Exercise caution when swimming, due to strong currents and undertow, especially around Trinity Falls, Warriacou and Mount Wynne. Do not swim alone, after hours, or outside marked areas. Avoid deserted and unpatrolled beaches after dark.

Mountain expeditions to the northern area of Saint Vincent (notably Trinity Falls, Falls of Baleine and Soufrière) should only be taken with experienced guides, due to limited police presence.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Traffic drives on the left. Road conditions are generally poor. Mountain roads are narrow and steep with few guardrails or markings. Roadside assistance is not widely available. Exercise caution, particularly after dark. Drive defensively at all times. Taxis and buses are relatively safe, but can be overcrowded and frequently travel at excessive speeds.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. You are advised to visit the Web site of the National Hurricane Center for information on weather conditions.

Flooding and mudslides may occur during this period with possible disruption to transportation and utility services. Canadians should monitor local weather reports, avoid disaster areas, and contact the Canadian High Commission in Bridgetown, Barbados (see below) if they require assistance. 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) may result in large fines or imprisonment.

Law prohibits civilians from importing camouflage material. Although camouflage clothing may be worn, one should not be fully outfitted (from cap to boot) in camouflage gear.

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 Vincent and the Grenadines. You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Barbados - BRIDGETOWN, High Commission 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 Vincent and the Grenadines is 1 800 744-2580, where a Canadian operator is always available. This service is only available from a public pay phone. 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 Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a return airline ticket and proof of sufficient funds.

All visitors intending to stay in private accommodation in Saint Vincent should be met upon arrival, in order to avoid lengthy and unnecessary delays at the airport.

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 tax of EC$40 cash, which is subject to change, is required upon departure.

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 $). 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 Vincent and the Grenadines (capital: Kingstown) are part of the Windward Islands in the Caribbean Sea, north of Trinidad and Tobago. English is the official language. Creole is also spoken.



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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

N/A

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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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