Saint Lucia Travel Risk

Exercise increased caution in Saint Lucia due to risk of crime.

Violent crime can occur anywhere in Saint Lucia. U.S. citizens and other foreigners in Saint Lucia have been victims of armed robbery, assault, burglary, and rape. In some cases, U.S. citizens have been killed.

Crime

• Guests at tourist resorts have been victims of violent crimes.
• Police response times are not as fast as in the United States.
• Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing.
• Tourists should beware of overcharging and scams in tourist areas. You may encounter aggressive vendors. Most sites have tourist police available to help in uncomfortable situations.

Hurricanes

• Saint Lucia regularly experiences hurricanes. Review our information on Weather and Natural Disasters in Saint Lucia.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in St Lucia

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in St Lucia, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Crime

Large-scale events

Most visits are trouble free but robberies and opportunistic crime may occur during the periods of and around large-scale events such as the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival in May and Saint Lucia Carnival in July. If you are attending a large-scale event take sensible precautions and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid displaying jewellery or valuable items that may attract attention of criminals. Do not leave your drinks unattended, practice caution at crowded events and have a clear plan to return home safely after attending any events.

Crime and assault

There have been incidents of crime in St Lucia including murder, armed robbery and sexual assault.

There is a continuing serious risk of homicides, primarily gang related and involving guns. Some incidents have taken place in public areas.

Take precautions to protect your personal safety:

• make sure your accommodation is secure – this also applies if you’re staying on a yacht
• take care when walking alone off main roads
• take particular care around large gatherings, including street and beach parties, especially after dark or during the festival season
• avoid isolated areas, including beaches, after dark
• only use licensed taxis
• do not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery
• leave valuables and travel documents in your hotel safe or a safety deposit box

Risk level

Saint Lucia - Take normal security precautions

Take normal security precautions in Saint Lucia.

Crime

Violent Crime

Violent crime, including gun violence, has increased over the past year, particularly in Vieux Fort. Incidents of murders, sexual assaults, robberies, and gang-related violence have occurred.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times
• Avoid walking alone after dark
• Avoid isolated areas
• Avoid showing signs of affluence or wearing expensive jewellery
• Avoid carrying large sums of cash or unnecessary valuables
• Stay in accommodations with adequate security measures
• Check with local authorities to determine which beaches are safe

Petty Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs and increases with the approach of annual festivities, such as:

• festivals, including the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival in May
• carnival celebrations in July
• the winter holiday season

Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and your other travel documents are secure at all times.

Fraud

Fraud involving use of credit cards, debit cards and ATMs may occur.

When using your bank card or credit card:

• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

圣卢西亚风险等级为黄色（中风险）。

外交部提醒在圣卢西亚中国公民，密切关注当地安全形势，提高警惕，加强防范，注意安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻巴巴多斯使馆取得联系。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。