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
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has a public healthcare system supplemented by private facilities. The main hospital is Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in Kingstown, with smaller health centers on the Grenadine islands. Healthcare is basic by international standards, and serious medical emergencies often require evacuation to Barbados, Martinique, or the United States.
Hospitals
Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in Kingstown is the primary facility with 200+ beds and emergency services. Bequia has a small hospital, while other Grenadine islands have health centers with basic capabilities. Private facilities include Kingstown Medical Centre and several clinics. For serious conditions, medical evacuation may be necessary.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are available in Kingstown and major towns, with limited hours (typically closed Sundays). Common medications are available, but stock can be inconsistent. Bring sufficient prescription medications with original packaging and prescriptions. Some medications available over-the-counter elsewhere may require prescriptions here.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended and often required by accommodations. Medical evacuation can cost $25,000-$50,000 USD. Ensure your policy covers water sports and adventure activities if participating.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a complete first-aid kit including medications for common ailments
- Carry copies of prescriptions and medical records
- Locate the nearest medical facility upon arrival
- Ensure vaccinations are up to date before travel
- Consider dive insurance if participating in water activities
- Keep emergency contact numbers saved in your phone
- Bring extra prescription medications as pharmacies may not stock your specific brand
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from rental cars or beach areas occur, particularly targeting tourists. Opportunistic theft is the most common crime affecting visitors.
Rental cars are sometimes targeted, especially at remote beaches and hiking trailheads. Thieves break windows to access visible items inside vehicles.
Roads are narrow, winding, and often poorly maintained with steep gradients. Driving is on the left side. Local driving can be fast and unpredictable. Pedestrians and animals on roads are common.
Strong currents, riptides, and rough surf can be dangerous. Not all beaches have lifeguards. Coral cuts and marine life injuries can occur while snorkeling or diving.
Trails can be steep, slippery, and poorly marked. The La Soufrière volcano hike is challenging and weather can change rapidly. Dehydration and heat exhaustion are risks.
Drug trafficking occurs in the region, and visitors may be approached to purchase marijuana. Possession and use of illegal drugs carry severe penalties.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Some taxi drivers quote inflated prices to tourists, especially at ports and airports. Meters are not commonly used, leading to disputes over fares.
Individuals approach tourists offering guide services at popular sites, then demand excessive payment or become aggressive if payment is refused. Quality of service is often poor.
Beach vendors may quote one price but claim you stayed longer or damaged equipment, demanding additional payment. Terms are often unclear at the outset.
Locals befriend tourists, spend time showing them around, then request money for various 'emergencies' or pressure them to buy expensive items from specific shops where they receive commission.
Familiarize yourself with Eastern Caribbean currency denominations. Count your change carefully. Clarify which currency is being used (EC$ or US$). Keep small bills to minimize change transactions.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance) separate from originals
- Register with your embassy or consulate upon arrival for extended stays
- Learn basic local phrases and customs to show respect
- Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone
- Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, remove yourself from the situation
- Avoid displaying wealth through expensive jewelry, watches, or electronics
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially in unfamiliar areas
Money and Valuables
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables
- Carry only what you need for the day
- Keep money in multiple locations (hotel safe, money belt, small amount in wallet)
- Use ATMs during daylight hours at banks or secure locations
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card freezes
- The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) is the local currency; US dollars widely accepted but change given in EC$
- Credit cards accepted at major hotels and restaurants but carry cash for small vendors
Transportation
- Use licensed taxis (identifiable by 'H' license plates) and agree on fares beforehand
- Dollar vans (minibuses) are cheap but crowded; watch belongings carefully
- If renting a car, get a temporary SVG driver's license (required, available at airport/police station)
- Driving is on the left; roads are narrow and winding
- Avoid hitchhiking and picking up hitchhikers
- For island hopping, use established ferry services or charter flights
- Keep car doors locked and windows up when driving in urban areas
Accommodation
- Choose accommodations with good security (safes, locks, security personnel)
