Explore: St. Lucia - Formalities
Clearance
COVID-19: Entry protocols for yachts have been affected by the pandemic. See the Biosecurity section for details.
PRE-ARRIVAL
The SailClear advance web notification service for clearance is now operational here. Completing the online forms prior to checking in may save a lot of time at Customs. For a full explanation of this service and other web clearance services in the Caribbean see report: Eastern Caribbean Cruising: Clearance Procedures Simplified
It is also possible to complete arrival paperwork at the Customs and Immigration offices (i.e. filling out paper forms in quadruplicate as in the old days). This is a slow process however and using SailClear will enable a much faster clearance.
Note: Soufriere does not use SailClear.
ARRIVAL FORMALITIES
Ports of Entry:
During the coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency, only Rodney Bay Marina and Soufriere Port can be used as Ports of Entry. These 2 ports have health officials and all yachts must check-in with Port Health before clearing with Customs and Immigration. See the Biosecurity section for details.
General Process:
All yachts must check-in with Port Health before clearing with Customs and Immigration.
A crew list and the filled-out maritime declaration of health must be presented to the port health officer on arrival.
You must obtain a customs clearance within 24 hours of arriving in St. Lucia. Do not leave your yacht before receiving clearance from customs officials (other than for emergency purposes).
The captain should report to customs officials with the following documentation:
- Ship’s papers showing ownership and the nature of business in which the vessel is primarily engaged
- Clearance documentation for last port prior to Saint Lucia that includes a Customs Declaration
- Passports for all crew and passengers and any appropriate visas
There is a clearance overtime fee if you make your clearance with Customs on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday.
CLEARING OUT
If staying less than three days, one can clear in and out with Customs on arrival. After clearing out, yachts have 72 hours to depart Saint Lucia, or 24 hours if local or charter boats.
Yachts must, however, clear out with Immigration as passports need to be stamped on departure day. A new crew list must be submitted if there have been any crew changes.
Duty-free fuel may be purchased after clearing out. This can be done at Rodney Bay Marina where one can go directly to the fuel dock after clearing Customs, or at Capella Marina, Marigot Bay.
Warning: Daytime burglaries have occurred in Vieux Fort while skippers travel to the airport to deal with Immigration. It is therefore recommended not to check-in here if you have to leave the boat unattended.
Links: Saint Lucia Navigation and Clearance – from the the Tourist Board
Last updated: January 2022
Related Businesses
Customs & Immigration Office – Rodney Bay
Address: Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia,
Immigration
Immigration Procedure:
Visitors to St Lucia are required to have a valid passport for up to six months and can request to stay for up to three months.
Foreign nationals from some countries intending to visit St. Lucia for business, pleasure or study have to obtain a valid visa.
See this website –  www.govt.lc- for a list of countries whose citizens are eligible for a visa-free stay and those who require a visa.
For a list of requirements when applying for a visa, visit the official website of the government of St. Lucia.
Visa Extensions:
You must apply for an extension in person at the main Immigration Office in Castries.
Immigration officials have the power to grant visiting yachtsmen up to a six months stay.
Other Visa Information:
Immigration offices are normally open from 08:00-12:00 and 13:00-17:00.
Incoming Crew and Guests:
For crew arriving to join the boat in St. Lucia, current entry restrictions state that air passengers must be in possession or be able to provide proof of an “onward or return ticket” and hold sufficient funds for the stay. In the event that passengers are traveling to St. Lucia and departing by sea, the passenger must hold documentation from the skipper of the boat confirming that they will be traveling aboard and detailing the exact departure date from St. Lucia and the next destination. Passengers must also then hold the correct documentation and comply with the entry restrictions for that destination too.
Last updated: January 2022
Related Businesses
Immigration Department – St. Lucia
Address: Visa Office, St. Lucia,
Applications for visas are processed by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force. Contact the Immigration Department for more information.... Read More
Customs
Arriving by Yacht:
Due to St. Lucia’s popularity as a yachting destination, the government has introduced measures to make life easier for yachtsmen. This includes being able to import pleasure boats and equipment (to be used in repairs or new installations) free of import tax.
