Saint Lucia Driving Guide

Saint Lucia is a sovereign island located in the Eastern Caribbean sea next to the North Atlantic Ocean. The island was first inhabited by the British colonizers and had been through 14 wars with France before its independence. Long before, a place of conflict and colonization has become like a diamond teardrop lying in the ocean, rising two beautiful Pitons and emerging beautiful beaches.

Call this one an island of romance. Saint Lucia has never-ending surprises for tourists looking for the right place to celebrate their honeymoon in. Not only is this island for lovers, but it also has the best beaches for family bonding, swim in the crystal clear ocean, and experience ziplining. Wander to the abandoned chocolate factory and cocoa plantation while driving in Saint Lucia Caribbean tourist spots.

Hearsays alone cannot guarantee you a safe trip, how much more if you don’t know anything about the country you are planning to visit. Traveling can be disastrous, especially if you don’t have the best knowledge before visiting another country. This guide will help you know more about this country and guarantee your driving in Saint Lucia safe and sound

Saint Lucia is one of the most visited Caribbean islands, and home to twin volcanic mountains called Gros Piton and Petit Piton. The country is known for its large number of unique beaches and bar-hopping sites with tour guides teaching you the “Lyme like a Lucian'' thing. This island nation is best to visit with family and friends, party buddies, and especially with the love of your life

This Caribbean island lies between the North Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, south of Martinique and north of Saint Vincent and Grenadines islands. Saint Lucia’s coordinates are 13.9°N 61.0°W, and its capital city is Castries, inhabited by approximately one-third of Saint Lucia’s population. The major towns are Vieux-Fort, Soufriere, Dennery, Gros Islet, and Praslin. Saint Lucia is 43 kilometers long with a width of 23 kilometers.

What makes this tropical island more impressive is its biodiversity. This lush island is home to over 250 reef fish, 1,300 plants, 160 birds, and 50 coral species. It is as if you are living in a modernized Garden of Eden. While driving in Saint Lucia map, you should take a chance to meet Saint Lucian Parrot and Whiptail Lizard as you wander in this paradise.

Saint Lucia’s official language is English, alongside is the island’s vernacular language, Patwa / Patois, also known as French Creole. These languages result from the British-French war over the colonization of the Caribbean islands in the year 1778. Driving in Saint Lucia is easy since English is widely used all over Saint Lucia, and Patwa or Patois is just used by the locals when communicating with fellow locals

The total land area of Saint Lucia is 238 square miles or 617 km². The total population of Saint Lucia is approximately 159,000, comprising 51% female and 49% of male, which ranked them 180th worldwide. A large portion of this island is still uninhabited and is yet to be developed. Coconut plantations built on abandoned areas are now a tourist attraction

The country was first called Louanalao by the Arawaks, which meant Land of Iguanas due to its large number of iguanas. In 800 AD, the island was called Hewanorra by the Caribs, which controlled the island through unimaginable killings and slavery towards the Arawaks. War didn’t stop there; several years later, the British Navy colonized the island and fought against the French

The battle between Great Britain and France was called the “Battle of the Cul De Sac” on December 15, 1778. France lost the war on December 29 and surrendered Saint Lucia to the British Navy. Although Saint Lucia achieved its independence on February 22, 1979, it remains part of the British Commonwealth

As a country known for its number of several inhabitants and colonizers, Saint Lucia had changes in its government status. The country was introduced to a ministerial government in 1956 and two years later joined the West Indies Federation until 1962. Presently, Saint Lucia’s state is in a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy government system and holds elections every five years

Driving in Saint Lucia, knowing the zip codes or postal codes is essential; however, you need to note these codes since each town has different zip codes. The government of Saint Lucia assigned significant postal codes to its cities or regions. Castries - LC01, Dennery - LC16, Laborie - LC10, Soufriere - LC09, Anse la Raye - LC08, Gros Islet - LC02, Micoud - LC15, Vieux Fort - LC13. When driving in Saint Lucia, zip codes or postal codes are also essential for your travel, like fueling your car in a gasoline station.

