is saint lucia safe to travel

Is St. Lucia Safe to Visit Now? (2024 Statistics)

St. Lucia is an Island Nation in the Eastern Caribbean. When people think of Caribbean islands, places like Jamaica, The Bahamas, Aruba, and Puerto Rico usually come to mind, but St. Lucia is an incredibly beautiful destination that has much to offer. St. Lucia is famous for its landmark, the Pitons, which are two mountainous volcanic spires. When you first decide to plan a trip to the island, you may be wondering what it’s like and how to make sure you have a safe, enjoyable experience. 

So is St. Lucia safe to visit in 2024? The answer is yes! St. Lucia is generally safe, and families can feel comfortable vacationing there. Although there is some crime, as there is everywhere, there is also a large tourism industry and several resorts that are especially safe for tourists. 

Read on to learn more about traveling to St. Lucia during the COVID pandemic, the crime rates in the area, and if it’s safe to swim. In addition, we’ll share some tips on the best times to visit St. Lucia and how to plan properly.

Is it Safe to Travel to Saint Lucia During/After the COVID-19 Pandemic?

It can be safe to travel to St. Lucia during the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are precautions and planning measures that should be taken. You are required to have received a negative COVID PCR test within five days before entering the country. You should aim to get tested as close as possible to your day of arrival. 

If you are unvaccinated and wish to enter the country, you may be required to observe a mandatory quarantine period. Therefore, it is recommended to be up to date on vaccinations before traveling to the area.

It is also important to note that you may also need to have a negative COVID test before returning to your country of origin. Make sure that you are able to get another COVID test while in St. Lucia or bring an approved self-test with you on your travels.

Travel insurance can help cover the cost of quarantine if you must stay in St. Lucia due to COVID. As a reminder, always be aware of guidelines and monitor government web pages frequently, because these rules can change daily.

St. Lucia has a population of only 183,629 and their weekly cases have stayed relatively low throughout the duration of the pandemic. The country is around 27% fully vaccinated. You are advised to social distance and wear masks when around others and in highly transmissible areas.

What is the Crime Rate in St. Lucia?

Crime rates are relatively low in St. Lucia, and crime is generally not a major cause for concern for tourists.

The main concern for tourists is theft.

Therefore, you should be cautious and avoid carrying valuables. Tourists should use common sense and travel in groups when they must leave their resort or other accommodations.

It is estimated that 20% of the population in St. Lucia lives in poverty. 

How Many Murders a Year in St. Lucia?

In 2018, St. Lucia had a murder rate of 21.4 per 100,000 inhabitants.

According to Pew Research, in the United States in 2020, there were 7.8 murders per 100,000 inhabitants, for comparison. 

Is St. Lucia Safe at Night?

It is recommended that when visiting St. Lucia, tourists should use common sense and not enter any areas that make you uncomfortable, especially at night.

Do not wander down dark alleys or beaches alone at night, and travel or camp in groups for your safety. St. Lucia is not considerably more dangerous than many cities in the U.S., but tourists should still practice caution. 

If you are concerned for your safety or feel uncomfortable with being in a foreign country, your best bet is to stay at an all-inclusive resort like Sandals in St. Lucia.

All your meals will be provided, and you will have no need to leave the comfort of the resort, unless you desire too. This is a great option for large families or families with younger children. 

Is it Safe to Swim in St. Lucia?

St. Lucia is known for its beautiful, relaxing beaches, which are all open for public use. However, not all beaches have lifeguards, so visitors need to be careful and use reasonable judgment when deciding to swim.

Do not go in deep water in high winds and obey all safety signs and warnings. Most drowning accidents happen to children and young adults, so parents should monitor their children closely.

Although very beautiful, some people say to avoid the western beaches of Saint Lucia for swimming, as they can be more dangerous for swimming. However, the St. Lucia water is warm enough to swim in all year.

As for other dangers when it comes to swimming, fatal shark attacks are very rare in the Caribbean region, so this is not something that travelers need to worry about. Shark sightings are also rare, but it is possible to see them in the area.

When Should You NOT Go to St. Lucia?

Ok, now that you know it’s safe to go to St. Lucia, you should know that Hurricane season is always something to keep in mind when planning your getaway, as with any tropical destination.

The Caribbean hurricane season generally runs from the beginning of June until the end of November, with the worst months being September and October. If you should plan a trip during this time, it is a good idea to purchase travel insurance that gives you some flexibility in case you need to cancel or reschedule your vacation.

St. Lucia does not get hit by hurricanes very often, but the Caribbean does.

Only one hurricane has hit St. Lucia directly in the past 37 years, so travelers should not be too concerned about the possibility of one affecting their vacation. However, planning your trip around the wet season may lead to a more enjoyable experience.

Late April to early June is recommended as the best time to visit St. Lucia, as it is just before the Hurricane wet season. It is very sunny during this time, and the temperatures range in the 70s to 80s.

Is St. Lucia Safer than Jamaica?

Unlike Jamaica, which has suffered a spate of kidnappings recently, St. Lucia is a relatively safe island. While violent crimes are statistically rare, tourists should be cautious about walking around alone at night, and women should especially make sure to be vigilant.

St. Lucia’s reputation precedes itself, though, and it’s a place that’s well worth taking a vacation to.

Speaking of…

This Caribbean vacation question, like many, depends on what you want out of a trip. Are you a fan of beaches? If so, St. Lucia may be a better choice than Jamaica. St. Lucia’s beautiful, white sand beaches are second only to those in the Caribbean’s premier vacation destination, Jamaica.

Conclusion: How Safe is St. Lucia?

St. Lucia is a safe travel destination. Although there can be some dangers when visiting the area, these can easily be negated with proper planning and awareness, such as not swimming in currents and avoiding scheduling vacations during hurricane season.

There is some crime in the area, but this should not be a major concern. Avoid carrying valuable items, leaving your resort, and wandering dark streets and beaches at night.

Bear in mind that the ongoing COVID pandemic can add an extra layer of complications to travel, so you should make sure to research requirements before departure and ensure you are able to get the proper tests and vaccinations. You may also want to get travel insurance in case COVID or a hurricane causes you to miss your trip or stay longer. 

If you choose to visit St. Lucia, you will surely have an incredible time, as the island is rich in natural beauty, with features such as mountains, waterfalls, and pristine beaches. There may be some concerns you will come across when planning your trip, but now you will know how to get the most out of your experience and plan properly in order to have a safe vacation!

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