St Vincent and the Grenadines

The tropical treasures of St Vincent and the Grenadines are found near St Lucia and Grenada, part of the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, in the Caribbean Sea. This paradise of island destinations includes Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, Petit St Vincent, Tobago Cays, Union Island and Palm Island, each with their own unique character and magnificent beaches to discover.

Thanks to its beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere, this stunning destination is an idyllic venue for that perfect island wedding, or a romantic honeymoon retreat; images of a barefoot bride on a soft white beach or newly-weds on a starry night, with waves breaking gently in the background, come to mind&

St Vincent and the Grenadines has its own soccer league, as well as a national soccer team, so sports fans are suitably indulged. The varied topography lends itself well to an array of adventures, from sailing and scuba diving to hiking and horse riding. There are also a few golf courses worth swinging a club at.

The island nation has a French and British colonial history; Carib Indians fought off European settlement on St Vincent until the 18th century, after which it was subjected to many years of colonial rule and slavery. On 27 October 1979, it finally became the last of the Windward Islands to gain independence.

Natural disasters have also hindered the island group's development, with serious volcanic eruptions and hurricanes recorded from as early as 1902; Hurricane Lenny caused extensive damage to the west coast in 1999. These have not, however, detracted from the beguiling setting and the restful sense of simplicity that washes lightly over sun-loving travellers.

Climate

Like all Caribbean islands, St Vincent and the Grenadines has a hot, tropical climate throughout the year. The average daily temperatures of 80°F (27°C) tend to be tempered by trade winds. The driest time on the island is between January and March but brief, sporadic showers occur throughout the year. Hurricane season is generally from June to October (most storms pass north of the Grenadines).

Money

St. Vincent and the Grenadines' currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$), a regional currency shared among members of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU). The US dollar is accepted in most hotels and some shops, and major credit cards are also widely accepted. Banking hours are from 8am to 3pm on Monday to Thursday, and till 5pm on Fridays. There are also ATM machines available.

Passport Visa

All visitors are required to hold an onward/return ticket, documents for their next destination and sufficient funds for the duration of their stay. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• Valid passport required. No visa necessary for visits of up to one month. All passengers should be in possession of tickets with confirmed onward/return reservations, all documents required for their next destination and sufficient funds to cover their stay.
• Passport or passport replacing documents required. No visa necessary for up to six months for holders of British passports endorsed British Overseas Territories Citizen or British Overseas Citizen. No visa necessary for visits of up to one month for nationals of United Kingdom (Great Britain). All passengers should be in possession of tickets with confirmed onward/return reservations, all documents required for their next destination and sufficient funds to cover their stay.
• Valid passport required. No visa necessary for visits of up to one month. All passengers should be in possession of tickets with confirmed onward/return reservations, all documents required for their next destination and sufficient funds to cover their stay.
• Valid passport required. No visa necessary for visits of up to one month. All visitors are required to hold an onward/return ticket, documents for their next destination and sufficient funds for the duration of their stay.
• Valid passport required. No visa necessary for visits of up to one month. All passengers should be in possession of tickets with confirmed onward/return reservations, all documents required for their next destination and sufficient funds to cover their stay.
• Valid passport required. No visa necessary for visits of up to one month. All passengers should be in possession of tickets with confirmed onward/return reservations, all documents required for their next destination and sufficient funds to cover their stay.
• Valid passport required. No visa necessary for visits of up to one month. All visitors are required to hold an onward/return ticket, documents for their next destination and sufficient funds for the duration of their stay.

Health

While there are few health risks associated with travel to St Vincent and the Grenadines, recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis B, Yellow fever, Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and Tetanus-diphtheria. Dengue fever occurs rarely and there have been cases of Leptospirosis. HIV/AIDS is present and travellers should take the usual precautions. Ensure food is properly prepared and cooked, avoid un-pasteurised milk and drink only boiled or bottled water. There are pharmacies, hospitals and evacuation facilities available if needed; ensure health insurance is comprehensive.

Embassy Consulates

• St Vincent and the Grenadines Embassy, Washington, United States: +1 202 364 6730.
• St Vincent and the Grenadines High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7460 2588.
• Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States High Commission, Ottawa, Canada: +1 758 455 6327.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Bridgetown, Barbados (also responsible for St Vincent and the Grenadines): +1 246 227 4000.
• British High Commission, Kingstown: +1 876 936 0700.
• Canadian High Commission, Bridgetown, Barbados (also responsible for St Vincent and the Grenadines): +1 246 629 3550.
• Australian High Commission, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (also responsible for St Vincent and the Grenadines): +1 868 822 5450.
• South African High Commission, Kingston, Jamaica (also responsible for St. Vincent and the Grenadines): + 876 620 4840.