Saint Lucia’s tourism grows more profitable through years of discoveries of beaches and beautiful spots. This island is known for its tropical weather that fits perfectly as an escape from the winter and its lush island with different exotic fruits, vegetables, and plants. Migrating birds from nearby countries, reptiles, and eco-friendly insects. Approximately 400,000 to 500,000 tourists visit Saint Lucia every year; they enjoy the beauty and romance this gem offers

According to the statistics, tourist visits in Saint Lucia are increasing so fast. In 2019 the recorded number of tourist visits hit 424,000. Over the years from 2010 to 2019, the number of tourists grew by 5-10% per year, proving Saint Lucia’s performance in the tourism industry very well. Hence, driving in Saint Lucia is safe since the safety of the tourists is Saint Lucia’s top priority.

Saint Lucia is a popular tourist destination, often seeing more visitors annually than its actual population. Many tourists choose to explore the island by car, especially from mid-December to mid-April. Therefore, having an International Driver's Permit in Saint Lucia is highly advised. Here are some frequently asked online questions that can provide insights before your trip to St Lucia.

If you are planning to drive to Saint Lucia, you are in for a marvelous adventure. To fully enjoy driving in Saint Lucia, today might be the day you consider having an International Driver’s Permit. Although Saint Lucia issues a driving permit for visitors with the desire to drive independently, it costs a decent amount of money. But with an IDP, you don’t need to pay for a driving permit in St Lucia.

The purpose of having an International Driver’s Permit is for you to have a smooth trip, no hassle, and fewer worries when it comes to police stops. Not only does IDP translate your native driver’s license, but it also gives you the freedom of driving in Saint Lucia and other Caribbean countries you wish to travel to.

Driving in Saint Lucia today with your country-issued driver’s license is okay, but they will require you to pay for a driving permit which costs 20-50 USD, valid for only three months. Buying an IDP is much recommended since its validity lasts up to 3 years. Not only that, but it also helps the authority read and understand your local driver’s license if it’s not written in English. IDP translates your local driver’s license into the 12 most used languages in the world.

Your IDP only serves as a permit and a translation, especially when driving in Saint Lucia with a non-English country-issued driver’s license. Although you have an IDP, it doesn’t mean you don’t need to carry your driver’s license with you because the authority first checks your native driver’s license before they ask for your IDP. Your international driver’s permit contains all the information in your native driver’s license and its validity date

Driving in Saint Lucia map, where the tourist spots are scattered all over the island, can be quite expensive if you don’t have your car. Just imagine riding a taxi or bus, destination to destination; that indeed is challenging. Renting a car in St Lucia is highly recommended for tourists. With your vehicle, you can go wherever you want and enjoy every destination as much as you want. Below are the things you need upon renting a car in St Lucia

There are several rental car companies in the cities and towns in St Lucia; most of these car rental companies are just walking distance from the airports. Below are the list of car rental companies and the city/town it is in. You can also look for each company online, see if they have a website that caters to advanced booking.

• Drive-A-Matic Car Rentals, Saint Lucia
• Thrifty Car Rental
• Sixt Rent A Car
• Uber Lift St Lucia
• Satin Lucia Shuttle
• Saint Lucia Travel & Tours
• Southern Taxi Association
• Flow Vieux Fort

• Saint Lucia Affordable Car Rental
• Discover Soufriere
• St Lucia A1 Taxi & Tours
• Saint Lucia Airport Shuttle

• ALL St. Lucia Tours, Transfers & Car Rentals
• Sixt Rent A Car

• Sixt Rent A Car
• Thrifty Car Rentals
• ACE Rent A Car
• Best Rates 24 Hour Car Rental
• Peter & Company Auto

• ACE Rent A Car
• Sixt Rent A Car
• Luxury Car Rental, Rodney Bay, Gros Islet

The documents needed to rent a car in Saint Lucia are almost the same in different car rental companies all over the island except for one. Sixt Rent A Car requires you to have held a driver’s license for at least three years. Other than Sixt, the requirements are easy to prepare

• Valid local driver’s license
• International driver’s permit
• Passport or Visa
• Mastercard or Credit Card

Other than already having these essential requirements, some tourists also come to St Lucia empty-handed. Thus, they need a driving certificate to have a fresh St Lucian driver’s license. Here are some of the driving schools available in Saint Lucia.

• A1 School Of Motoring Driving School
• Chadrics Driving School
• The Driving Institute
• Kick Start Riding & Driving
• Ezee Driving School

One must possess a driving school certificate, practical and theory tests from one of the driving schools mentioned above. You must be 18 years of age and prepare a EC$300.00 for payment.

