St. Vincent & the Grenadines Scenic Image

Fast Facts

CLIMATE & GEOGRAPHY

Mountainous interior with sheltered indented Leeward coastline. La Soufriere is an active volcano in the north. Average yearly daytime temperature: 27° C

THE GOVERNMENT

SVG is a parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth of Nations with King Charles III as Head of State and Governor General Dame Susan Dougan as the King's Representative. Their parliamentary term of office is 5 years with 21 members of parliament. Independence Day is celebrated on October 27th.

CURRENCY

EC$2.70 = US$1 with major credit cards accepted.

AIRPORTS

Argyle International Airport is the newest and largest of five SVG airports. Other Airports are in Bequia, Mustique, Canouan and Union Island.

DEPARTURE TAX

EC$54 – Most airlines include this in the price of their tickets.

GETTING HERE BY AIR

St. Vincent can be reached nonstop from Canada (Toronto), the USA (New York, Miami) and England (London) with connecting flights to Bequia, Canouan, Mustique & Union Island provided by Mustique Airways and SVG Air.

OFFICIAL MARINE PORTS OF ENTRY

  • St. Vincent - Kingstown, Chateaubelair, Wallilabou, Blue Lagoon
  • Bequia - Port Elizabeth
  • Union Island - Clifton Harbour
  • Canouan - Charlestown Bay
  • Mustique - Britannia Bay

YACHT CLEARANCE PROCEDURES

  • Visiting yachts must complete clearance formalities at a designated port of entry before docking at any other anchorage.
  • With Q flag hoisted, only the captain should go ashore with three crew lists, clearance from the previous port, passports and ship's papers.
  • Boats must clear out of an official port.
  • Private vessels may pay a Cruise Tax for unlimited stay in SVG waters.
  • Charter boats must possess an SVG Cruising License.

IMMIGRATION

  • SVG arrivals must present a valid passport (at least 6 months), sufficient funds, and a return or onward ticket.
  • Work permits are available from the Prime Minister's Office, Bay Street, Kingstown.
  • Visas are required for nationals of: Afghanistan, Cameroon, China, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Nigeria and Syria. For further information: https://security.gov.vc

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

State-of-the-art fiber optic digital telephone system with internet, cellular data boatphone service. The area code is 784.

ELECTRICITY

220/240 volt 50 cycle. Petit St. Vincent & Palm Island: 110 volt, 60 cycle.

POTABLE WATER

Safe drinking water is in abundant supply due to high levels of rainfall in St. Vincent. In the Grenadines, rainfall is collected/stored in cisterns.

ARGYLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

  • Airlines currently operating flights into AIA: Virgin Atlantic, Caribbean Airlines, Air Canada, American Airlines, SVG Air, Mustique Airways, Inter Caribbean, Air Adelphi, Jet Blue, Liat, Conviasa.
  • There is a conference room located on the first floor which seats up to 14 people.
  • Travelers can access The Bank of St. Vincent & the Grenadines foreign exchange bureau in the arrivals hall.
  • Both short and long-term car parking is available. Taxis or rental vehicles can be arranged easily.

DRIVERS LICENCES

A temporary driver's licence, costing EC$100 (US$38) and valid for 6 months, can be obtained from the police station on Bay Street, the Licensing Authority on Halifax Street, or from the Special Branch Police Officer at the Argyle International Airport with a valid overseas driver's licence. Your car hire agent can also assist you.

If you have an International Driving Licence you must visit the Traffic Department in Kingstown to have it registered – there is no charge. Caricom nationals may drive with a valid Caricom driver's licence.

SAFETY TIPS

  • Centipede/Scorpion Bites: While not lethal, severity depends on individual sensitivity. If in doubt, see a doctor—especially for children.
  • Sea Urchins: Black sea eggs with long spines. If spines are beneath the skin, do not try to remove them. They will eventually dissolve. Use antiseptic or vinegar to soak the area.
  • Coconut Palms: Never leave a child beneath a coconut palm due to falling coconuts.
  • Manchineel: Very poisonous fruit and sap; avoid contact. Do not shelter under manchineel trees when raining.
  • Illegal Drugs: Severe penalties exist for possession or trafficking of illegal drugs. Cannabis (over 2 ounces) and cocaine are strictly prohibited.

Marijuana is illegal in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, although possession of up to two ounces has been decriminalized. Fines of up to $500 can apply, and counseling or rehabilitative care may be required.