Once cleared into the country, yachts are usually allowed to stay for a period of 6 weeks without the owner or crew being present. If you plan to leave you boat unattended for longer than 6 weeks you must file for Temporary Importation with a Customs Officer and the Marina prior to your departure. Most marinas will have forms for this.
Customs Business Hours:
0800 – 1200/1300 – 1630 [Mon – Thurs]
0800 – 1800 [Fri]
0800 – 1630 [Sat/Sun/Holidays] – overtime charged
Other items:
- Firearms must be declared, but no action is taken if staying less than three days, after which they must be sealed on board by a customs officer.
- Yachts temporarily imported will have weapons held by Customs in Castries or possibly by police if a longer permit is obtained.
- Prescription medication has to be in original container labeled with the patient’s name, contents of the bottle, pharmacy, and doctor’s contact information.
See http://www.customs.gov.lc/travellers-information.php for more details.
Last updated: January 2022
BioSecurity
With the continual change in protocols due to the pandemic, we outline the last-known situation below for yacht arrivals. Skippers should follow the recommended links in “resources” to confirm the latest protocols. Always check with your intended port of arrival before getting underway to be 100% certain of what is required. Please e-mail [email protected] if you find protocols have changed.
COVID-19: OPEN
Yachting Protocols:
January 2022
- ALL travelers over the age of 5 must arrive with negative PCR test results taken within 5 days of arrival.
- Vaccinated travelers over the age of 18 will not be required to quarantine if they are fully vaccinated and will be given a wrist band to allow greater freedom of movement.
- If vaccinated and traveling with children between 5-17, they will have to be tested on arrival to be exempt from quarantine.
- Unvaccinated travelers must undergo 14 days quarantine (including crew who have only had the
first dose of a 2-dose vaccine). Sea time will be taken into account. - Reserve your marina slip at least 72 hours prior to arrival.
- Contact Port Health (see below) 48 hours prior to arrival with the following information:
– Name of Vessel, Arrival Date and ETA
– Passport picture pages of all crew on board
– Completed Maritime Declaration of Health
– A copy of all negative test results (1-5 days)
– Proof of vaccination - Register with https://www.sailclear.com/ for pre-clearance before leaving the previous port.
Notes:
– All testing costs must be paid by yacht crew.
– Test results in 48 hours.
– Children under 4 are afforded the same rules as their parents.
– A PCR test in St. Lucia (if needed to travel off island) can be done in Gros-Islet Polyclinic (near Rodney Bay) M-F 0800-1600. USD100/test, 3 days to get results.
Contact:
Yacht skippers are advised to contact the Port Health Authority and/or marina for the latest rules prior to departing for St. Lucia:
- Port Health at IGY Rodney Bay Marina: [email protected]
- IGY Rodney Bay Marina: [email protected]
- Port Health at Marigot Bay Marina: [email protected]
- Marigot Bay Marina: [email protected]
Resources:
Reports:
- Caribbean Bound 2020/21 – Yachting Protocols
- Retreat from Paradise (December 28, 2020)
- Saint Lucia: Covid19 Field Report
History:
- Prior to border closures in March, clearance ports were reduced to just Rodney Bay or Soufriere and a crew list and Maritime Declaration had to be presented to the Port Health officer on arrival.
- Yachting and pleasure craft arrivals were suspended on 16 March, 2020.
- The country went into lockdown.
- Boats in transit were still permitted to stop and anchor overnight if traveling north or south, as long as no crew went ashore.
- Air travel resumed on 04 June, 2020 – for flights from the USA only.
- Maritime borders opened on 08 July, 2020 and yachting protocols were implemented. These protocols have hardly changed throughout.
- Marigot Bay Marina opened as a port of entry on 15 July, 2020.
