should check with their travel agent or tour operator to confirm their travel plans prior to departure.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Possession of illegal drugs (including marijuana) could lead to a large fine or imprisonment. Drug trafficking is a serious offence. Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry items that do not belong to you. There are also strict laws concerning seat belts and drinking and driving.

It is an offence for anyone outside the police force to dress in army or camouflage clothes or carry items made of camouflage material.

Homosexual activity is illegal.

Canadians interested in purchasing property or making other investments should seek legal advice from appropriate professionals in Canada and in the Caribbean before making commitments. Disputes arising from such activities could be prolonged and costly to resolve.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

There is no resident Canadian government office in Saint Lucia. You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Barbados - BRIDGETOWN, High Comission of Canada
Address: Bishop's Court Hill, St. Michael, Bridgetown, Barbados
Postal Address: P.O. Box 404, Bridgetown, Barbados
Tel.: (246) 429-3550
Fax: (246) 437-7436
E-mail: bdgtn@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.bridgetown.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Canadian High Commission in Bridgetown, Barbados, and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa toll-free at 1 800 387-3124 or use the services offered by Canada Direct.

Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Saint Lucia is 1 800 744-2580, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

A valid passport should be carried for all visits outside

Canada

. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return to

Canada

. Although Canadians are only required to be in possession of valid official photo identification (such as a driver's licence) and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate) for travel to

Saint Lucia

, travellers have experienced difficulties when attempting to enter

Saint Lucia

using a passport with less than 6 months validity. An onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds is also required.

Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Not required

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

An airport departure tax (EC$54 cash or US$20) is charged for all passengers over the age of 12.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the High Commission for the Countries of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$). U.S. dollars and all major credit cards are widely accepted. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Saint Lucia (capital: Castries) is the second largest of the Windward Islands, located in the Caribbean Sea north of Trinidad and Tobago. English and French patois are spoken. Tourist facilities are available.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical care is limited. Serious cases may have to be referred to Miami, Florida, or Martinique. There are two public hospitals and one private hospital in Saint Lucia. There is no hyperbaric chamber; divers requiring treatment for decompression illness must be evacuated from the island.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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