Standard car vehicles in most of the car rental company in Saint Lucia are Sedan, SUV, and Compact Cars. Since the main roads are a little bumpy, you need to have a comfortable ride, with good seat cushions in a fully air-conditioned car. The right car rental companies limitedly offer off-road vehicles, yet it is one of the top recommended car vehicles to ride on when driving in Saint Lucia. In Caribbean islands, off-roads are suitable to enhance one’s driving experience.

Generally, the right rental car companies in Saint Lucia are more into tourist-friendly pricing since tourism is the island’s number one source of income. Car rental cost starts at US$39.00 - US$121.00 per day. Note that some car rental companies charge an extra fee depending on the total passengers and the car capacity. Below are the estimated prices for each car vehicle type.

• Economy - $36.00/day
• SUV - $49.00/day
• Mini - $50.00/day
• Standard Station Wagon - $56.00/day
• Compact - $55.00/day
• Intermediate - $49.00/day
• Luxury - $54.00/day
• Minivan - $56.00/day
• Compact SUV - $52.00/day
• Standard - $63.00/day
• Full-size - $59.00/day
• Standard SUV - $63.00/day
• Passenger Van - $78.00/day
• Intermediate SUV - $80.00/day
• Premium SUV - $86.00/day
• Pick-up track - $104.00/day
• Luxury SUV - $100.00/day
• Full-size SUV - $121.00/day
• Supplier Choice Van - $130.00/day
• Premium - $167.00/day

Like any other car rental company in other countries, most car rental companies in St Lucia are meticulous in the driver’s age and capability. Most of the time, they will charge an extra fee for youngsters between ages 18-21. Not only that, but they also consider the car’s travel distance for the price.

The minimum age requirement to rent a car in Saint Lucia is 21 years old, and some car rental companies will ask for a surcharge for renters with age below 25. If you are under 25 years old, before you rent a car, compare the car rental companies’ policies, but much better you go for those who don’t have a surcharge policy. Anyway, the surcharge policy is not usual. Take note that you can’t see it online; you will pay the surcharge when you pick up the car

Some rental companies still consider drivers below 25 as a possible liability, no matter how good the driver’s record is. Upon renting the car, if your group has two or more drivers, it is advisable to limit the drivers to just 2. Most car rental companies will have an additional charge for the number of drivers in the group. Choose those drivers who are above 25 years old; it will save you some money.

There are approximately 20 car insurance companies spread all over the major towns in Saint Lucia. Each of these companies offers a variety of car insurances and come with different price and scope. But you should include car insurance in the package of renting a car. If the car insurance is not included upon renting, make sure to inform the car rental company that you will get third-party insurance from another agency.

Aside from buying car rental insurance, if you have your car insurance, most likely, it extends to cover your rented car in case an accident happens. But it still depends on what type of auto insurance you possess. Usually, some credit card types come with car rental insurance to supplement or serve on behalf of your personal auto insurance. For the coverage to apply, you will pay for car rental insurance using a specific credit card.

Car insurance is mandatory in most countries, but some rental car companies do not offer insurance; hence, you should provide it yourself. Car insurance policies such as Liability Coverage, Comprehensive Coverage, Personal Injury Protection, Medical Payments Coverage, and Collision Coverage are the most common. And it is more convenient if you buy your car insurance far ahead of your travel schedule.

Upon renting a car, take pictures of the inside and outside of the vehicle you rented. It may sound awkward, but at least it can save you a significant amount of money if something happens to the car. Upon taking the pictures, make sure you have at least two witnesses and show the agents the pictures, see if there’s already existing damage, let them know about it.

Before your travel schedule for Saint Lucia, it is vital to know the road rules and regulations in this country. Knowing the laws and rules will keep you from unwanted accidents, although not entirely, your safety still requires drivers’ discipline. Not only does this guide teach you the rules and regulations, but it also teaches you some tips on how the local drivers in Saint Lucia deal with every road situation.

Every country has its road regulations; jumping right into the road without knowing its imposing rules can cost you an accident or, worse, your life. It is essential to know first these necessary regulations before driving in Saint Lucia. Failure to abide by the rules have consequences such as fine and imprisonment. Make your adventure safe and hassle-free by putting these regulations into practice.

