St Vincent and the Grenadines tourist entry and extension of stay

Only holders of passports from Afghanistan, Cameroon, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Nigeria, the People's Republic of China and Syria must obtain an entry visa from the Ministry of National Security before travelling. Everyone else arrives without a visa and is assessed by the immigration officer at the port of entry, who decides how long the visitor may stay.

The ministry publishes the periods normally given on arrival: six months for CARICOM nationals and for visitors from the United Kingdom, the Schengen countries and the United States, and three months for visitors from other international countries. OECS nationals are given an indefinite stay. CARICOM citizens holding a CSME skills certificate issued at home may work for six months while an upgraded certificate is issued by the ministry.

The consulate general lists the general entry requirements for visitors: a passport valid for the intended stay, a return ticket to the country of origin or to another destination where the traveller has landed status, sufficient funds for the visit and evidence of accommodation for the whole stay. Medical students accepted for an elective at Milton Cato Memorial Hospital need no work permit but must carry the hospital's acceptance letter and meet the same entry requirements.

A visitor who wants to stay beyond the period stamped on arrival applies for an extension at the Immigration Head Office in Kingstown or at the immigration offices at the ports of Bequia, Mustique, Canouan and Union Island. The charge is EC$75, paid in cash, for each month or part of a month requested.

A visitors permit does not allow employment. Non-nationals who intend to live or work in the country must first obtain permission, and applications for residence and work permits go to the Office of the Prime Minister in Kingstown. A work permit on its own is issued once for no more than six months; longer employment also requires a residence permit.