Breaking Travel News spotlight on: Saint Lucia

The paradise Caribbean island simplifies arrivals process as final Covid-19 restrictions removed

Ahead of the key summer tourism season, the government of Saint Lucia has confirmed that a health screening form is no longer required for travel to the island. All other Covid-19-related pre-travel requirements for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers were removed in September.

Last year saw strong visitor arrivals to the island, the return of events and a significant number of tourism developments. Moreover, airlift from international markets continues to provide excellent access for the UK with daily direct BA flights and weekly direct TUI flights from Gatwick, with a winter service three times a week from Virgin Atlantic out of Heathrow.

Embarkation/Disembarkation

Also, as from this month, the entry process for Saint Lucia is even more seamless with the introduction of an online Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) form that allows for the electronic processing of travellers.

The introduction of the online ED form is delivered by the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission and funded through the eleventh European Development Fund. It is also in line with initiatives by the government of Saint Lucia, towards a digital conversion of public sector services, for the continued improvement of the operational competencies and simplicity of conducting business on the island.

The electronic ED Form will replace the written form, providing real-time information to immigration, customs, and port health, and will significantly reduce the processing time of arriving passengers. The system has been comprehensively tested at the George Charles Airport (SLU) and at the Hewanorra International Airport (UVF), with overwhelmingly positive feedback from the executing agencies.

Completion of the online ED form is only applicable to air travel and is not a requirement for boarding; however passengers should submit prior arrival in Saint Lucia for swift processing on arrival. If the electronic form has not been completed by the time a passenger arrives in Saint Lucia, then the written form, provided by the airline or in country, will be required.

“We continuously strive to secure our borders and provide quality service to travelers at our points of entry while protecting the safety and security of our nationals, visitors, and business associates with a reliable immigration system.

“In advancing our seamless entry process, the written form will be phased out as of April this year,” remarked, Sean Alexander, assistant superintendent in charge of the department of immigration.

The introduction and technical support of the electronic Embarkation/ Disembarkation process has been spearheaded through the joint efforts of the departments of immigration, border control and customs of the ministry of home affairs, justice and national security, the ministry of health and the OECS.

More Information

Saint Lucia was honoured with the title of ‘World's Leading Honeymoon Destination’ at the World Travel Awards in 2022.

Find out more about visiting the island on the official website at www.stlucia.org – or head over to Hall 22/102A here at ITB Berlin 2023 to catch up with the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority.

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