Travel Tips for St. Lucia

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Note: All United States citizens are required to have a valid passport to re-enter the United States.

Size / Population: St. Lucia is 27 miles long and 14 miles wide with 19,000 acres of rainforest. The population is about 160,000.

Political Status: An independent nation part of the British Commonwealth of Nations.

Language: English is the official language and is spoken in most hotels and tourist areas. A French Patois is also spoken.

Currency: The Eastern Caribbean Dollar or “bewee.” ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted at many locations. U.S. dollars are accepted at some shops.

Electricity: 220 volts. You will need a converter and adaptor for electrical appliances. Many hotels will have some on hand, but best to take your own to be safe.

Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (one hour ahead of New York); Daylight Saving Time is not observed.

Communication: To call St. Lucia from the U.S direct dial 1 + 758 + the 7-digit local number. Internet service is widely available at some hotels and at Cable & Wireless storefronts (the local telecom company). Check with your cell phone provider for international coverage or you can rent a cell phone..

Drinking Water: Water is safe from the tap. Bottled water is also readily available if preferred.

Transportation: Taxis are abundant, and there are minibus taxis available for groups. Rental cars and scooters are a great way to see St. Lucia. You must purchase a permit for $20 and must be 21-25 years old (varies by rental company) and must be in possession of a valid driver’s license and major credit card. Car travel via the new West Coast Road from Castries to Soufriere takes about an hour. From Hewanorra Airport to Castries takes around an hour to hour and a half.

Local Customs: The legal drinking age is 18. Driving is on the left. Tipping: generally 15-20% in restaurants if not already added to bill; bellmen: $1 per bag; housecleaning staff: $1-$2 per day. Taxi drivers also expect a small tip, generally 10-12%.

Getting Married: St Lucia has been recognized as one of the best Caribbean destination wedding locales. U.S. citizens can legally get married in St. Lucia. Please contact a Vacation Express representative for details on resorts offering special wedding packages and to discuss your particular wedding requirements. Our experienced group department will be happy to assist with travel arrangements for all attendees.

Wedding Requirements
The information below is a general list of requirements to perform a legal wedding ceremony in St. Lucia. Please check with the St. Lucia tourism department or wedding coordinator at your resort for additional information on legal requirements and fees for weddings in St. Lucia. Church weddings can be arranged for most denominations in advance. All information below is subject to change without notice.
Documentation: The bride/groom must bring original copies of the following documents:
• Original and copy of official birth certificate
• A valid, non-expired passport
• Deed Poll if there has been a name change (If a legal name change has occurred a notarized copy of this is required.)
• If under the age of 18, the bride/groom must present evidence of a consent of parents with a sworn affidavit stamped by a Notary Public
• An affidavit from one of the parties is required
• Divorce or death certificate if applicable
Divorced/Widowed Travelers: Divorced or widowed parties must provide official copies of the divorce decree (Decree Absolute) or a certified death certificate.
Waiting Period/Residency Requirement: Generally the bride/groom must be in destination for at least 72 hours prior to the wedding, which must include 3 business days (excluding day of arrival). However, there is no residency period and couples can get married within 24 hours of arrival as long as they apply for a Special Marriage License and have all the necessary original documentation.
Witnesses: n/a
Fees: The standard license fee is approx. US$125. A US$200 license fee applies for weddings on day of arrival. Marriage certificate fee: US$3 and Registrar fees are approximately US$37.