Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

St Vincent and the Grenadines visa guide: visits, entry visa, work and residence

5 visa types
checked 25 October 2026

How visas for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines work

Entry to St Vincent and the Grenadines is handled by the Ministry of National Security on Melville Street in Kingstown. Only nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, China, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Nigeria and Syria must obtain an entry visa in advance. Other visitors are granted a visitors permit on arrival, normally six months for CARICOM, UK, Schengen and US nationals and three months for nationals of other countries, and can extend it for EC$75 per month.

The entry visa costs a non-refundable EC$200 (US$88) and is applied for online or by courier with a sponsor letter, police certificate and financial statement.

Living and working in the country require prior permission from the Office of the Prime Minister on Bay Street, Kingstown. A work permit alone is issued once for up to six months; longer stays need a temporary residence permit, and seven consecutive years of temporary residence open permanent residence and citizenship by registration. Applications can be sent from abroad and take six to eight weeks on average.

Which visa do I need?

Holiday or short visit on a passport not on the entry-visa list: no visa; three or six months on arrival depending on nationality, extendable at EC$75 per month.

National of one of the ten listed countries: entry visa from the Ministry of National Security (EC$200).

Job or self-employment: work permit from the Office of the Prime Minister; beyond six months add a residence permit.

Living in the country: temporary residence permit; permanent residence after seven consecutive years.

Visa types for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Visits and short stays

Tourist visa Visitor entry (visitors permit granted on arrival) and extension of stay
Most visitors to St Vincent and the Grenadines need no visa in advance: an immigration officer grants a visitors permit on arrival.
Maximum stay: Six months on arrival for CARICOM, UK, Schengen and US nationals; normally three months for other nationalities

Work

Work visa Work permit (Foreign Nationals and Commonwealth Citizens (Employment) Act, 1973)
Non-nationals who want to work in St Vincent and the Grenadines, whether for an employer or on their own account, need a work permit from the Office of the Prime Minister.
Maximum stay: A work permit only: once, for up to six months; longer employment together with a residence permit

Residence

Residence permit Temporary residence permit
Anyone who wants to live in St Vincent and the Grenadines for an extended period can apply to the Office of the Prime Minister for temporary residence.
Validity: Fees are charged per year (per annum)
Permanent residence
Permanent residence in St Vincent and the Grenadines is open to people who have held temporary residence for seven or more consecutive years and to holders of an Alien's Land-Holding Licence.
Maximum stay: Permanent

Online travel permits

e-Visa Entry visa (online application to the Ministry of National Security)
Nationals of ten countries named by the Ministry of National Security must obtain an entry visa before travelling to St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Frequently asked questions

Who needs a visa for St Vincent and the Grenadines?

Only nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, China, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Nigeria and Syria, who must obtain an entry visa in advance. Everyone else receives a visitors permit on arrival: six months for CARICOM, UK, Schengen and US nationals, normally three months for others.

Which nationals must apply for an entry visa?

Nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, China, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Nigeria and Syria.

How much is an extension of stay?

EC$75 in cash per month or part of a month.

Who issues work and residence permits?

The Office of the Prime Minister in Kingstown; processing averages six to eight weeks.

Can I apply for a permit from abroad?

Yes, by mail, courier or through a representative.