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11/04/2005: "Information Concerning Holidays to St Vincent and the Grenadines"
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Still Current at: 11 April 2005
Updated: 8 April 2005
This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the General section. The overall level of the advice has not changed.
SUMMARY
The threat from terrorism is low. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
You should not become complacent about safety and security. Cases of robbery and other crimes occur.
Most visits to St Vincent and the Grenadines are trouble‑free.
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Terrorism
The threat from terrorism is low. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. Please read “Security and General Tips
Crime
You should take sensible precautions and be vigilant at all times. Avoid isolated areas, including beaches after dark. Do not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery. Valuables and travel documents should, where possible, be left in safety deposit boxes and hotel safes.
Road Safety
Motorists drive on the left in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Most roads are narrow by UK standards and many are in need of repair. In mountainous areas the roads can be extremely steep and have sharp hairpin bends, many of which are not clearly marked. Automatic four-wheel drive vehicles are popular, and in some areas essential. Given local conditions, you should drive slowly and remain vigilant.
Driving standards differ from those of the UK and Vincentians have a more relaxed attitude to the rules of the road. You should be tolerant of this.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You should note that there are severe penalties for all drug offences. Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else.
You should be aware that it is an offence for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing.
Certain homosexual acts are illegal under Vincentian laws.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
British passport holders do not need visas to enter St Vincent for visits up to 3 months. You should note that overstaying without permission is an offence and paid employment is prohibited without a work permit.
Entry requirements may change from time to time and should be checked with the High Commission for St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Foot and mouth disease
St Vincent has decided to lift the ban on pork products from the UK. However you are still not allowed to import fresh beef.
HEALTH
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.
The dengue fever mosquito is found throughout St Vincent and the Grenadines. You should take normal precautions against mosquito bites, including using insect repellent during daylight hours and after sunset.
You should be aware of the high prevalence of the HIV/AIDS virus in the Caribbean region and take precautions to avoid exposure to it.
For further information on health, check the Department of Health’s website at: www.dh.gov.uk.
NATURAL DISASTERS
Between June and November tropical storms and hurricanes may occur in St Vincent and the Grenadines. You should consult your tour operators and local hotels for advice on how to react to any hurricane warnings.
GENERAL
Keep a copy of the photo page of your passport and relevant visa stamp in case your documents are stolen.
If you are on a package holiday, you must travel on the specified return date. If you fail to do so it is likely that you will have to pay for the return ticket yourself.
You will have to pay a departure tax when leaving St Vincent and the Grenadines. In April 2005, this departure tax amounted to 40 EC$ (per person).
In the event of loss of your passport, you will need to apply to the Passport Office at the British High Commission, Barbados for a replacement. The British High Commission in St Vincent can advise you how to do this. Urgent applications can be speeded up if you pay for courier costs, but even so, the issue of a replacement passport could still take several days.
In cases of genuine emergency, the British High Commission in Saint Vincent may be able to issue an Emergency Passport valid for a single journey back to the UK.
This information was taken from the Government's Foreign Office Webpages, and you can find more information concerning various travel destinations and advice here.
