Grenada
About Grenada
| Currency | East Caribbean dollar (XCD) |
| Language | English |
| Capital | Saint George's |
Grenada is an island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Trinidad and Tobago. The population is about 110,000 people. The government is a parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm with the Queen of England as chief of state, represented by a governor general, and a prime minister as head of government. Grenada gained full independence in 1974.
The Carib Indians originally inhabited Grenada. The French occupied Grenada in the 17th century, and Britain took the island in 1762. Sugar production, and later cacao, was the base for the economy. In the 20th century, nutmeg became the main export and the island became known as the “Spice Island,” also producing cinnamon, cloves, ginger and mace.
Visitors to Grenada will appreciate the rain forests, hot springs, and beaches, as well as the city of St. George’s. Available activities include hiking, diving, snorkelling, exploring St. George’s, the Grand Etang National Park and Forest Reserve, or a short tour of the Gouyave Nutmeg Processing Station.
Recommended Vaccinations For Grenada
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Rabies Vaccine
Rabies may occur in wild and domestic animals. Vaccination should be considered for travellers (such as campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) involved in outdoor and other activities that might bring them into direct contact with dogs, bats, and other mammals. Persons with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) as well as long-term travellers and expatriates may be at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Yellow Fever Vaccine
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Recommended Medications For Grenada
There are no recommendations for Grenada at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Grenada
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B
There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Grenada.
Chikungunya Fever
Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.
Dengue Fever
Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.
Hepatitis A
There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Grenada through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.
For Some Travellers
Yellow Fever
There is no risk of yellow fever transmission. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Typhoid Fever
Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Grenada, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Rabies
Rabies may occur in wild and domestic animals. Travellers (such as campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) involved in outdoor and other activities that might bring them into direct contact with dogs, bats, and other mammals may be at risk of exposure to rabies. Persons with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) as well as long-term travellers and expatriates may be at higher risk.
Zika Fever
Zika virus occurs in Grenada.
Safety & Security in Grenada
Personal Safety
The crime rate is low in this country, and most travellers have no trouble. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, or other theft can occur in any crowded area or tourist destination. There have been some reports of armed robbery and sexual assault. With respect to your personal safety, be cautious and always be aware of your surroundings. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Avoid walking alone at night, and avoid walking alone in isolated areas, including beaches. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and never leave your drinks out of your sight.
Violent crime has occurred in Grenada but usually involving members of the community.
Taxi drivers who are members of the Grenada Taxi Association (GTA) have had additional training from the Grenada Tourism Board. Ask if your driver is a member of the GTA. Licensed taxis are those with a license plate beginning with the letter H.
Ensure travel and medical insurance is acquired before departing. In the case of severe injury or illness, evacuation from Grenada may be required.
Same-sex relations and behaviours are prohibited and LGBTI travellers may face discrimination.
Check with local authorities as to which beaches are safe. Strong currents may make swimming dangerous.
Exercise caution when driving. Roads may not be well maintained, may have blind corners, may be narrow and may not be well marked or lit. Driving is on the left.
Do not wear camouflage as it is illegal.
Hurricane season is between May-November. Flooding, landslides, major damage to infrastructure and disruption to travel plans may result. Be aware of the evacuation routes and heed advice of local authorities if a hurricane is approaching.
Grenada is also at risk for earthquakes due to its location in an active seismic zone.