Drivers must wear seat belts, while riders in the rear are not necessary to wear their seatbelt. Child seats are also required, and authorities are in random places; it is essential to abide by the rules to avoid violations. Although wearing the rear seat belts is unnecessary, it’s still up to you for your safety and comfort.

Drink-driving in Saint Lucia only allows 80 mg per 100 mg blood alcohol intake; otherwise, you will be subject to violation. Do not take alcohol, especially if you are not familiar with the roads or intend to drive at night. According to the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act chapter 8, section 75, drink-driving in Saint Lucia is prohibited. If found guilty, you will be fined 5,000 Eastern Caribbean dollars, and you will be detained in the police station until you sober up.

Several roundabouts are connecting the towns and cities in Saint Lucia, and it can be confusing sometimes, so here are the simple rules:

• Use your horn from time to time.
• Courtesy with other road users
• Drive fast only in the right place and at the right time
• Yield if needed
• Road sense
• Pay attention to riders coming from the right side of the road.

When driving in Saint Lucia, learning the general standards is essential, especially if you desire to drive like a Lucian. Getting acquainted with the locals is relatively easy; you just need to be confident on the road. And confidence comes with the right choice of car transmission. The standard car transmission used in Saint Lucia is manual, but that doesn’t take automatic car transmission out of the picture. It still depends on your comfort.

Most car accidents are the result of overspeeding and negligence of law. It is essential to follow the given speed limits in a particular area in Saint Lucia. Make sure to be aware of the road signs that signify the required speed limit; it is written in miles. The speed limit in rural areas is 30mph, in city/town is 15mph, in highways, it is 40mph. Note that these speed limits may depend on the traffic and road condition.

Roundabouts are common in Saint Lucia, and it is one of the challenging parts for tourists when driving from town to town. One of the reasons why it is a bit of a challenge is that you are driving on the left side of the road, and sometimes cars coming from the right side can confuse you. Upon approaching the roundabout, you will shift to the right side drive to overtake or have a U-turn.

Traffic road signs should not be taken for granted as it can save lives, and it helps you drive with no confusion. Like any other countries, Saint Lucia upholds a strict order upon following the road signs that are made easy to understand. Below are the road signs in Saint Lucia; failure to follow these road signs may put you into a hassle situation.

In highways and roundabouts:

• No U-turn signs
• No left-turn signs
• No right-turn signs
• Yield signs
• MPH signs

In cities and villages:

• No parking signs
• Pedestrian crossing signs
• School zone signs
• Slow down signs
• Ramp signs
• MPH signs
• No U-turn signs
• No Left-turn signs
• No Right-turn signs
• No bicycle signs

In beaches:

• Parking signs
• Hazard ahead signs
• Do not enter signs
• Vertical parking signs
• Parking time sign

Be cautious when driving in Saint Lucia; lousy weather may have affected some of the road signs, making them unreadable and ruined. A driver’s initiative is very much appreciated.

In Saint Lucia, yielding is usual to ensure a smooth flow of traffic, especially in the roundabouts. Since you are driving on the left-hand side of the road, you should pay attention to the cars coming from the right side drive upon approaching a roundabout. Simple hand signs are also applicable in Saint Lucia, especially on intersection roads; you can use understandable hand signs.

The minimum legal driving age in Saint Lucia is 18 years old and 17 years old for a learner’s permit. Even though car rental companies won’t let you drive unless you are 21 years old, and for 80-year-old drivers, they must submit a valid medical certificate for three months. Some car rental companies will require surcharges for youngsters with age below 25 since youngsters are mostly carefree drivers and have the highest record of fatal car injuries

One should abide by the law on overtaking in Saint Lucia; you as a driver should overtake on the right side at all times. Be cautious at all times because you might encounter reckless drivers who know the roads and highways very well; they drive so fast. Practice restraint; there’s no shame in hanging back when you are not sure about overtaking. Otherwise, you will cause big trouble by cutting in so quickly after overtaking.

The driving side in Saint Lucia is on the left side of the road since this island was first colonized by the British, which sounds reasonable since the UK inspires it. Most of the visitors in Saint Lucia come from neighboring countries that practice the right-hand driving side; thus, having a bit of an issue when driving is no surprise. If you come from the UK, then your trip should be easy

If you are not used to driving on the left side of the road, you can start by familiarizing the road with your eyes through commuting. Riding a taxi is a good help; make sure you ride in the front seat to imagine driving yourself and how the taxi driver drives. Now, if you feel like driving already, go for a slow drive on a not-so-busy highway. Just make sure to stay focused on the road.

