criminality
Most visits go smoothly, but there have been criminal incidents, including murders, armed robberies, and sexual assaults.
You must maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as in the UK and ensure that your accommodation is secure. This also applies if you are staying on a yacht. Be vigilant at all times. Take care when going off busy main roads alone and avoid secluded areas, including beaches, especially after dark.
Use only licensed taxis and pay particular attention to nighttime street parties, especially during festival season. Do not carry large sums of cash or jewelry. If possible, leave valuables and travel documents in a safe or in the hotel safe. You should check that the hotel safe is securely fastened before using it to store your items.
road trip
Driving is on the left. To drive on the island, you must obtain a local temporary driver’s license. Car rental companies will usually help you. You must present a valid UK driving licence.
Be careful when driving on the roads as there may be potholes and speed bumps. Obey speed limits. You should be extra careful on secondary roads and in rural areas where there are narrow roads and blind spots. Pedestrians often walk on the roads and indicators are not always used.
Take extra care when driving at night as some roads are not lit. Warning signs and hazards may not be easily visible.
Do not stop if signaled by pedestrians. Keep car doors locked when driving.
In the event of an accident, call the police and do not move the vehicle.
Taxis do not have a meter. Standard taxi fares exist for most destinations. Agree the fare in local currency with the driver before setting off. You can often pay in US dollars as well as European dollars.
Take particular care on the main east coast road to and from Hewanorra International Airport.
Public transport is available and cheaper. Minibus drivers can drive above the speed limit.
Flight
You can find a list of recent incidents and accidents on the Aviation Safety Network website.
the FCDO cannot offer advice on the safety of individual airlines. However, the International Air Transport Association publishes lists of registered airlines that have been audited and found to comply with a number of operational safety standards and recommended practices – IATA Operational Safety Audit and IATA Standard Safety Assessment. These lists are not exhaustive and the absence of an airline from this list does not necessarily mean that it is unsafe.
The International Civil Aviation Organization conducted an audit of the level of implementation of critical elements of safety oversight in Saint Lucia.
To swim
Take great care at all times when swimming as the currents can be deceiving and not all beaches have lifeguards and/or warning flags. You should watch all beaches carefully and obey local warnings.
