St Vincent and the Grenadines is a beautiful Caribbean paradise consisting of 32 islands. While generally a safe country to visit, here are a few travel safety tips to know before you go.
Photo © Getty Images/Michael Runkel
Eruption of La Soufriere volcano - 9 April 2021
Volcanic activity on La Soufrière was first detected on Thursday, at which point Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves urged more than 16,000 residents in so-called red zones to immediately evacuate.
The volcano erupted just before 9am on Friday. It is the first eruption on St Vincent since 1979. There were no immediate reports of casualties.
As of Friday morning, close to 20,000 people had been evacuated from the area surrounding the volcano. Scientists warned that the eruption could continue over days and even weeks.
COVID-19 restrictions for travelers to St Vincent and the Grenadines – updated 1 February 2022
All travelers to St. Vincent and the Grenadines must arrive with a negative SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR COVID-19 test result. Go to the St Vincent and the Grenadines’ entry protocol documents for the full details.
Before you buy a travel insurance policy, check your government travel warnings and health advice – there may be no travel insurance cover for locations with a government travel ban or health advice against travel.
- Is there any crime on St Vincent?
- Sailing crime in St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Hiking safety tips
- Is it safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?
Is there any crime on St Vincent?
St Vincent and the Grenadines is a friendly and welcoming Caribbean destination, and overall crime rates are relatively low. The vast majority of visits for travelers are trouble-free.
Despite the relaxed atmosphere, there have been incidents of violent crime, including muggings. While violent crime mostly occurs within the local community, trouble may still affect travelers. Take the usual precautions to avoid trouble here: Keep your wits about you and exercise common sense to stay safe. Don't be flashy with your belongings or cash in public, and try to take minimal valuables in public.
Theft from hotels, holiday homes and especially yachts does occur. Keep your doors and windows locked when you leave your accommodation, and put your belongings away safely, keeping them out of sight from any windows.
Sailing crime in St Vincent and the Grenadines
Sailing through the Caribbean is a popular activity, however, robberies from yachts are becoming more common. Some criminals may carry firearms, machetes and knives. Incidents have taken place in:
- Ratho Mill
- Princess Margaret Beach, Bequia
- Salt Whistle Bay
- Mayreau
- Chateaubelair
- Petit St Vincent
- Union Island
- Wallilabou
- Young Island.
Items commonly targeted or stolen include computers, phones and cash. If you're leaving your vessel to go ashore one of the 32 islands, take your valuables with you.
Hiking safety tips
If you're interested in nature walks or hikes in the northern areas of St Vincent, book with a local tour operator or guide in advance. These areas are isolated, and police presence is limited, making it an enticing area for thieves to prey on innocent travelers.
Note: On December 27, 2020, increased seismic activity was detected on La Soufriere volcano. Residents and visitors are advised to stay away from the area until further updates are provided.
Is St Vincent and the Grenadines safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?
In St Vincent and the Grenadines, same-sex sexual activity is illegal, with punishment of up to 10 years in jail.
If you are traveling with your partner, it is best to keep public displays of affection to a minimum to avoid drawing any unwanted attention.
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