MAP & LOCATION
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13°15N, 61°12W |
GENERAL PRESENTATION
GMT -4
Climate & Geography
St Vincent & The Grenadines is part of the Windward Islands. St Vincent is covering about 344 km²/133 sq. miles and is the largest of the more than 30 islands that comprise the country. The Grenadines extend 72 km / 45 miles to the southwest covering an additional 44km²/17 sq.miles. St Vincent is about 29km/18miles long and 18km/11miles wide, with a mountainous interior, having La Soufrière, an active volcano in the North (1220 m/4000Ft). The Leeward coast is indented, dramatic and sheltered while the Atlantic coastline can be rough but is extremely gorgeous. The capital is Kingstown.
The average yearly temperature is 27°C/81°F. The coolest season is November to February.
Language
English is the official language.
Population
The population is estimated to be about 100 000 with 25% of the people living in Kingstown and suburbs and 8 % living on the Grenadines.
Economy
Agriculture, dominated by banana production, is the main sector of the local economy. The services sector, based mostly on the tourism is growing and improving.
Education
The Vincentian education is modelled on the British system. School is compulsory up to 15 years old. The primary and secondary Government schools are free.
Seaport & Shipping
Kingstown has a natural deepwater harbour with a wharf to accommodate two ocean-going ships. There are regular services between St Vincent and the major ports in North America, Europe and the Caribbean.
Roads
There are 580 km/360 miles of surfaced roads with the Leeward and Windward highways traversing either side of the island. Country roads can be narrow with steep inclines and declines. Driving is on the left side and is challenging because of the limited road signs, narrow roads and sharp turns.
From Europe take a flight to Martinique (Corsair, Air Caraïbes, Air France…) or to Ste Lucia or Barbados (British Airways, Virgin Atlantic …)
From North America take a flight to Ste Lucia or Barbados (American Airlines, Air Canada …) Then take a connection to St Vincent E.T. Joshua Airport with: Mustique Airways, Liat Airline...
For groups of 8 passengers, we can also book private flights to St Vincent .
There is a departure tax of EC$ 40.00 or US$ 15.00 per person over 12 years old when leaving the country.
IMMIGRATION & TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
At arrival, all citizens ( including nationals of the United Kingdom, USA and Canada) must present a valid passport and a return or ongoing ticket. Immigration visas are required from nationals of the following countries: Dominican Republic , Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, China, Iraq, Iran, Nigeria.
There are six public hospitals over the country and others privately owned. There are also good doctors and many pharmacies. However we recommend you to bring your own travel pharmacy and to not forget to bring enough of your daily treatment if any, for the duration of your holidays. There is no vaccination requirements unless transiting or coming from an infected area within 6 days of arrival.
MONEY
The currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$ or XCD). Notes are issued in EC$ 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are issued in EC$1 and then 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents. The exchange rate is tied to the US dollar at a rate of EC$ 2.67 for US$ 1.00. Banks are opened from Monday to Thursday from 8 am to noon. Some are opened also from 1 pm to 3 pm. On Fridays, 8 am to 5 pm (some close between noon and 3pm).
Summer clothes for tropical weather and a sweater for air conditioning ambiance. Good walking shoes and sandals which you don’t mind to get wet. Swimwear should not be worn on the street, shops or restaurants.
220/240 Volts, 50 cycle. The standard electrical plug has 3 rectangular pins so do not forget to bring an adapter.