Every country has a different approach to imposing a regulation and road etiquette. It is essential to know what to do if you experience some trouble along the road to avoid problems. Learning these driving etiquette is to ensure you are driving in Saint Lucia in a uniform way

Car breakdown is unpredictable, and it’s one of the biggest problems for drivers, especially when you are stuck in the middle of nowhere. There’s no need to worry about that; Saint Lucia has several car breakdown services and car towing companies. They are one call away, anytime and anywhere around Saint Lucia. One of these companies is the Wil-Tow Australia. You can book a car breakdown assistance 24/7; just call at 136 869.

While waiting for help, do not touch anything in the car; if you don’t know about fixing a car, it might worsen the trouble. If there are no signals in a particular area, and you can’t use your GPS, wait for passing vehicles and ask for help. When in a dark place, stay inside the car, stay composed, and don’t panic. However, it is always better to check your vehicle before you drive. Prevention is still better than cure.

Police stops are usual, especially in the major cities in Saint Lucia, where road safety is the number one priority. Suppose the authority asked you to stop, do not just do whatever they ask you to, identify them first and look for the badge. It may be rude at some point to doubt an officer, but it’s for your safety; just ask nicely and be courteous to prevent unwanted misunderstanding

The authority would typically check your car registration, insurance, headlights, tires, and car equipment when driving in Saint Lucia. The police uniform in Saint Lucia is white, and it has a badge with the initials RSLPF which stands for Royal Saint Lucia Police Force. If you happen to have a violation, do not resist, accept the consequences and settle it reasonably. Let the officer state your violation and take note of it.

Lucians helping a tourist is not new in Saint Lucia since the island is full of tourists; entertaining a tourist is like a cup of tea. If you need to find a direction that is not on the Google map, don’t hesitate to ask the locals because they’re always ready for it. Driving in Saint Lucia is easy; English is the island's national language with a few french words that remain, such as bonjour (hello) and merci (thank you)

Saint Lucia provides strict security towards the significant contributors of its economies, mainly tourism. Police checkpoints, random checkpoints, and breath checking take place in areas where most tourists go. Checkpoints must be well-lighted, and you must appropriately identify the uniformed personnel

Upon approaching the police/military checkpoint, you must:

1. Slow down with dim headlights.
2. Lock the doors and never step out.
3. Never submit to a physical search.
4. Do not open any compartment.
5. Answer questions firmly and be courteous.
6. Declare your rights.
7. Ready your driver’s license and car registration.
8. Ready your cell phone with emergency number speed dials.
9. Do not panic.

You might encounter things when driving in Saint Lucia, regardless of the weather and place. Make sure to read these few tips; it might be helpful if you happen to experience these kinds of situations along the road

Tailgating might be a bit of anticipation, but this can happen to anyone while driving. The best way to deal with it is to start with staying as far as you can from the tailgater. There could be so many reasons why the person is tailgating you; no matter what it is, stay calm. If the road is too tight and makes you unable to get out of the way, just drive at the average speed and wait for a space to stop, even if it’s a parking lot.

If you, unfortunately, get involved in an accident, you must remain calm to think better no matter the case. Panicking won’t help anybody, focus on the situation and call for an emergency. Call the police immediately and wait for help, do not engage in something that only authorized persons are supposed to do. You can be initiative but think of it as a probable cause of worsening things, so it’s better to leave it to the expert.

These are the emergency contact numbers in Saint Lucia

• Police - 999
• Ambulance - 911
• Castries Fire Station - 1 (758) 455-6100
• Headquarters Castries - 1 (758) 456-3990
• Vieux Fort Police Station - 1 (758) 456-3905 / 1 (758) 456-3906
• Soufriere Police Station - 1 (758) 456-3620
• Gros Islet Polyclinic - 1 (758) 450-9661
• National Emergency Management Organization - 1 (758) 452-3802
• Dennery - 1 (758) 453-3310
• Saint Jude’s - 1 (758) 454-6041
• Tapion - 1 (758) 459-2000
• Victoria - 1 (758) 452-2421
• Hotline - 1 (758) 451-9812

Traveling is more enjoyable if you know what kind of road you are driving in. Driving in Saint Lucia, map and road awareness is essential because it is mountainous, and you don’t want to find out the adverse road conditions yourself. Below are the road information, statistics, and conditions in the cities and towns in Saint Lucia.

