Immigration

Entry at a glance

Standard stay CARICOM, UK, US and Schengen visitors
6 months
Nationalities needing a pre-entry visa
12
Entry visa application Where one is required
EC$200
Extension of stay
EC$75 / month

What every traveller needs

  • Valid passport

    Each traveller must present a valid passport. Damaged or badly worn passports may not be accepted by the airline or Immigration.

  • Visa requirements

    Confirm whether the passport nationality requires a pre-entry visa. Final permission to enter is granted by Immigration on arrival.

  • Supporting documents

    Carry proof of return or onward travel, a local address, accommodation details and sufficient funds for the period of stay.

Pre-entry visas

Most short-stay visitors do not need a visa before arrival. Nationals of these countries must get a pre-entry visa from the Ministry of National Security.

  • Afghanistan
  • Bangladesh
  • Cameroon
  • China
  • Dominican Republic
  • Haiti
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Lebanon
  • Nepal
  • Nigeria
  • Syria

Application documents

  • Colour copy of passport bio page
  • Recent 2 × 2-inch passport photo
  • Sponsor letter
  • Valid police certificate
  • Applicant or sponsor financial statement
  • Accommodation booking, where applicable
  • Itinerary or charter agreement, where applicable

Arrival procedure

  1. 01

    Document check

    The airline verifies travel documents before boarding. Complete the Embarkation/Disembarkation form when directed by the airline or port authority.

  2. 02

    Immigration inspection

    Present the passport and all supporting documents. Provide the purpose and intended duration of the visit when requested.

  3. 03

    Period of admission

    Verify the authorised period before leaving the inspection desk. The date recorded by the Immigration Officer determines the permitted stay.

  4. 04

    Baggage and Customs

    Collect all baggage and complete the required Customs declaration before entering the public arrivals hall.

Authorised period of stay

Authorised period of stay by nationality
TravellersConditionsStay
OECS nationalsSubject to OECS free-movement and identification requirements.Indefinite
Barbados and Belize nationalsSubject to CARICOM passport and registration requirements under the October 2025 regime.Indefinite
Other CARICOM, UK, US and SchengenThe period recorded by the Immigration Officer is the authorised stay.Up to 6 months
Other international visitorsSubject to nationality, entry requirements and the Immigration Officer’s decision.Up to 3 months

Staying longer

  • Extensions of stay

    Request an extension before the current permission expires. The fee is EC$75 cash for each month or part of a month, at the Immigration Head Office in Kingstown or the ports of Bequia, Mustique, Canouan and Union Island.

  • Employment, study and residence

    Visitor status does not allow employment. Employment and residence need prior approval; confirm study and other long stays with Immigration and the institution before travel.

Health and special arrivals

  • Yellow fever

    Travellers over one year old must show proof of vaccination when arriving from a yellow-fever-risk country, or after more than 12 hours in transit there. Travel from or through Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago is exempt.

  • Children and families

    Every child needs an accepted travel document. When a child travels with one parent or another adult, check whether a consent letter, birth certificate or proof of custody is required.

  • Yachts and private aircraft

    All occupants must clear Immigration at an authorised port. Operators should arrange port, Immigration, Customs and aviation formalities before arrival and departure.