Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Healthcare System
Healthcare services are provided by the government through public health centers and hospitals, supplemented by private clinics. The main public facility is the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in Kingstown, St. Vincent. Medical facilities on the smaller Grenadine islands (like Bequia, Mustique, Canouan) are very basic clinics, often staffed by a nurse, with serious cases transferred to St. Vincent or Barbados.
Hospitals
Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (Kingstown, St. Vincent) is the primary public hospital. Private options include the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Medical Center (a private clinic). For serious emergencies, evacuation is the standard protocol.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (called 'chemists') are available in Kingstown and major towns. They stock a range of medications, but may not have specific brands or specialized drugs. It is important to bring an adequate supply of any prescription medications you require, in their original containers.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED and should be considered essential. Insurance must include complete medical evacuation (medevac) coverage, as this can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry a basic travel first-aid kit including antiseptics, bandages, anti-diarrheal medication, rehydration salts, and any personal prescriptions.
- Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date. Consider vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid.
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Opportunistic theft such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from unattended bags on beaches, in markets, or from rental cars.
Strong currents, rip tides, and sudden drop-offs are common around the islands, on Atlantic (windward) coasts. Not all beaches have lifeguards.
Roads in St. Vincent are often narrow, winding, mountainous, and poorly lit. Driving is on the left. Hazards include pedestrians, animals, speeding minibuses, and large potholes, after rains.
Risk of dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus, which are transmitted by mosquitoes.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals may offer unsolicited guiding services in Kingstown or at tourist sites, then demand an exorbitant fee. Some taxi drivers may not use meters and quote inflated prices to tourists.
Being sold counterfeit or misrepresented goods, such as non-local crafts passed off as authentic or overpriced 'black coral' jewelry (note: black coral is a protected species and its trade is regulated).
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General
- Make photocopies or digital scans of your passport, visa, and travel insurance. Leave one copy with someone at home and carry a separate copy.
- Register with your embassy or consulate online (e.g., STEP for U.S. citizens) so they can contact you in an emergency.
- Carry a small amount of cash (Eastern Caribbean Dollars) for small purchases, as some places may not accept credit cards.
Transportation
- Use only licensed taxis (identified by 'H' on the license plate) or pre-arranged transfers.
- If renting a car or scooter, inspect it thoroughly for existing damage and ensure you have adequate insurance. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
- Be extremely cautious when using ferries between islands; check weather conditions and use reputable ferry companies.
On the Water
- When chartering a boat or going on tours, verify the operator's license and safety equipment.
- Always inform someone of your sailing or diving itinerary and expected return time.
- Protect against the sun with high-SPF sunscreen, hats, and UV-protective clothing to prevent severe sunburn and heatstroke.
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is generally safe for solo women travelers who take standard precautions. Unwanted attention or verbal harassment ('catcalling') can occasionally occur, in towns.
- Dress modestly when not on the beach to blend in and reduce unwanted attention.
- Avoid walking alone on isolated beaches, trails, or in downtown Kingstown after dark. Take a trusted taxi instead.
- Be assertive and confident if faced with unwanted attention; a polite but firm 'no thank you' is usually effective.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Consensual same-sex sexual activity between men is illegal under archaic laws (punishable by up to 10 years in prison), though these laws are not actively enforced against tourists. Laws against same-sex activity between women are unclear. There are no legal protections against discrimination.
- Exercise discretion. Avoid public displays of affection (holding hands, kissing) to ensure a hassle-free visit.
- Choose LGBTQ-friendly accommodations, which are more common on private islands and upscale resorts in the Grenadines.
- Research recent travel advisories from LGBTQ advocacy groups for the most current information on the local climate.
Travel Insurance
Critical due to the limited local medical facilities and the high cost and necessity of medical evacuation for serious illness or injury. Insurance is also important for trip cancellation/interruption due to hurricanes or volcanic activity.
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