According to WHO, Saint Lucia ranked 108th globally with its significantly low death rate in road accidents. Surprisingly, deaths caused by road/vehicular accidents in Saint Lucia are extremely low, which could mean that road safety in Saint Lucia is put to higher practice and priority. All this because four-wheeled cars have the highest car registration count in Saint Lucia.

Considering the relatively unfavorable road conditions in Saint Lucia, four-wheel-drive is the most common vehicle type used by the residents. You can see jeeps or off-road vehicles in the villages, especially in the rural areas where the roads are muddy and have many potholes. Four-wheel drive has the highest number of car registration in Saint Lucia, with 52,832, followed by buses that only have 2,523

Due to the country’s large number of underdeveloped land areas, a toll road is less concerned. It will be a significant project and requires a large budget considering Saint Lucia’s economic status. Saint Lucia is more focused on disaster risk management because this island is prone to natural calamities.

Although there are no toll roads, Saint Lucia has Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Regulations that impose road fees, and one of them is the Visitor’s Permit fee. It comes with two classifications, one has a one-day validity (EC$30.00 / US$11.00), and the other one has three months validity (EC$54.00 / US$20.00).

The roads in Saint Lucia are well paved, but road marks are low; although the streets are generally two-lane, yielding and extra care while driving is essential. Some roads connecting the cities have a few guard rails; it needs extra caution when driving past these roads for possible drop-offs. The streets from Hewanorra going to Castries and Gros Islet are the same, and it takes about 80-100 minutes to drive.

According to WHO, drivers in Saint Lucia are well-disciplined, which resulted in the island having a low road accident rate. On some roads, especially highways connecting the major towns, drivers drive faster since they are familiar with the curves and hills. You need to be cautious. Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless you have a portable phone car kit.

Aside from learning the driving conditions in Saint Lucia, there are also other things you should know about. What are the taxi and bus’ plate number prefixes, and is it okay to drive late at night? Below are some tips you need to read to enhance your knowledge about driving in Saint Lucia

Taxis in Saint Lucia are everywhere and are easy to find. If you haven’t rented a car yet, you will just identify which cabs to take by looking at their plate number. Plate numbers that are light blue and have a TX as a prefix are for all authorized taxis. The taxi fee will depend on the luggage, day, the number of people, and the distance. The prices are high because car maintenance and fuel cost in Saint Lucia are also high.

A minibus is also a good option for travelers to experience an up-close view of nature while riding to each destination. The minibus has a green plate number with an M as a prefix. On the other hand, Minibus is way cheaper than taking a Taxi since it caters to many passengers covering fuel consumption.

Driving in Saint Lucia is quite tricky at night, especially if you plan to have a drink after dinner. Besides driving on the left side of the road, local drivers usually drive fast since they are already used to it. Most travelers suggest taking a taxi instead of driving for yourself; well, it’s not that hard to go at night but taking a taxi will let you enjoy the night even more.

If you’ve got no choice but to drive for yourself in the car you rented, don’t worry, it’s not a big deal. Just double-check your vehicle; the headlights, signals, side mirrors, and wipers should be in good condition. Drive with the suggested kilometer per hour speed and be courteous with other drivers, yield if needed, and always use signals to aware of other drivers on the roa

Besides exploring the beauties of this Caribbean island, there are also many things to consider. How about working as a driver or having a residency? Find it out here; below are some things you might consider doing while reading some driving in Saint Lucia reviews.

Driving around places you don’t know, exploring the lovely views along the road, and town-hopping is every traveler’s dream. Let’s say you have your car, or you rented a car to drive in Saint Lucia; authorities will require you to buy a driving permit from them. An International Driver’s Permit is your friend; with it, you can drive freely without the worry of being charged for anything. Just drive responsibly.

Anybody can apply for a job as a driver, even foreigners, but it comes with separate qualifications and requirements. If you are a foreigner and want to apply for a job as a driver, you need a working visa and an International Driver’s Permit. One should be flexible when it comes to possession of different driver’s permit classes such as C, R, LR, HR, MR, HC, MC, and R-DATE licenses.

