Located in the Eastern Caribbean Sea, Saint Lucia is a small island in the West Indies. The unique culture is a mixture of African, English, and French. Local traditions and events are thick with the cultural traits of each nationality. Even though English is the official language, Creole is a close second due to the area’s French history.
The island is known for its two main festivals that celebrate local traditions and holidays. Tourists often look forward to attending at least one of the festivals and will plan their travels accordingly.
The French were the first to colonize Saint Lucia, formerly known as Iouanalao. This is a name given to the island by the Amerindian nations, the Arawaks and Caribs.
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LATEST UPDATES / NEWS from St. LUCIA:
February 12, 2024: St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Pierre Addresses Crime Concerns
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre of Saint Lucia emphasizes his unwavering commitment to upholding law and order, firmly denouncing criminal activities and shootings on the island. He assures that the government will not compromise with criminals, prioritizing the safety of citizens and visitors.
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) receives full support for implementing anti-crime strategies to combat gang violence. Additionally, the government is investing in social intervention programs to deter youth from criminal activities, with ongoing efforts to enhance police operations and maintain peace and security.
Is Saint Lucia Safe?
Saint Lucia is considered to be generally safe in most areas. Pickpockets, petty crimes, and purse snatchings often occurred in crowded areas and during key festivals and local events. Most forms of transportation are safe including the use of taxis and buses.
The overall risk of muggings and burglaries is low as well. Those who travel to the area need to be aware of the medium risk of natural disasters. Being a small island in a large body of water means that minor storms may result in major weather events.
U.S. Travel Advisory
The U.S. Department of State has currently a Level 1 travel advisory for St. Lucia which means exercising normal precautions.
Canada Travel Advisory
The Canadian government also advises travelers to Saint Lucia to take normal security precautions. The country has seen an increase in violent crimes, including gun violence, particularly in Vieux Fort, and incidents of murders, sexual assaults, robberies, and gang-related violence. Petty crimes like pickpocketing and purse snatching also occur. Travelers are cautioned against fraud involving credit/debit cards and ATMs, and women traveling alone may face harassment and assault.
Crime Rate
According to the Safety Index used to rate how safe countries are for tourists and general travelers, Saint Lucia has earned a safety rating of 70.
Although the overall safety concerns in the area are rather low, it is recommended that any traveling visiting the area should purchase travel insurance. Avoid traveling with any valuables, if at all possible.
When Is the Best Time to Travel?
The temperatures in Saint Lucia are ideal for travel any time of year. If you want to avoid hurricane season, you should travel between December 1st to May 30th. Although storms can occur at any time of the year, they tend to be more severe during hurricane season.
Before you choose your travel dates, check the projected weather forecast to ensure no storms are forecasted for the area. The weather can be warm and inviting all year long. Many people choose to travel during hurricane season for the warmer temps.
Safe Places to Go
Rodney Bay Village is one of the safest areas on the island if you want relaxing fun in the sun. White sand beaches and exciting nightlife are waiting on the north side of the island.
Marigot Bay is also considered to be safe, offering nice restaurants and luxury accommodations for tourists to enjoy. Both land and water activities are available for tourists. Plan your trip before you arrive so you can enjoy every minute of your stay.
Be Mindful of Your Surroundings
Always be mindful of your surroundings. This will help you avoid getting lost or ending up in an area that may not be as safe as you like. Do your research about taxi services and other types of transportation.
Talk to your hotel staff and local business owners to find out about the best restaurants and recreational activities on the island. Being aware of your surroundings allows you to enjoy yourself while minimizing your risks.