Arrival and Entry Formalities:

Valid passports are required for all visitors, except US and Canadian citizens who possess valid return tickets and I.D. and stay for less than six months. Visas are not required for citizens of the US or Commonwealth countries, or where there is agreement for exemption between the home country and St. Lucia.

Camping:

While on the island, camping can be arranged through the St. Lucia Naturalist Society, the St. Lucia National Trust, and The Forestry Division. The Anse La Liberte camp site is currently under construction.

Churches:

Almost 80% of St. Lucians are Roman Catholic. Other denominations include Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, Seventh Day Adventists, Church of the Nazarene, and Christian Science. Times of services at individual churches vary, and it is best to check at the hotel reception.

Climate & Clothes

St. Lucia's temperature ranges from 65-85 degrees (Fahrenheit) from December to May and 75-95 degrees from June to November. The winter is relatively more dry as well. Visitors should bring cool, comfortable clothing. While jacket and tie are rarely requisite, overly casual beachwear is rarely appreciated off the beach. Click here for the current four-day forecast.

Credit Cards:

Major international credit cards are widely accepted at all large shopping centers, restaurants, hotels, etc.

Crime:

Crime is not prevalent. However, common sense should prevail when traveling abroad not to make large displays of wealth (by wearing expensive jewelry, producing large wads of cash, etc.). Crimes of any sort should be reported to the hotel, the Tourist Board, and/or the Police.

Customs Regulations:

The duty-free allowance into St. Lucia is 200 cigarettes (or 250 grams of tobacco or 50 cigars) and one litre of spirits or wine.

Currency:

The currency of St. Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar which is linked to the US Dollar at the exchange rate of US$1 to EC$2.65. US Dollars are readily accepted throughout the island. Most hotels will exchange reasonable amounts of foreign currency, and there are change bureaus in Castries. The National Commercial Bank (NCB) has a branch at Hewanorra International Airport where EC Dollars can be exchanged for foreign currency. It is open daily from 12:30pm until the last flight departs. A passport and ticket are required as proof of returning visitor status.

Departure Tax:

There is a Departure Tax of EC$35 for all passengers leaving the island.

Electricity:

Electric current is 220 volts, 50 cycles AC. (A few hotels are 110 volts, 60 cycles.) Most sockets take 3-pin square plugs (UK standard) but some take 2-pin round plugs or flat American plugs which are more rare. Adapters are generally available at the hotels.

Embassies & Consulates:

• British High Commission
  24 Micoud St., Castries
  Tel: (758) 452-2484
  
  Embassy of the Republic of China
  Cap Estate, Gros Islet
  Tel: (758) 450-0643
  
  Embassy of France
  Vigie, Castries
  Tel: (758) 452-2462
  
  Italian Consulate
  Reduit, P.O. Box GM848
  Tel: (758) 452-0865
  
  Organization of American States
  Vigie, Castries
  Tel: (758) 452-4330
  
  Venezuelan Embassy
  Casa Vigie, Castries
  Tel: (758) 452-4033
  
  

Emergency Telephone Numbers:

• Police, Fire and Ambulance - Tel: 999
  Police Headquarters - Bridge Street, Castries
  Tel: 452-3854/5
  
  Tourist Board
  PO Box 221, Pointe Seraphin, Castries
  Tel: 452-5968, 453-0053, 452-4094
  
  Air/Sea Rescue - Tel: 452-2894, 452-1182, 453-6664
  
  

Handicapped Access:

Most of the hotels have ground floor accommodations, but some are built on hillsides and are not practical for wheelchairs. The Royal St. Lucian Hotel has spacious rooms with wider doorways and wider baths with rails. The Rex St. Lucian also has rooms designed for handicapped visitors.

Health:

• Immunization is not required unless coming from an infected area within six days of arrival.
• Drinking water is safe from the tap and bottled mineral/distilled water is also available.
• All hotels have doctors, either resident or available on call. A resident doctor's visit costs approximately EC$40-50. A "call out" visit may cost more.
• There are several pharmacies in Castries, one on the Gros Islet Highway and one in Gablewoods Shopping Mall. Most hotels have "over the counter" medication, such as Aspirin, and first aid facilities.

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