Working as a private driver like a taxi driver is also possible. You just need to meet the required license and the car’s capacity and quality. You also need to provide documents such as a medical certificate, car registration, taxi operator’s permit, and pass the Saint Lucian driving test. International Driver’s Permit should always be your top priority.

Applying for a job as a Travel Guide can be more challenging since employers usually prefer hiring the locals because they already know the place. There’s always room for chances that you can get a job as a travel guide. As for some employers, it is an honor to have a foreign employee interested in the island’s wonders.

Driving as a travel guide in Saint Lucia, knowing the address and street name for various towns and villages is essential. Some companies also require you to have a Saint Lucian driving license and drive test results in Saint Lucia. To meet these requirements, you need a temporary residency to acquire a driver's license in Saint Lucia. On the other hand, few companies are not that strict with requirements.

Saint Lucia has three types of residency, the right to reside, citizenship, and permanent residence. Foreigners must have a work permit for them to qualify to apply for an occupation in Saint Lucia. Below are the requirements for each type of residency.

• You must obtain a working permit before you go to Saint Lucia.
• Upon arrival, have your passport stamped by Immigration Department.
• The stamp lets you reside and work in Saint Lucia for the duration of your working permit.
• If you wish to purchase a property in Saint Lucia, you need special permission from the Minister of Legal Affairs

• Five years of continuous residency.
• Permanent residency does not permit you to work permanently in Saint Lucia; you still need a work permit.

• Must be born in Saint Lucia.
• Must be born or raised to Saint Lucian parent/s.
• Must be married to a Saint Lucia citizen.
• Seven years of continuous residency.

If you come to Saint Lucia for business, study, or only the pleasure of driving in Saint Lucia, an online application for a non-immigrant visa is available. It requires you to have your valid passport from your country to have a valid Saint Lucian visa. Visit the Government of Saint Lucia website and download the application form for Saint Lucian Non-Immigrant Visa

You can do unlimited things during your visit to Saint Lucia aside from just meandering the beautiful sites. Besides working as a driver or a travel guide, there are also other job opportunities waiting for you; check it out

Yes, foreign nationals, work permit holders, or returning citizens are qualified for obtaining a Saint Lucian driver’s license. To qualify for a Saint Lucian Driver’s license, you should possess the following requirements:

• Working permit
• Valid native driver’s license
• Permit of residence
• Social Security number
• Must pass the driving theory and practical tests in Saint Lucia
• Two passport-sized photos (white background)
• Requisite documents
• Department fee = 300 Eastern Caribbean dollars

They will process it in 1 to 2 business days, and the office opens at 8 AM - 2 PM

Although most Saint Lucian companies prefer the locals to do the job, they still have a job market for ex-pats interested in working in Saint Lucia. You can work in the teaching industry, tourism, sports coaching, and the service industry. To work in Saint Lucia, the Department of Labour Relations will require you to have a “Form A” document which costs 37 USD.

Once you already signed the “Form A” application, you will submit it with the following requirements:

1. Passport-size Photo
2. Income Tax Record
3. A clean criminal record in both your country and Saint Lucia
4. Proof of employment

Work permit comes with different pricing. Before you can obtain the “A” form for the Work Permit, you will pay a non-refundable $100 to the Government Treasury office’s Accountant General. The work permit fees will base on the applicant’s nationality

• Caribbean Commonwealth Nationals - EC$2,000/year or EC$400/month
• Other Commonwealth Nationals - EC$4,000/year or EC$400/month
• Foreign Nationals - EC$5,000/year or EC$400/month
• Commercial Sales Personnel/professionals per entry - EC$300

Saint Lucia is known for its natural environment, a lush island with several beaches and bars perfect for everybody. Beauty is an understatement for this magnificent island, and it deserves a visit; there’s more to find out, and make sure you keep on reading. Here are the lists of the most visited and most recommended tourist destinations in Saint Lucia.

Pigeon Island National Park is a pristine attraction surrounded by hotels, restaurants, a mountain peak, and a historic site. It was first occupied by the Caribs and later captured by the pirates led by a wooden-legged Norman Captain, a François Le Clerc man. Make sure you never miss this incredible one-stop destination while driving in St. Lucia; the same address is also where the annual Jazz & Arts Festival is held.

