Risk level

Safety and security

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, particularly in more populated cities such as Kingstown. This includes thefts from docked and anchored yachts. Thieves target personal belongings, cash and equipment such as outboard engines.

Violent crime is rare but does occur.

• Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Carry a photocopy of the identification page of your passport with you
• Never leave valuables such as money, credit cards and electronics unattended, especially on beaches and in vehicles
• Don’t carry large amounts of cash
• Use caution when using ATMs, especially after dusk
• Avoid travelling between and around eastern Caribbean islands at night as these areas may be unsafe, and robberies can occur

Water activities

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides are common.

Not all beaches have lifeguards or warning flags.

• Exercise caution when swimming, especially around Mount Wynne, Trinity Falls and Rawacou
• Don’t swim alone, after hours or outside marked areas
• Consult residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas
• Follow the instructions of local authorities

If you practice water activities:

• wear the appropriate safety equipment, such as helmets and life jackets
• ensure that equipment is available and in good condition

Water safety abroad

Trekking

There is limited police presence in the northern part of Saint Vincent island, namely Falls of Baleine, La Soufrière and Trinity Falls. Exercise caution if trekking in these areas.

If you intend on trekking:

• never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you are properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety are generally adequate throughout the country. Mountain roads are narrow and steep, with few guardrails or markings. Potholes, speedbumps and a lack of lighting pose a hazard.

Drivers often drive at excessive speeds.

Roadside assistance isn’t widely available.

• Exercise caution when driving, particularly after dark
• Do not stop if flagged down by a pedestrian, since they may attempt to rob you
• As a pedestrian, be aware of your surroundings at all times

Public transportation

Taxis

Taxis are relatively safe. They aren’t metered; however, standard fares exist for most destinations.

• Look for taxis with a “tourism approved” logo on the window
• Confirm the fare with the driver before departing

Buses

Buses are available and relatively safe; however, they can be overcrowded and frequently travel at excessive speeds.

Ferries

There is regular, safe ferry service between Saint Vincent and Bequia.

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the authorities of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 30 days
Business visa: not required for stays up to 30 days
Student visa: not required for stays up to 30 days

Stays can be extended for up to one year at the discretion of immigration authorities.

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is available in major cities. There is one public and one private hospital in Kingstown, as well as public hospitals in both Bequia and Georgetown. There are also several clinics available.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Local law criminalizes sexual acts and relationships between individuals of the same sex.

Those convicted can face sentences of up to 10 years' imprisonment.

2SLGBTQI+ persons should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Camouflage clothing

It's illegal for civilians to import camouflage material or wear camouflage clothing.

Investments

If you plan on buying property or making other investments in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, seek legal advice in Canada and in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Do so before making commitments. Related disputes could take time and be costly to resolve.

Invest SVG - Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Driving

Traffic drives on the left.

You must have a local driver’s licence to drive in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. You can obtain one from the licensing authority in Saint Vincent. You will need to show a valid Canadian driver’s licence.

Money

The currency in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD).

U.S. dollars are also widely accepted.

Natural disasters and climate

Hurricane season

Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services. You could face serious safety risks during a hurricane.

If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:

• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities

Useful links

• Severe storms outside Canada
• Large-scale emergencies outside Canada
• Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings – U.S. National Hurricane Center

Volcano

La Soufrière volcano, located on the island of St. Vincent, is active. The last significant eruption occurred on April 2021.

Exposure to falling ash and toxic fumes from active volcanoes can affect your health. Ash clouds may also disrupt air travel and cause the closure of major roads.

• Consult a physician in advance to determine health risks if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• Monitor local media to stay informed of volcanic activities
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

National Emergency Management Organization - Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Earthquakes and tsunamis

The eastern Caribbean, including Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes and tsunamis can occur.

A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. If you’re staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region’s evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning.

In the event of an earthquake:

• monitor local media to stay informed of the evolving situation
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Useful links

• Earthquake – Get prepared
• Latest earthquakes – U.S. Geological Survey
• Tsunami warning system – U.S. National Weather Service