Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines offers visa-free entry to citizens of many countries for tourism and business purposes. Visa requirements depend on your nationality, purpose of visit, and intended length of stay.
Citizens of the following countries can enter Saint Vincent and the Grenadines without a visa for tourism or business purposes
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry. Visitors must have proof of onward/return travel and sufficient funds for their stay. Immigration officers may grant initial stays of 30 days, which can be extended.
Citizens of Caribbean Community member states enjoy special privileges
CARICOM nationals may enter with a valid national ID card or passport and can stay for extended periods under CARICOM freedom of movement provisions.
Nationals of countries not listed above must obtain a visa prior to travel
Required documents typically include: completed application form, valid passport, passport-sized photographs, proof of accommodation, return ticket, bank statements, and visa fee payment. Some nationalities may require additional documentation or security clearances.
Arrival Process
The entry process into Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is straightforward. Most international visitors arrive at Argyle International Airport (SVD), though some may enter via seaport. Being prepared with proper documentation will ensure a smooth arrival experience.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines customs regulations are designed to prevent the importation of harmful goods while allowing travelers reasonable duty-free allowances. All visitors must complete a customs declaration form and are subject to baggage inspection upon arrival.
Prohibited Items
- Illegal drugs and narcotics - Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has strict drug laws with severe penalties
- Firearms, ammunition, and explosives - unless proper permits obtained in advance from police authorities
- Counterfeit currency and goods - including pirated media and fake designer items
- Obscene and pornographic materials - subject to local standards and regulations
- Certain plants and plant materials - to prevent introduction of pests and diseases
- Endangered species and products - protected under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)
- Meat and meat products - from most countries due to disease prevention (some exceptions with permits)
- Fresh fruits and vegetables - from certain regions to prevent agricultural pest introduction
Restricted Items
- Pets and animals - require import permits, health certificates, and rabies vaccination documentation from the Veterinary Division
- Prescription medications - should be in original containers with prescriptions; large quantities may require explanation
- Professional equipment - cameras, drones, and technical equipment for commercial use may require temporary import permits
- Spearfishing equipment - may require special permits from Fisheries Division
- Agricultural products - seeds, soil, and certain plants require phytosanitary certificates and import permits
- Radio transmitters and communication equipment - may require licenses from telecommunications authority
- Cultural artifacts and antiques - export of certain historical items from other countries may be restricted
Health Requirements
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has specific health requirements for entry, primarily focused on preventing the introduction of communicable diseases. Health requirements may change based on global health situations, so always verify current requirements before travel.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever - Required if arriving from or having transited through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Certificate must be presented at immigration. This applies to travelers aged 1 year and older. Countries in South America, Central America, and Africa are commonly designated as yellow fever zones.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations - Ensure you're up to date with standard vaccines including MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), and polio
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for most travelers as contamination can occur through food or water
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical procedures
- Typhoid - Recommended for travelers visiting smaller islands or rural areas, or those adventurous with food
- COVID-19 - Check current requirements as protocols continue to evolve
Health Insurance
Travel health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has limited medical facilities, and serious conditions may require evacuation to Barbados, Trinidad, or the United States. Ensure your insurance covers Caribbean travel and emergency medical evacuation. Some accommodations and tour operators may require proof of travel insurance.
Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children must have their own passport regardless of age. Minors (under 18) traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent(s) authorizing travel. This letter should include contact information for the absent parent(s), travel dates, and destination. If one parent has sole custody, bring certified court documents. Children traveling with adults who are not their parents should have notarized authorization from both parents. Birth certificates may be requested to verify relationships. Unaccompanied minors may require special arrangements with airlines and immigration authorities.
Importing pets to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines requires advance planning. You must obtain an import permit from the Veterinary Division of the Ministry of Agriculture before arrival. Required documentation includes: valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before arrival), health certificate issued by licensed veterinarian within 7 days of travel, proof of treatment for internal and external parasites. Dogs and cats from rabies-free countries may have reduced quarantine requirements. Pets from high-risk countries may face quarantine periods. Contact the Veterinary Division at least 6-8 weeks before travel. Airlines have specific requirements for pet transport - verify with your carrier. Some breeds may be restricted.
Visitors wishing to stay beyond their initial authorized period must apply for an extension at the Immigration Department in Kingstown before their current authorization expires. Extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration authorities. Required documents typically include: valid passport, return ticket (may need to show rebooking), proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds, completed extension application form, and extension fee payment. Extensions are usually granted in 30-day increments up to a maximum of 6 months total stay. Apply at least one week before your authorized stay expires. Overstaying without authorization can result in fines, detention, deportation, and future entry bans.
Business visitors entering for meetings, conferences, or negotiations can typically enter under visa-free provisions if their nationality qualifies. However, you cannot engage in paid employment or work without a work permit. Carry documentation supporting your business purpose: invitation letter from local company, conference registration, business cards, and proof of employment with foreign company. If planning to work, establish a business, or stay for extended business purposes, you must obtain appropriate work permits or business licenses from the Ministry of National Security before commencing activities. Penalties for working without authorization are severe.
Cruise passengers on organized shore excursions typically receive facilitated immigration clearance. However, you must still carry your passport when disembarking. Cruise lines usually handle group immigration processing. If you plan to leave the organized excursion or explore independently, ensure you understand your ship's departure time and carry ship identification, passport, and emergency contact information. Some cruise passengers may be granted shore passes rather than entry stamps. Re-entry to the ship may require security screening. Passengers joining or leaving cruises in Saint Vincent must go through standard immigration and customs procedures.
Private vessels must clear customs and immigration at designated ports of entry: Kingstown, Bequia, Union Island, or Mustique. The captain must report to customs and immigration immediately upon arrival before anyone disembarks. Required documentation includes: vessel registration, crew list, passenger list, clearance from last port, captain's declaration. All crew and passengers must have valid passports and meet standard entry requirements. Cruising permits may be required for extended stays in territorial waters. Yachts must display the yellow quarantine flag until cleared by authorities. Failure to properly clear can result in significant fines and vessel detention.