- February 10, 2021, Negative Covid test results became mandatory for all arrivals in St. Lucia.
- At the start of August 2021 rules changed for those coming into the country that were vaccinated. Un-vaccinated arrivals still had to quarantine for 14 days on arrival.
Related Businesses
Ministry of Health and Wellness – St. Lucia
Address: 2nd Floor Sir Stanislaus James Building, Waterfront, Castries, St. Lucia,
Health
The main public medical facilities can be found in Castries and Vieux Fort, as well as smaller clinics around the island. Unfortunately the public system is slow and inefficient. The main government hospital can cope with many types of treatment but serious cases may require emergency evacuation.
There are good private clinics in the north of the island, the best of which is the Tapion Hospital just south of Castries. But, medical treatment in St Lucia can be expensive and before choosing to be treated at a private facility, you should check their policies on pre-payment. Private clinics may not accept medical travel insurance as payment for treatment.
Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:
Vaccinations for Typhoid and Hepatitis A & B are recommended for travellers to St Lucia.
If you are arriving from a yellow fever endemic country you will be required to show proof of vaccination.
Food and Water Concerns:
Tap water is safe to drink in St Lucia.
Mosquito-borne Diseases:
There are increasing trends of Dengue viral infection in St. Lucia. In August 2020, the Ministry of Health and Wellness declared an outbreak of Dengue Fever. To date (October 09), Saint Lucia has recorded a total of 540 confirmed cases of Dengue Fever. There has also been one reported Dengue-related death. Although cases have been identified throughout the island, most of the confirmed cases are concentrated in the northern region in areas such as Castries, Gros Islet and Central Babonneau.
St Lucia has a risk of Zika virus transmission. Because of the risks to pregnancy, travelers should consult the CDC Travelers’ Health website for the most current recommendations for Zika.
Cases of Chikungunya virus have been confirmed in St Lucia. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Prevention:
- Use a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET or 20% Picaridin on exposed skin.
- Re-apply according to manufacturer’s directions.
- Wear neutral-coloured (beige, light grey) long-sleeved clothing.
- Pre-soak or spray outer layer clothing and gear with permethrin.
- Ensure that hatch and window screens work properly.
Emergency Numbers:
See Emergencies.
Ministry of Health and Wellness
Hospitals:
Documents
To clear in and out of St. Lucia you will need the following documents:
- Copy of Passenger and Crew List
- Clearance form from last port
- Passports of all passengers including crew
- A copy of the Ship’s Registry
A cruising permit is not obligatory, but permission is needed to move to any different place other than the port of entry. A cruising permit for sailing the coast or visiting other places in Saint Lucia is best requested when clearing in.
Fees
Port Authority Fees:
The port authority charges various fees for clearance and navigational aids, which are made up as follows:
- Occasional license (up to 6 months): Boats up to 40 ft (12 m) EC$50, 41-70 ft (12.4-21 m) EC$80, over 71 ft (22 m) EC$150.
- Pratique: boats under 100 GRT EC$10 at any time, over 100 GRT EC$20 between 0800 and 1600, EC$40 between 1600 and 0800.
- Clearance: boats under 40 ft (12 m) EC$5, over 40 ft (12 m) EC$15.
- Navigational aids: EC$15.
- Charter boats must pay a licensing fee.
- Departure tax EC$33 or US$13 to be paid at the time of the departure.
Customs Fees:
Customs overtime fees only apply on non-working days: Saturday and over hours on weekdays at EC$10; Sundays and holidays at EC$15. A minimum overtime fee of 3 hours at the hourly rate of the duty officer will apply.
Immigration Fees:
Visa Fees: EC$125.00 for single entry (within a 3 month period); EC$190.00 for multiple entry (multiple entries over one year period).
Extension of stay fees (beyond 3 months): EC$100 per 21-day period
Mooring Fees:
Mooring permit fee is EC$25.
Soufriere Marine Management Association (SMMA)
The daily Entrance Fee is EC$3.00 or US$1.00 per person.
