Grenada
About Grenada
| Currency | East Caribbean dollar (XCD) |
| Language | English |
| Capital | Saint George's |
Grenada is an island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Trinidad and Tobago. The population is about 110,000 people. The government is a parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm with the Queen of England as chief of state, represented by a governor general, and a prime minister as head of government. Grenada gained full independence in 1974.
The Carib Indians originally inhabited Grenada. The French occupied Grenada in the 17th century, and Britain took the island in 1762. Sugar production, and later cacao, was the base for the economy. In the 20th century, nutmeg became the main export and the island became known as the “Spice Island,” also producing cinnamon, cloves, ginger and mace.
Visitors to Grenada will appreciate the rain forests, hot springs, and beaches, as well as the city of St. George’s. Available activities include hiking, diving, snorkelling, exploring St. George’s, the Grand Etang National Park and Forest Reserve, or a short tour of the Gouyave Nutmeg Processing Station.
Recommended Vaccinations For Grenada
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Rabies Vaccine
Rabies may occur in wild and domestic animals. Vaccination should be considered for travellers (such as campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) involved in outdoor and other activities that might bring them into direct contact with dogs, bats, and other mammals. Persons with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) as well as long-term travellers and expatriates may be at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Yellow Fever Vaccine
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Recommended Medications For Grenada
There are no recommendations for Grenada at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Grenada
For Most Travellers
Chikungunya Fever
Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.
Hepatitis B
There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Grenada.
Dengue Fever
Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.
Hepatitis A
There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Grenada through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.
For Some Travellers
Yellow Fever
There is no risk of yellow fever transmission. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Typhoid Fever
Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Grenada, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Rabies
Rabies may occur in wild and domestic animals. Travellers (such as campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) involved in outdoor and other activities that might bring them into direct contact with dogs, bats, and other mammals may be at risk of exposure to rabies. Persons with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) as well as long-term travellers and expatriates may be at higher risk.
Zika Fever
Zika virus occurs in Grenada.
Safety & Security in Grenada
Personal Safety
Grenada ranks as one of the safest Caribbean destinations. Reported crime increased by only 1.6 percent in 2024 compared to 2023, with the Royal Grenada Police Force maintaining a 74.8 percent crime-solving rate. Most crime affecting visitors is non-violent and opportunistic. Pickpocketing and purse snatching happen in crowded areas, especially during festival season like Carnival in August. Theft from yachts has increased along the south coast, with criminals targeting cash, belongings, and equipment like outboard engines. Sexual assault occurs occasionally. Women traveling alone may experience verbal harassment and unwanted attention, particularly in less populated areas. Violent crime including armed robbery happens but remains rare, with most incidents targeting local businesses rather than tourists. The homicide rate was 6.38 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022, which is low compared to regional averages. You face minimal risk if you avoid isolated areas after dark, secure your accommodation properly, and exercise caution around large gatherings like street and beach parties.
Extreme Violence
Extreme violence is not a significant concern for visitors. Grenada experiences low levels of violent crime compared to other Caribbean nations. While armed robbery and sexual assault occur occasionally, these incidents rarely target tourists. The homicide rate stood at 6.38 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022, representing eight murders that year. Most violent crime stems from domestic disputes and involves locals rather than foreign visitors. Gang violence and organized crime are not prevalent issues. There is no recent history of terrorism in Grenada, though attacks cannot be ruled out entirely. The country maintains stable governance through a parliamentary democracy with strong property rights protections. Grenada has not experienced civil unrest or politically motivated violence in recent years. The Royal Grenada Police Force, with over 940 staff members across 14 stations, maintains visible presence in tourist areas and government buildings.
Political Unrest
Grenada maintains political stability as a parliamentary democracy with regular credible elections. Power has rotated between parties on several occasions since democracy was restored in 1984. The opposition National Democratic Congress defeated the New National Party in June 2022 elections, resulting in a peaceful transfer of power. The country has no recent history of political protests, demonstrations, or civil unrest affecting visitors. Political expression is free, and citizens can organize and participate in political activities without restriction. The legal system is based on British common law with solid protections for property rights. While the 1983 US military intervention remains part of historical record, no current political tensions exist that would affect travelers. The government is generally transparent and accountable, though concerns about corruption and campaign finance regulation persist. Grenada operates under constitutional rule with separated powers between executive, legislative, and judicial branches. There are no separatist movements, ethnic conflicts, or territorial disputes.
Areas To Avoid
Carriacou and Petite Martinique continue rebuilding after Hurricane Beryl struck in July 2024, with reduced tourist infrastructure. Check with your accommodation provider before traveling to these islands. In St. George’s, exercise caution in crowded tourist attractions and the market where pickpockets operate. Isolated beaches pose higher risks after dark due to limited foot traffic and lack of lighting. Beaches on the north coast like Bathway Beach are known for dangerous undercurrents and riptides. Avoid poorly lit streets, especially in less touristy neighborhoods. Areas known locally for drug activity should be avoided entirely. Deserted streets and beaches, particularly after dark, increase your vulnerability to crime. The underwater volcano Kick ‘em Jenny is located five miles off the coast. Monitor its alert level and observe any maritime exclusion zones. Most tourist zones including Grand Anse and popular southern beaches remain generally safe with normal precautions. Yachts should be aware of increased theft along the south coast.