North and Central America and Caribbean

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.  

 

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

Around 84,000 British nationals visited St Lucia in 2008 (Source: St Lucia Tourist Board). St Lucia is a friendly and welcoming country and overall crime rates are relatively low. Despite the relaxed atmosphere, however, there have been incidents of violent crime including murder. These tend to occur within the local community but can sometimes affect tourists. The St Lucian authorities are working with the tourism industry to maintain a safe environment for visitors, and a more visible police presence had an impact in 2008.  Nevertheless, muggings and thefts from hotels, yachts or holiday homes do occur, and are occasionally accompanied by violence.  A tourist was raped and her husband beaten in March 2008. Another tourist was also raped in December 2008.  For more general information see the “Rape and Sexual Assault Overseas” page of the FCO website.  There have been four armed robberies at waterfalls in the Anse La Raye area in the last twelve months and these sites should be avoided.
 

You should therefore maintain at least the same level of security awareness as you would in the UK and ensure that your living accommodation is secure.  Apply the same measures if you are staying on a yacht.  Avoid walking alone in isolated areas, including beaches, after dark.  Take particular care at popular late night street parties and "jump-ups".  Be extremely cautious about accepting lifts and use only licensed taxis. Do not carry large amounts of cash and jewellery.  Valuables and travel documents should be left, where possible, in safety deposit boxes or hotel safes.  If staying in a residential/holiday villa, take sensible precautions to secure your valuables, lock doors and windows. 

 

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

 

Political Situation

St Lucia Country Profile.

Road Travel

You can hire self-drive cars.  However, you will require your full UK licence in order to purchase a local driving permit, which costs US$20.

 

Motorists drive on the left in Saint Lucia.  Most roads are narrow by UK standards and in varying states of repair.  In mountainous areas roads can be extremely steep and have sharp hairpin bends, some of which are not clearly marked.  Four-wheel drive vehicles with automatic gearboxes are popular, and in some areas essential.  Driving standards are variable and you should negotiate roundabouts with extreme care.  Given local conditions, you should drive slowly and cautiously.

 

It is common for pedestrians to flag down vehicles in an attempt to get a lift.  You should not stop to do so. It is advisable to keep car doors locked when driving.

 

There are regular mini bus services, which provide relatively cheap, but sometimes dangerously fast, travel between all main towns.  Standard taxi fares exist for most destinations but you should clarify the fare with the driver before the beginning of the journey.

 

For more general information see Driving Abroad.