St Lucia Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go

These are the practical questions our guests ask most often before they arrive in Saint Lucia. None of it is complicated, but knowing it in advance makes the first day much easier.

Entry and arrival

Visitors from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and most EU countries do not need a visa for a holiday stay. Your passport should be valid for your whole stay, and many airlines prefer at least six months. Saint Lucia uses an online immigration form that you can complete up to three days before you arrive. If you do not fill it in beforehand, you can do it at the airport, but it will add time to your arrival. Keep your return or onward ticket handy, as immigration may ask for it. Rules can change, so check the official Saint Lucia tourism or immigration site close to your travel date.

Which airport

There are two airports. Hewanorra International (UVF) in Vieux Fort, in the far south, handles most flights from the US, Canada and Europe. George F. L. Charles (SLU) in Castries handles regional flights from other Caribbean islands. The drive from Hewanorra to Rodney Bay or Cap Estate takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Book your transfer in advance so a driver is waiting when you land. Helicopter transfers are also available and take around 15 minutes.

Money

The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), fixed at about 2.70 XCD to 1 US dollar. US dollars are accepted almost everywhere, but your change will often come back in XCD. Credit cards work in most restaurants, hotels and larger shops. Carry some cash for taxis, markets, street food and small beach bars. ATMs are easy to find in Rodney Bay and Castries.

Tipping

Many restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill. If it is included, an extra tip is optional. If it is not, 10 to 15% is normal. For taxi drivers, tour guides and boat crews, a tip is appreciated when the service was good.

Getting around

Traffic drives on the left. To rent a car you need a temporary local driving permit, which the rental company can issue when you pick up the car. The roads are narrow, steep and winding, especially south of Castries, so allow more time than the map suggests. Taxis are widely available. Licensed taxis have number plates starting with TX. Fares are usually fixed by route, but always confirm the price and currency before you set off. Local minibuses are cheap and run along the main roads during the day.

Weather and when to visit

It is warm all year, usually between 26 and 32°C (79 to 90°F). The dry season runs roughly from December to May, which is also the busiest and most expensive time. June to November is the rainy season and overlaps with the Atlantic hurricane season. Rain usually comes in short, heavy showers rather than full days, and prices are lower. If you travel in these months, travel insurance that covers weather disruption is worth having.

Power, phones and water

Saint Lucia uses 230-volt power with the UK-style three-pin plug. Guests from the US and Canada will need an adapter, and possibly a converter for devices that do not support 230V. Local SIM cards and eSIMs are available from Digicel and FLOW. Tap water is treated in most areas, though many visitors prefer bottled water.

Local customs and laws

• English is the official language. Most Saint Lucians also speak Kwéyòl, a French-based Creole. A simple "bonjou" (good morning) is always welcome.
• It is illegal for anyone, including visitors, to wear camouflage clothing.
• All beaches in Saint Lucia are public, including those in front of hotels.
• Swimwear is for the beach. Cover up when you go into town, shops or restaurants.
• Many shops close on Sundays and public holidays, especially outside Rodney Bay.

Safety

Most visits are trouble-free. Take the same care you would in any busy place. Do not leave bags or phones unattended on the beach, avoid isolated areas after dark, and use licensed taxis at night. Use reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent, since the sun is strong and mosquitoes are common after rain.

If you are staying with Paris Villas, we can arrange your airport transfer, car rental and tours before you arrive.