The last thing you want to think about once you book your tropical getaway to St. Lucia is paperwork or documents (anything else that doesn’t involve the sun, sand, and sea). There are, however, a few things to keep in mind when traveling from the U.S. to St. Lucia that will ensure you have a stress-free vacation. Here’s what you’ll need in terms of a passport and visa to enter the Caribbean island nation.
First things first: St. Lucia passport requirements state that your U.S. passport must be valid for at least six months following your departure date, and that it has at least one blank page for an entry stamp. Also, in lieu of a visa, be prepared to present proof that you’ve booked onward travel tickets, evidence of booked accommodations, and/or financial means for onward travel.
If traveling by a closed-loop Caribbean cruise (one that begins and ends in the United States), you aren’t required to have a passport. However, it’s strongly recommended you carry one to avoid any obstacles that may occur in case of emergency disembarkation on international soil or an unexpected flight from a foreign destination.
St. Lucia Passport Requirements
A U.S. passport—valid within six months following your departure date—with at least one blank page for an entry stamp is required to visit St. Lucia. U.S. citizens are not required to obtain a visa if they can show proof of reserved onward or return travel, booked accommodations, and/or means to cover travel costs.
How to Get a Passport Book for Travel to St. Lucia
Apply for a passport as soon as international travel is confirmed. The cost will be greater if you apply for a passport within two weeks of travel time and need an expedited application. You can learn more about the requirements and documents needed to obtain a U.S. passport by visiting USA.gov.
Other St. Lucia Travel Requirements
Visa: U.S. citizens with proof of an onward or return ticket, booked accommodations, and the evidence of means to cover travel expenses, do not need a visa to travel to St. Lucia.
Vaccinations: No special vaccinations are required when visiting St. Lucia.
HIV/AIDS: Some entry restrictions may exist. Contact the Embassy of Saint Lucia before you travel.
So, Do I Need a Passport to Visit St. Lucia?
In summary: Yes, U.S. travelers need a valid passport to visit St. Lucia. Additionally, the passport must be valid for six months following your departure date and contain at least one blank page for an entry stamp.
Protect Your Passport
We recommend investing in a passport cover or wallet to protect your pages from bends, tears and spills. It’s important to keep your passport in good condition for easy inspection.
On travel days, only take your passport out during inspection. Otherwise, keep it stowed away in a dedicated section of your bag (if you keep it in the same place every time, you won’t ever scramble to locate it). Once you arrive at your destination, find a way to stow it securely. In-room safes or safe deposit boxes at the hotel front desk are generally good options, but if neither is available, you’ll need to decide how to keep your passport secure. You might consider keeping it in an under-clothing money belt that you wear, or leaving it in the hotel or vacation rental but locking it in your suitcase with a TSA-approved lock.
More from SmarterTravel:
- Cruise Passport Requirements: Do I Need a Passport to Go on a Cruise?
- Passport Book vs. Passport Card: Which Do I Need?
- 5 Exotic Places Where You Don’t Need a Passport
Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.
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