- Keep room doors and windows locked, even when inside
- Don't open doors to unexpected visitors; verify identity with front desk
- Know emergency exits and procedures
- Report any suspicious activity to hotel management
- Use the 'Do Not Disturb' sign when out to suggest occupancy
- Keep ground floor windows and doors secured at night
Beach and Water Safety
- Never leave belongings unattended on the beach
- Swim in groups and stay within designated areas
- Check with locals about water conditions before swimming
- Wear water shoes to protect from coral, rocks, and sea urchins
- Apply reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine ecosystems
- Stay hydrated and take breaks from sun exposure
- If boating, ensure vessel has proper safety equipment and operator is licensed
- Be aware of boat traffic when swimming or snorkeling
Food and Water
- Tap water is generally safe in main towns but bottled water recommended for sensitive stomachs
- Choose busy restaurants with good hygiene standards
- Be cautious with street food—ensure it's freshly cooked and hot
- Wash fruits and vegetables if eating raw
- Avoid ice in drinks if uncertain about water source
- Be cautious with raw seafood and ensure fish is properly cooked
- Try local cuisine but introduce new foods gradually
Health Precautions
- Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date
- Consider Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations
- Bring adequate supplies of prescription medications
- Pack a comprehensive first-aid kit
- Use insect repellent to prevent mosquito-borne diseases
- Treat any coral cuts or scrapes immediately to prevent infection
- Stay hydrated in the tropical climate
- Seek medical attention promptly if you feel unwell
Cultural Respect
- Dress modestly when away from beach areas, especially in towns and villages
- Ask permission before photographing people
- Respect private property and don't trespass
- Be patient—island time operates at a slower pace
- Greet people politely; Vincentians value courtesy
- Avoid discussing sensitive political topics
- Support local businesses and artisans
- Don't purchase items made from protected marine life (turtle shells, coral)
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers generally have safe experiences in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, though some may encounter unwanted attention, catcalling, or persistent approaches from local men, particularly in Kingstown and beach areas. Solo female travelers should exercise standard precautions. The Grenadine islands tend to be more relaxed and feel safer than the main island. Violent crime against tourists is rare, but women should remain vigilant, especially after dark.
- Dress modestly when in towns and villages; beachwear is fine at the beach but cover up when leaving
- Avoid walking alone after dark; use taxis rather than walking at night
- Be firm but polite when declining unwanted attention; don't engage in arguments
- Consider staying in reputable hotels or guesthouses with good security
- Keep your phone charged and have emergency numbers readily accessible
- If taking tours, book with established companies rather than accepting offers from strangers
- Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers and never leave drinks unattended
- Trust your instincts—if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Consider joining group tours or activities to meet other travelers
- Wear a wedding ring or mention a partner if you want to discourage advances
- Be especially cautious during festival periods when alcohol consumption is high
- Choose accommodations carefully—read reviews from other solo female travelers
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines under colonial-era laws, with penalties including imprisonment. However, these laws are rarely enforced against tourists. There are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Same-sex marriage is not recognized.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection regardless of orientation
- Avoid discussing LGBTQ+ topics in public or with strangers who may hold conservative views
- Book accommodations at international hotels or resorts that are more likely to be welcoming
- Research accommodations in advance and read reviews from LGBTQ+ travelers
- Consider requesting separate beds if you're concerned about reactions
- Be aware that some locals may make assumptions about relationships; decide in advance how you'll handle questions
- Connect with LGBTQ+ travel communities online for current information and recommendations
- Don't wear clothing or accessories that explicitly reference LGBTQ+ identity
- Be prepared for the possibility of discrimination and have a plan for how to respond
- Consider travel insurance that doesn't exclude coverage based on sexual orientation
- If you experience harassment, prioritize your safety over confrontation
- The Grenadine islands may offer a more relaxed atmosphere than the main island
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Saint Vincent and the Grenadines due to limited medical facilities, high costs of medical evacuation, potential for natural disasters (hurricanes, volcanic activity), and the remote nature of many islands. Medical evacuation to Barbados, Martinique, or the United States can cost $25,000-$50,000 USD. Many healthcare providers require proof of insurance or payment upfront. The islands' location in the hurricane belt and active volcano make trip interruption coverage important.