Do I Need A Visa For St Lucia
Whether you’re an American planning a getaway to the scenic shores of St. Lucia or an entrepreneur hoping to conduct business there, you may be wondering whether you need a visa. Thankfully, in both cases, the answer is no — at least for Americans. Citizens of the United States can visit St. Lucia for up to ninety days without a visa, provided that they hold a passport that is valid for at least six months past their anticipated stay.
If you’re traveling to the island of St. Lucia outside of North America, Europe or South America, you will need a visa before your trip. However, this doesn’t mean that travelers to St. Lucia need to worry themselves when packing for the vacation or get bogged down with visa applications and payment fees.
While St. Lucia offers many natural delights, it is the people that make it come alive–with a depth and personality that captivate everyone who visits. The island’s local motto, “Where People Care”, rings true on an island where residents are proud of their heritage, celebrate their unique Creole culture & Creole food, and experience warm hospitality that makes every visitor feel welcome.
Do I Need A Visa For St Lucia
St Lucia is the ultimate island getaway for adventurers, lovers, or anyone who just wants to spend their days relaxing on multiple tranquil beaches. Luckily, getting to this Caribbean island is relatively hassle-free, even if you do need a visa. Here’s a guide to St Lucia’s entry requirements with details on how to apply for a non-immigrant visa.
Who can travel to St Lucia without a visa
Residents of several countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, are allowed to enter St Lucia without a visa for up to six weeks. Nationals of the European Union are exempt for 90 days. A valid national passport is required with space for an entry stamp.
Members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) — Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago — are allowed to enter St Lucia visa-free for up to six months.
In addition, citizens of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) like Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, can enter the country using either their passport or a government-issued valid photo ID, a member-state issued driver’s license, voters registration card or social security card.
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Who needs a visa to visit St Lucia
Tourists from 109 countries need to apply for a visa to visit the island. Travelers from some nations including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Croatia, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka must submit an application prior to arrival in St. Lucia.
Those from countries like Ecuador, India, Malaysia, Peru, and Senegal can apply for a visa at the port of entry. In the latter case, there is always the possibility that the visa may be denied, so travelers should be prepared with an alternative plan.
Visitors from Colombia and Venezuela are visa-exempt for only three days and will need to apply for a visa at the immigration office upon arrival.
The best places to visit in St Lucia to swim, eat and party
How to apply for a non-immigrant St Lucian visa
To apply for a non-immigrant St Lucian visa, applicants must possess a valid passport from their country for up to six months, a return ticket to the port of origin, a copy of the travel itinerary, two certified passport size photographs, proof of a hotel stay or private accommodation, and a letter of invitation if invited by a friend or relative.
To secure a visa prior to arrival, the application must be submitted to the immigration department or Saint Lucia Missions Overseas at least two weeks before the expected travel date and takes approximately five to seven working days to process.
It costs USD$46 ($125 XCD) for a single entry visa (within a 3 month period) or USD$70 ($190 XCD) for multiple entries over a one-year period. There’s no option to expedite the visa process.
Passengers arriving via a cruise ship staying less than 24 hours in port will not incur visa costs.
For a complete list of visa-exempt countries and visa application timelines, visit the website of the Consulate General of Saint Lucia. Detailed information on applying for a St Lucian visa and the application form can be found on the Government of St Lucia website.
How to extend your stay in St Lucia
Visitors to St Lucia can extend their stay on the island for up to 30 days. The application must be processed at the St Lucian Immigration Department before the initial visa expires and costs USD$74 ($200 XCD). St Lucia does not offer a working holiday option similar to those in Barbados or Dominica. Instead, visitors will need to apply for a work permit.