If you are visiting St Lucia, knowing the latest St Lucia passport requirements for land and sea travel is essential. This guide explains the passport requirements for visiting St Lucia as a foreign national, including information regarding the new electronic immigration form.
St Lucia Visa Requirements for US Citizens
US citizens can travel to St Lucia for 90 days without a visa. The St Lucia visa and passport requirements include having a valid passport for the duration of stay. No visa is required if you provide an immigration officer with proof of an onward ticket, accommodation, and sufficient funds to sustain yourself. If you plan to stay longer than six weeks or immigrate to St Lucia, you must apply for a relevant visa through St Lucia’s Immigration Department.
Air travel requirements
Air travel to St Lucia requires presenting a valid passport and a receipt for a completed electronic immigration form, which should be completed at least three days before departure.
Passports must be valid for at least six months from departure. Entry isn’t guaranteed if the passport has less than six months of validity, so travelers may opt to apply for a new passport. Passports must have at least one blank to receive an entry stamp. Additionally, the travel itinerary must include accommodation details for the entire duration of stay and an onward airline ticket.
The US Department of State lists the following requirements for US travelers:
Valid US passport: You must have a US passport with at least six months of validity.
Onward or return ticket: You must have proof of an onward ticket.
Confirmation of accommodation: You must present proof of accommodation.
Financial proof: You may be asked to provide further information, such as proof you have sufficient funds to sustain yourself.
Cruise travel requirements
Cruise visitors on a private sea-going vessel must present a valid passport to St Lucia immigration upon arrival. Like air travelers, cruise travelers arriving on private vessels must have a complete form before arriving and may request proof of accommodation and onward cruise tickets.
Do you need a passport for St Lucia?
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) allows US citizens to enter Saint Lucia and other Eastern Caribbean countries without a passport on closed-loop cruise vaccations. Compliant documents include Passport cards, Trusted Traveler Programs, and Enhanced driver’s licenses.
Though a closed-loop cruise trip doesn’t require passports, US citizens should carry their passport or apply for a new permanent passport before departure and carry it along with a compliant document. This is recommended, especially in emergencies or when seeking treatment at medical facilities.
In cases where cruise travelers choose to travel without a passport and face unforeseen incidents that extend their trip, they will be required to contact the nearest Consulate or Embassy representatives to obtain an emergency passport. This will result in additional costs as emergency passports can only be used once to return to the US. Americans opting for closed-loop sea travel can consult the US Department of State or cruise ship representatives for additional information.
Passport exceptions for children
Children under 16: When traveling to St Lucia by sea with a legal guardian, children under 16 can present their birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or citizenship certificate as proof of identification.
Adults under 19: Adults under 19 traveling by sea can present US birth certificates as proof of identity. This applies to individuals under 19 traveling with their school, church, or social/cultural organizations and under the supervision of an adult.
St Lucia Entry Requirements for Non-passport Documents
Passport card
You can show a passport card when traveling to Saint Lucia or any other Caribbean island on closed-loop cruises. The card is a state-approved official document that is Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant. These passport cards cannot be used for air travel.
Passport cards cost $55, and a card with a passport book costs $135.
Trusted Traveler Program
If you’re a frequent flier, you can use the Trusted Traveler Program. Trusted Traveler Programs like NEXUS, SENTRI, AND FAST also allow international travel.
Enhanced Driver’s License
An Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) is a special government-issued driver’s license that can be used as a travel document when arriving by sea or land. You can re-enter the US from Canada, Mexico, and Caribbean islands with an EDL. EDL’s are only available to residents of:
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- New York
- Vermont
- Washington state
Take a look at our Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide
St Lucia Visa Categories and Cost
Visa type
- Single-entry vacation visa: About $42
- Multiple-entry vacation visa: About $54
- Business visa: About $48
The total visa cost may vary depending on the country of citizenship and where you’re applying. The relevant consulate and embassy contacts can confirm the cost of obtaining a St Lucia entry visa.
Citizenship
Obtaining St Lucia citizenship by investment lifts the requirement to obtain a visa or complete an electronic entry form to travel to St Lucia. The citizenship program requires a minimum investment of $240,000, and successful applicants can travel freely to and from the country after obtaining a St Lucia passport. Investors can qualify for citizenship through the St Lucia real estate citizenship option, provided they maintain their investment for at least five years.
Other Requirements for Visiting St Lucia
Foreign nationals may need to fulfill additional Saint Lucia passport requirements when visiting the country.
Driving
To legally operate a vehicle in St Lucia, US travelers must obtain a temporary local permit from a local police station or rental car company.
Vaccinations
There are no vaccination requirements for entering Saint Lucia from the United States. However, visitors who have traveled to a country with a risk of yellow fever within six weeks of departure must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival.
Healthcare
The St Lucia healthcare system does not provide free medical treatment to foreign nationals. Travelers are recommended to secure travel insurance to cover unexpected incidents such as illness, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances that might disrupt travel plans.
Prohibited articles
When traveling to St Lucia, travelers are prohibited from bringing certain items into the country, including:
- Firearms and ammunition
- Illegal drugs
- Meat and dairy products
- Unlicensed animals and plants
- Counterfeit goods
- Camouflage clothing
Regarding safety in St Lucia, the country is generally safe for tourists; however, same-sex relationships are not widely accepted and can face legal and social challenges.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Saint Lucia Passport Requirements
Must I complete the St Lucia travel registration form before traveling to St Lucia?
Passport requirements for St Lucia include completing a travel registration form, known as the Saint Lucia Electronic Immigration Form at least three days before visiting St Lucia.
What are the St Lucia visa requirements for US permanent residents?
US permanent residents (Green Card holders) can travel to St Lucia visa free.
How long does my passport need to be valid if I travel to Saint Lucia?
A US passport should be valid at least six months before traveling to St Lucia.
How long does travel authorization take in St Lucia?
Travel authorization for the Saint Lucia Electronic Entry Form takes around three days to process.
Do I need a passport to travel to St Lucia from the US?
Saint Lucia immigration authorities require all US citizens to present a valid US passport when traveling to Saint Lucia, along with proof of an anticipated departure date from the country. This is not required if arriving on closed-loop cruises that facilitate entry with alternative travel documents such as a government issued national identification card.
What are the new travel requirements for St Lucia?
The new travel requirement introduced by the St Lucia immigration department is the completion of a mandatory pre-arrival registration form, officially called the Saint Lucia Electronic Immigration Form, prior to departure.
How long can a US citizen stay in St Lucia?
US citizens and Green Card holders can stay in St Lucia for a maximum period of six weeks without a visa.
Can I travel to St Lucia with less than six months on my passport?
Travelers to St Lucia must have a least six months validity on their passport to visit Saint Lucia. This may be assessed upon arrival by immigration officials or prior to departure by the airline. The St Lucia passport requirements for Saint Lucians traveling with a St Lucia passport allow them to return to the country even if their passport is expired.
