Saint Lucia

Översikt

Saint Lucia is an island within the Lesser Antilles Island chain situated geographically north of St Vincent and the Grenadines and south of Martinique. The island is some 620sqkm and has a population of around 176,000, with the majority within the capital, Castries.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

A yellow fever certificate is a pre-requisite for entry for visitors arriving from infected areas.

There are a few health risks associated with travel to St. Lucia. It should be noted that dengue fever is a risk. HIV/AIDS is prevalent, so you are advised to take necessary precautions. Hepatitis A is also problematic, and there are occasional outbreaks of typhoid and diphtheria. Vaccinations against Hepatitis B and tuberculosis are sometimes advised, but because regulations concerning inoculations are subject to periodic change you are strongly encouraged to check with your GP before arriving in St. Lucia. It is recommended that all visitors be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. You should also be vaccinated against tetanus-diphtheria every decade.

Adequate fluid intake is essential in St. Lucia.

Schistosomiasis is endemic, therefore you are strongly encouraged to take precautions when swimming and/or bathing in lakes, rivers, etc. Cases of leptospirosis have also been reported.

MMR jabs are advised if you have not had any, and your birth date is after 1956.

You are advised to visit with your GP before your arrival in St. Lucia to ensure that you have taken adequate steps to ensure your health and protection.

Because diarrhoeal cases are common, visitors should bring an anti-biotic and an anti-diarrhoeal drug which are to be started as soon as any symptoms of significant diarrhoea occur. This is defined as three or more loose stools in an 8 hour period, or five or more loose stools in a 24hr period; particularly if this is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, cramps, fever, or blood in the stool.

You should also bring long sleeves, long pants, hats and shoes instead of sandals. You are strongly advised to use insect repellent, and a mosquito net.

The cost of health care is high, and you should ensure that you are covered by comprehensive health insurance as this will prove essential should a medical evacuation prove necessary. EHIC card holders are entitled to emergency medical treatment in the event of evacuation to Martinique.

You should endeavour to bring all medication in clearly labelled containers, along with the prescriptions. Wear a medical alert bracelet if you suffer from allergies.

Pass

Most visitors require a passport to enter St. Lucia. The only exceptions are Canadian and American nationals, provided they have valid proof of their identity as well as return tickets out of the country.

Visum

It is also the case that many visitors will not require a visa to enter St. Lucia, and the only exceptions are Australian and Latvian nationals unless they are continuing their journey on the same aircraft and do not leave the airport.