Saint Vincent and the Grenadines runs from the mountainous main island of St Vincent, home to the capital, Kingstown, and to La Soufrière volcano in the north, down a chain of smaller islands: Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, the Tobago Cays and Union Island, plus smaller ones such as Palm Island and Petit St Vincent. International flights use Argyle International Airport on St Vincent, a regular ferry crosses to Bequia, and some visitors stay aboard yachts among the islands. The country is not covered by Roam Like at Home, so a European SIM is charged at its operator's roaming rates on every one of these islands.
Key facts for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- EU roaming: not covered by Roam Like at Home
- Local networks: Flow (depending on the plan)
- Emergency numbers: 911 or 999 for any emergency; ambulance 911; police 999 or the landline number 457 1211
- Embassies: British consular help comes from Barbados, not from the High Commission in Kingstown; the US and Canada cover the country from Bridgetown, and France from Castries, Saint Lucia
La Soufrière and Kick 'em Jenny
La Soufrière, which towers over the north of St Vincent, had its last explosive eruption in 2021. Before hiking it, ask locally about current conditions, and if the volcano becomes more active, follow the instructions of the local authorities, such as the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO). Anyone sailing south through the Grenadines towards Grenada should also watch the alert level of Kick 'em Jenny, an underwater volcano 5 miles off Grenada's coast, keep out of its maritime exclusion zones and follow local advice if activity increases or it erupts.
After Beryl: Union, Mayreau and the small islands
Hurricane Beryl struck in July 2024 and caused heavy damage to tourist infrastructure on Mayreau and Union. Smaller islands such as Palm Island and Petit St Vincent are still affected, and the storm has reduced hotel availability and other facilities, airport services included. If your plans include Mayreau, Union or the smaller islands, confirm every arrangement with your travel agent or accommodation first. The hurricane season runs from June to November: follow the forecasts and the local authorities' advice, including any evacuation order. Earthquakes are a risk too.
Crime is rising: where to take care
Most visits pass without trouble, but there has been an increase in gang-related murders involving guns, some of them in populated public areas, as well as armed robbery and assault. Stay away from isolated places, beaches included, after dark, keep valuables out of sight, take care when walking alone off the main roads or taking money from a cash machine, and secure your room or yacht. Vincy Mas, the carnival in early July, brings more theft and opportunistic crime: use licensed taxis only and stay alert at late-night street parties. Drinks can be spiked, so never leave yours unattended, be cautious at crowded events and know how you will get back before a night out.
Food, entry rules and the law
Because of foot and mouth disease, bringing any food into the country requires an import licence, so it is simpler to leave snacks out of your luggage. Your passport needs at least six months of validity from the day you arrive. British visitors are given six months on entry, and longer stays need a paid extension from the Immigration Department. A yellow fever certificate is required if you come from a country with a risk of transmission.
Camouflage clothing is illegal for everyone, children included, all drug offences carry severe penalties, and some same-sex sexual activity is illegal; LGBT+ couples who show affection in public may receive unwanted and negative attention. For health, protect yourself from the mosquitoes that carry dengue and Zika. The main government hospital copes with many types of treatment, but serious cases may need evacuation, so make sure your insurance covers it.
Roads, taxis and taxi vans
Drivers need a local temporary licence, which car hire companies usually help arrange when you show your licence from home (a UK one for British drivers). Expect potholes, speed bumps, blind corners on narrow roads and minor roads with very steep drops and no safety barriers, along with pedestrians in the road, drivers who do not always indicate, unlit roads at night and taxi vans that stop at random. Keep the doors locked and do not stop if people on foot flag you down. After an accident, call the police and leave the vehicle where it is; at night in a remote area, drive to the nearest police station instead. Taxis are unmetered but charge set fares for most journeys, so agree the price in local currency before leaving; US dollars are often accepted.
Getting connected
A travel eSIM installed before departure connects when you land at Argyle International. If the trip continues by sea or air, a Caribbean plan also covers Saint Lucia, Grenada and Barbados, while a World plan suits a longer itinerary. Bank verification texts keep reaching your usual number if that SIM stays in the phone with its data roaming switched off.
Consular protection: who to call in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Dial 911 or 999 in an emergency. 911 is the ambulance number, and the police answer on 999 or on the landline number 457 1211.
- The British High Commission in Kingstown does not provide consular services, so British nationals should contact the British High Commission in Barbados. US citizens are covered by the US Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados, and Canadians by the High Commission of Canada in Bridgetown. France covers the country from its embassy in Castries, Saint Lucia.
- Before heading out to the smaller islands, find your own country's embassy or consulate in the Telcomia app and save its phone number.
- An EU citizen whose country has no embassy or consulate covering Saint Vincent and the Grenadines can turn to the mission of another EU country, such as France's embassy in Castries, which must help on the same terms as it helps its own nationals (Article 23 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU).
- English is the official language.
Questions travellers ask about Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Will my EU plan work in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
Only on roaming, at the rates your operator sets, since the country is not covered by Roam Like at Home.
Can I bring food with me?
Only with an import licence. Foot and mouth disease rules apply to any food you bring, so it is easier to buy what you need locally.
Which network does a Telcomia eSIM use in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
Flow, running on 4G where available.
Can I still visit Union Island and Mayreau?
Yes, but Beryl's damage in July 2024 still limits hotels and other services, including at the airport, so confirm your arrangements before you travel.
The short version
Install the eSIM before you fly, leave food out of your bags, ask about conditions before hiking La Soufrière, confirm bookings on Union, Mayreau and the smaller islands, avoid quiet beaches after dark, guard your drink during Vincy Mas, and save 911 and 999.
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