All you need to know about visa requirements for traveling to St. Lucia

St. Lucia is the perfect island escape for adventurers, couples, or anyone eager to unwind on its serene beaches.

Fortunately, reaching this Caribbean island is fairly straightforward, even if a visa is necessary. Here’s a comprehensive guide to St. Lucia’s entry rules, including how to apply for a non-immigrant visa.

Certain nationalities can visit St. Lucia without needing a visa.

Travelers from countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom can enter St. Lucia without a visa for up to six weeks. EU nationals enjoy a 90-day exemption. A valid national passport with space for an entry stamp is mandatory.

Citizens from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)—including Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago—can enter St. Lucia visa-free for up to six months.

Additionally, citizens of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), such as Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, can enter using their passport or valid government-issued photo ID, driver's license, voter registration card, or social security card.

Many travelers will need to obtain a visa to visit St. Lucia.

Tourists from more than 100 countries are required to apply for a visa to visit the island. Travelers from specific nations, such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka, must submit their applications before arriving in St. Lucia.

Individuals from countries like Ecuador, India, Malaysia, Peru, and Senegal can apply for a visa upon arrival at the port. However, there’s always a chance that the visa could be denied, so it's wise for travelers to have a backup plan.

Download the 'St. Lucia Visa Requirements' document from the government site. It details which nationalities need a visa and whether they should apply in advance or upon arrival.

How to apply for a non-immigrant visa to St. Lucia

To apply for a non-immigrant visa for St. Lucia, applicants need a valid passport from their home country valid for at least six months, a return ticket to their original port, a copy of their travel itinerary, two certified passport-sized photos, proof of hotel accommodation or private lodging, and a letter of invitation if visiting friends or family.

To obtain a visa before traveling, the application form must be submitted to the immigration department or Saint Lucia Missions Overseas at least two weeks ahead of the planned travel date, and processing takes about five to seven business days.

A single-entry visa (valid for three months) costs XCD$125, while a multiple-entry visa for one year is priced at XCD$190. There is no option to expedite the visa process.

Cruise passengers staying less than 24 hours in port will not be subject to visa fees.

For a comprehensive list of countries exempt from visa requirements and their application timelines, check the website of the Consulate General of Saint Lucia. Detailed instructions on how to apply for a St. Lucian visa and the application form are available on the Government of St. Lucia website.

You can apply to extend your stay in St. Lucia.

Visitors to St. Lucia may extend their stay on the island for an additional 30 days. This application must be submitted to the St. Lucian Immigration Department before the initial visa expires and incurs a fee of XCD$200. Unlike Barbados or Dominica, St. Lucia does not offer a working holiday option, so visitors must apply for a work permit separately.