Saint Lucia

St. Lucia is an English-speaking, developing Caribbean island nation. Tourist facilities are widely available. Read the Department of State Fact Sheet on St. Lucia for additional information on U.S.-St. Lucia relations.

Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning St. Lucia is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Vehicles travel on the left side of the road in St. Lucia. Roads are reasonably well paved but poorly marked, narrow and winding, with steep inclines/declines throughout the island. There are few guardrails in areas that have precipitous drop-offs from the road. In spite of these conditions, drivers often travel at excessive speed, and accidents are common. The drive from Hewanorra International Airport to Castries or to Rodney Bay is a winding road through mountainous terrain and takes between 1 to 1½ hours.

St. Lucia is served by privately owned and operated mini-buses, plying licensed designated routes. While most such services operate only on weekdays during daylight hours, some may operate at night and on weekends and holidays. Taxis are available at generally reasonable rates, but tourists are vulnerable to being overcharged. When using minibus or taxi services, travelers should agree to a fare ahead of time. The most commonly used trips such as Castries to Rodney Bay and Castries to Hewanora International Airport are fixed fares, and any dispute should be brought to the attention of the Tourism Authority. U.S. dollars are widely accepted, but with less than competitive exchange rates. When hiring a service at night, travelers should take precautions such as having their hotel call a reputable company for service. A local temporary driver's license is required. These can be purchased at all car rental offices and from the Transportation Office in Gros Islet. 

For general information on road safety, please refer to our Road Safety travel section.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of St. Lucia’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of St. Lucia’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Safety and Security

Visit the U.S. Embassy site for up-to-date messages for U.S. citizens.

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean on Twitter and visiting the Embassy’s website.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Crime, including armed robbery, does occur and is rising in St. Lucia. Violent crime, including gun violence and targeted homicides, is often connected to narcotics trafficking. Petty crime also occurs, with tourists being targeted often.

Efforts by the St. Lucian authorities to improve public safety on the island are ongoing. Visitors should inquire about their hotel’s security arrangements before making reservations. Valuables left unattended on beaches and in rental cars are vulnerable to theft. Visitors should use caution, especially at night and in less frequented areas.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.  

The local emergency line in St. Lucia is 911.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.