HOW TO GET HERE
All Major International flights from the United States and Canada fly to Hewanorra International Airport located in the south of the island. Airlines from the United States include American Airlines, Delta Airlines, JetBlue, United Airlines and from Canada: Air Canada, Sunwing and WestJet. Regional and domestic airlines fly into George F.L. Charles airport, which is situated in the north, near the capital city Castries and is used to island hop to neighbouring shores. Both Airports are readily equipped to accept private jets and can provide the necessary services.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Foreign nationals visiting or entering Saint Lucia are req uired to have a valid passport from their country. passports should be valid for 3 months upon entering Saint Lucia. Visas are not required where the visitor is a U.S., Uk or Canadian citiz en or where there is an agreement for exemption between home country and Saint Lucia. Some countries do require visas (see www.govt.lc/faqs for list).
The duty-free allowance into Saint Lucia is 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 2kg of tobacco, and 40 fluid ounces of spirits or wine.
HEALTH
Unless coming from an infectious area, no vaccinations are required. However, hepatitis A, polio and typhoid are recommended vaccinations. Water is safe to drink from the tap, and bottled/distilled water is widely available.
WEATHER
Tropical, with daytime temperatures typically in the mid to high 20s celsius year round. June to November is the wetter time of year.
CURRENCY
The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar, which is linked to the US dollar at US$1 to EC$2.70. You can also pay for most items with US dollars, and hotel rates are quoted in US dollars. Cashpoints issue EC dollars.
TIME DIFFERENCE
In winter, Saint Lucia is four hours behind Greenwich Mean Time, and from late March to late October (British Summer Time) five hours behind the US.
ELECTRICITY
Generally 220 volts, 50 cycles AC, with most sockets taking 3-pin square plugs. Adaptors are available at many hotels. Many hotels also provide 110v 60 cycle outlets as well.
DIAL CODE
The international dialling code for Saint Lucia is 1758.
Transportation
Taxis
These are widely available. Point-to-point fares are fixed, but it’s still advisable to establish the cost of the journey before setting off. Taxis can also be booked for island tours. In the Rodney Bay and Soufriere areas, water taxis will take you along the coast to nearby beaches.
Car hire
Vehicles can be rented from the airports and hotels, and booked in advance through travel agents and car rental offices. You will need a temporary driving permit, purchasable from
the rental company. A four-wheel drive vehicle is
a good idea.
Buses
A network of minibuses provides public transport to most corners of the island, and fares are cheap.
Ferries
Those who prefer to do much of their travelling on the water will find that Saint Lucia is well serviced by ferries, making it easy to include Saint Lucia in any island hopping tour. Several ferry lines connect Saint Lucia with Martinique, Dominica and Guadeloupe.
Visit www.express-des-iles.com which operates a daily ferry service between Saint Lucia and Martinique.
Helicopters
Spectacular aerial tours of Saint Lucia are possible, and helicopter transfers between Hewanorra and George F.L. Charles airports reduce the travel time between the south and north of the island. For more information,
visit www.stluciahelicopters.com.
TAXES AND SERVICE CHARGES
On hotel and restaurant bills, a government tax and a service charge are applicable. These charges are often not included in hotels’ published rates and on restaurant menus. However, the prices on labels in shops are what you pay.