Mooring fees for vessels:
Up to 70ft – $EC54/USD$20 – 1 night; $EC324/USD$120 – week
More than 70ft, up to 120ft – $EC270/USD$100 – 1 night;
More than 120ft – EC$540/USD$200/Per Day
Crewed Charter – EC$1350/USD$500/Per Annum
See https://www.smma.org.lc/fee/
Other Fees:
Import Permit for pets costs EC$45.00
Last updated: January 2022
Restrictions
Marine Reserves:
Several marine reserves have been established in recent years, where anchoring is normally prohibited. The Soufrière Marine Management Area has five yacht mooring areas where buoys have been laid for visiting boats:
– Between Anse Chastanet & Anse Mamin
– Rachette Point
– Soufriere Jetty
– Malgretoute Beach
– Beausejour Area
Note: Make sure your buoy is holding the vessel as intended, and that the system is secure.
The use of the moorings requires a Coral Conservation Permit which can only be purchased from the St. Lucian Dive Operators, authorized dive leaders, or at the SMMA office in Soufriere.
More details at https://www.smma.org.lc/yachtareas/
Do not:
- Collect, buy, sell or damage coral, sponges, algae or sea urchins.
- Use a spear gun.
- Interfere with or disturb fishing activities or fishing gear.
- Release any poisonous or noxious substance into the sea.
- Use jet-skis/scooters or water-skis without a license issued by the Ministry of Tourism, in areas other than those designated by the National Conservation Authority.
In addition, the following activities are prohibited in the Marine Reserve Areas:
- Collecting, buying, selling or damaging any living or non-living materials.
- Fishing.
- Entering with a non-authorized vessel.
- Diving without a local authorized Dive Operator or a local licensed Dive Guide.
- Contravention of any of these regulations may carry a fine of EC$ 5000.00.
https://www.smma.org.lc/coralprotection/
Scuba Diving:
Some divers have reported that diving may be restricted without proper authorization from the proper environmental agency. The Soufriere Marine Management Area requires a fee to be paid at a registered diving company prior to diving or snorkeling.
Wider Caribbean’s Marine Protected Areas (CaMPAM)
Other:
It is an offence for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing.
Local Customs
Local attitudes towards the LGBT community are mostly conservative throughout the Caribbean. LGBT travellers should be mindful of local attitudes and be aware that public displays of affection may attract unwanted and negative attention.
Clearance Agents
Harmony Yacht Services: www.harmonyyachtservices.com, [email protected], Tel: (758)486 4035
Cox & Company: www.coxcoltd.com/yachting-services, [email protected], Tel: (758) 456 5000/5065
Pets
Visitors who wants to bring their pets into Saint Lucia must apply to the Veterinary Authority for an Import Permit in advance.
Contact: [email protected]
Upon arrival into Saint Lucia, all animals must be inspected by the Veterinary officer before being allowed ashore.
More info. at http://www.govt.lc/services/veterinary-import-permit.
Be sure to declare you have a pet on board when you visit Customs.
Requirements:
- Your pet must be microchipped prior to any vaccinations required to enter St. Lucia.
- Your pet cat or dog must be vaccinated for rabies between 30 days and 12 months prior to entry into the country.
- Your pets must be vaccinated against the following diseases within 14 days of entering St Lucia.
- Dogs: Distemper, Leptospirosis, Hapatitus/Adenovirus, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus.
- Cats: Feline Leukemia, Feline Rhinotracheitis, Feline Calcivirus, Feline Panleopenia and Feline Pneumonitis. Pets from Lyme infected areas must test negative for this disease.
Related Businesses
Dr. Scotland Vet Hospital
Address: John Compton Highway, P.O Box 1218, Castries, St. Lucia,
Recommended by cruisers.... Read More
St Lucia Ministry of Agriculture
Address: St. Lucia,
This website page has links to the details for importing various pets.
Alternative email [email protected] Read More
