Get up-to-date health and safety information for your trip to St. Lucia. Our guide covers recommended vaccinations, food and water safety, general tips, emergency numbers, and insurance recommendations to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable Caribbean vacation.
Health and Safety in St. Lucia
Recommended Vaccinations
Before traveling to St. Lucia, it's advisable to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice. Generally, routine vaccines like measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, chickenpox, polio, and your yearly flu shot should be up to date. Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines are also often recommended due to the potential for contaminated food or water.
Food and Water Safety
While St. Lucia generally has good hygiene standards, if you have a sensitive stomach it's best to take precautions:
Drink bottled or boiled water.
Avoid ice unless you're sure it has been made from purified water.
Eat thoroughly cooked food and avoid street vendors.
Wash fruits and vegetables with clean water or peel them.
General Safety Tips
Exercise normal precautions when it comes to personal safety.
Always keep an eye on your belongings.
Avoid poorly lit or deserted areas, especially at night.
Be cautious when swimming; always heed local advice about water conditions.
Emergency Numbers
Police: 999 or 911
Fire: 911
Insurance Recommendations
Travel insurance that covers both medical emergencies and evacuation is highly recommended. Make sure your policy also covers activities you plan to engage in, such as scuba diving or hiking.
Additional Information
Many over-the-counter medicines we take for granted may not be readily available, so pack any essential medications.
Sunscreen and insect repellent are must-haves. Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, is present in the Caribbean.
While St. Lucia has medical facilities, specialized treatment may require evacuation to a nearby island or back to your home country, which can be expensive without insurance.
