Saint Lucia

Recommended Vaccinations For Saint Lucia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).

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.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission in Saint Lucia. However, this country requires a certificate of yellow fever vaccination from all travellers aged 9 months or older if they are arriving from a region where there is a risk of yellow fever.

Recommended Medications For Saint Lucia

There are no recommendations for Saint Lucia at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Saint Lucia

For Most Travellers

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in Saint Lucia, and the risk to travellers is significant.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Saint Lucia.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Saint Lucia through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

For Some Travellers

Zika Fever

There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Saint Lucia, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission in Saint Lucia. However, this country requires a certificate of yellow fever vaccination from all travellers aged 9 months or older if they are arriving from a region where there is a risk of yellow fever.

Rabies

Rabies may be present in bats.

Safety & Security in Saint Lucia

Personal Safety

Saint Lucia experiences persistent challenges with crime, particularly gang-related violence. The country recorded 77 murders in 2024, marking the deadliest year in its history. Most violent crime stems from gang activity concentrated in lower-income neighborhoods rather than tourist areas. Petty crime such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and theft occurs throughout the island, with increased incidents during major festivals like the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival in May and Saint Lucia Carnival in July. Tourists are rarely targeted for serious crimes, though incidents of theft from rental cars, hotel rooms and opportunistic robbery have been reported. The government has increased police presence in tourist zones including Rodney Bay, Marigot Bay and Soufriere, with Tourism Police Units and beach rangers deployed to enhance security. Violent crime affecting tourists remains uncommon, though incidents of armed robbery and sexual assault do occur. Walking alone at night in poorly lit areas or isolated locations increases risk significantly. Beach parties and street gatherings after dark present elevated safety concerns. The island ranks 6th out of 13 Caribbean countries on the Global Organized Crime Index, reflecting ongoing challenges with organized criminal activity tied to drug trafficking routes between South America and North American and European markets.

Extreme Violence

Gang violence drives the majority of serious violent crime on the island. As of mid-2024, approximately 40 murders were linked to gang activity. The 2021 homicide rate reached 39 per 100,000 population, placing Saint Lucia among the highest in the Caribbean alongside Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. In 2022 the rate was 37 per 100,000, and in 2023 it was 39.04 per 100,000. Most homicides involve firearms and occur within local communities rather than tourist areas. Gang conflicts relate to control of drug trafficking operations and local street drug sales. The island serves as a transit hub for South American cocaine destined for the United States and Europe, with local gangs recruited to receive and protect shipments. Competition over this trade drives territorial violence. Murders predominantly affect local residents involved in criminal activity rather than visitors. The detection rate for murders remains low, with only 23% of cases solved in 2023. Police have faced criticism regarding low clearance rates and allegations of extrajudicial killings dating back to operations between 2010 and 2011. Gun violence and armed robberies occur primarily in specific neighborhoods with gang presence. Some violent incidents have taken place in public areas. Sexual assault cases are reported, though statistics remain limited. The government has intensified enforcement efforts, including increased police recruitment with 79 new officers graduated in 2024 and plans for 160 additional recruits by the end of 2025.

Political Unrest

Saint Lucia maintains a stable parliamentary democracy with regular peaceful transfers of power between rival parties. The country experiences no significant pattern of political protests or unrest. Demonstrations may occur occasionally but are infrequent and typically small in scale. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn disruptive, potentially affecting traffic and public transportation. The country held elections in July 2021 with the Saint Lucia Labour Party winning 13 of 17 parliamentary seats. Observers noted concerns regarding outdated voter registries and lack of campaign finance laws, though elections proceeded without major incident or violence. The population is politically engaged but protests related to political issues remain rare. Civil society organizations operate freely without government interference. The country faces no active separatist movements or significant ethnic tensions, with 96% of residents identifying as being of full or partial African descent. Labour unions function independently and have the right to strike and engage in collective bargaining. The primary concerns affecting daily life relate to crime rather than political instability. Neighboring Martinique experienced unrest in 2024 over rising living costs, but this did not spread to Saint Lucia. Saint Lucians residing in Martinique during those protests remained safe. The government has maintained consistent policies and governance structures without indication of imminent political disruption. Regional security cooperation continues through partnerships with Caribbean Community member states and international organizations including INTERPOL and the Regional Security System.

Areas To Avoid

The capital Castries contains the highest concentration of crime on the island. Specific neighborhoods to avoid include Wilton’s Yard, Leslie Land, Chaussee Road, Marchand, Morn du Don and Conway. These areas experience elevated rates of gang activity, violent crime and property offenses. Vieux Fort, particularly the southern town area, has seen increased gun violence and gang-related murders in recent years. The waterfalls in Anse la Raye have been associated with armed robberies and should be approached with caution. Serenity Park in Castries experiences regular criminal activity including drug dealing and armed robbery despite its name. Isolated areas throughout the island present increased risk, particularly after dark. Beaches without nearby establishments or crowds should be avoided at night. Walking alone on deserted roads, streets or beaches creates vulnerability regardless of location. In contrast, tourist-friendly areas maintain significantly better safety records. Rodney Bay is well-patrolled with substantial police and security presence due to its concentration of resorts, restaurants and nightlife. Soufriere, home to the iconic Pitons and Sulphur Springs, experiences low violent crime rates and benefits from enhanced tourism security. Marigot Bay offers a secure upscale marina environment. Cap Estate in the north features high-end residential areas with private security. Pigeon Island National Park provides safe historical and recreational access during operating hours. Resort areas along the northwest coast generally maintain good security. The northern half of the island overall presents fewer safety concerns than southern regions.