Saint Vincent & Grenadines
About Saint Vincent & Grenadines
| Currency | East Caribbean dollar (XCD) |
| Language | English; French patois widely spoken |
| Capital | Kingstown |
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is made of 32 islands north of Trinidad and Tobago and between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean. The population is about 103,000 people. The government is a parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm. The chief of state is the monarch of the United Kingdom, represented by a governor general, with a prime minister as head of government.
The native Caribs fiercely resisted colonization until 1719. After that time, France and the United Kingdom claimed the territory until 1783 when Britain gained the area. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines gained independence in 1979.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is trying to diversity its economy and become less reliant on banana exports. There is potential to develop the tourism industry, and tourist infrastructure is widely available. At this time, many residents leave the island to earn a living.
The island has much to offer travellers, such as beaches, diving and snorkelling, rainforests, islands and cays, and boating. The various movies of Pirates of the Caribbean were filmed on Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Recommended Vaccinations For Saint Vincent & Grenadines
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Yellow Fever Vaccine
Vaccination against yellow fever is not recommended. However, this country requires all persons greater than 1 year of age to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination if arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).
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 Saint Vincent & Grenadines
There are no recommendations for Saint Vincent & Grenadines at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Saint Vincent & Grenadines
For Most Travellers
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 St. Vincent and the Grenadines through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.
Hepatitis B
There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
For Some Travellers
Zika Fever
There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.
Rabies
Rabies may be present in bats, but has not been reported in domestic or wild animals in this country.
Typhoid Fever
Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Yellow Fever
There is no yellow fever transmission in this country. However, this country requires all persons 1 year of age and older to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination if arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Safety & Security in Saint Vincent & Grenadines
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. Always be alert and aware of your surroundings, including on a boat or yacht. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Avoid walking alone at night. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and never leave your drinks out of your sight.