1. From George F. L. Charles airport, take a right turn on the Peninsular Road.
2. Drive past Ace Rent A Car until the intersection, then turn right.
3. Upon reaching the roundabout, take a left turn, follow the Castries-Gros Islet Highway.
4. Drive to the 2nd roundabout, keep straight.
5. Upon reaching the 3rd roundabout, take the road on your left, keep straight.
6. Keep following the Castries-Gros Islet Highway, and you will drive past The Breadhut.
7. Drive past Benny’s Boat Tours and Saint Lucia Tourism Authority; from there, drive straight for about 1,500 meters and then turn left on the intersection just a few meters from Panyard Restaurant and follow Dauphin Street.
8. Drive straight onto the last road nearby the seashore and then turn right.
9. Follow the Bay St. and drive past Gros Islet Beach past The Landings St. Lucia’s 5-star hotel.
10. Keep driving until you reach Pigeon Island Causeway.
11. Ask locals for necessary information. There are a lot of things to do on this beautiful island

If you happen to land at Hewanorra International Airport, just book a flight to George F. L. Charles Airport for it is the airport closest to your destination. Private charters from Hewanorra International airport to George F. L. Charles airport starts at US$1050.00.

Pigeon Island National Park is a one-stop-like destination that offers significant adventures a tourist can ever wish for. Here are the things to do in Pigeon Island National Park.

Riding a boat with fellow tourists is one way of sharing thoughts and amazement while exploring Pigeon Island’s beautiful surroundings. You will enjoy the fun since the tour guides are full of knowledge to share the historical moments of the sites with you. Riding alone is worth your money and surely will be full of memorable moments while taking photographs and videos aboard.

Do you like flying with the sea below your feet? Parasailing is the perfect activity for you. Parasail St Lucia is the only parasailing company in St. Lucia with an exemplary safety record for over 12 years of service. Fly above 800 ft. for about 15 to 20 minutes for as low as US$50.00 per person with no weight restrictions. This one of the best activities on Pigeon Island that you should not miss.

This top-rated, gluten-free-option and vegan-friendly restaurant is one, if not the most visited Caribbean bar and seafood pub in Pigeon Island. Enjoy your traditional meal in a beautiful and quiet surrounding. Chill with cold beers with chips and mac n’ cheese prepared and served by the friendly chefs for a very affordable price.

Walk and breathe literally under the ocean with your family and friends; this one-time adventure is best enjoyed if you’re not alone. Take your GoPro with you and capture the best memories under the water; take your best shot and smile with the fantastic views. Swim alongside the seahorses and squids. The company will provide a helmet that can let you breathe under the water and make you feel like walking in outer space.

This memorial site was intentionally built by the British colony to spy on the French. Nowadays, people think of it as a lovely paradise with astonishing views, when it was a bloody fortress during the British-French wars. Fort Rodney is now very popular for its magnificent landscape, capturing the locals’ and tourists’ eyes.

It was named after the 17th century Old Fort situated near the southernmost of Saint Lucia’s island tip. It was and is still the center of coconut and sugar production from 1765, which is its primary source of income. Nearby is the Hewanorra International Airport, one and most prominent of the two airports in Saint Lucia island. Their economy also includes tourism as its one of the most income-generating industries.

1. From Hewanorra airport, drive past the parking lots, take two right turns, one left turn, and another one right turn on your way to the Micoud Highway.
2. Drive past Phoenix Enterprise Grill.
3. Ahead will be a slight curve; drive past it, keep going and ignore the intersecting roads.
4. Right after the curve, approximately 700 meters ahead, turn right. Drive past The Ugly Mug Grill and Stout.
5. Keep driving on Micoud Highway until you reach the Recreation Park. There’s an intersection right after the curve; turn left, making your way out of the highway.
6. Drive straight until the slight right curve.
7. Drive straight onto the last intersection of the road named New Dock Road, then turn left.
8. Follow the left curve, ahead you will see two splits of road, take the left one.
9. Drive straight until the curve and start asking the locals the exact location of Spencer Ambrose Tours, which is already nearby.
10. Spencer Ambrose Tours is a tour company that knows every destination.

Vieux Fort may have a few itineraries, but it’s worth the try. Here are the things you should never miss out on when visiting Vieux Fort.

If you are into white sand beaches and love playing beach ball games, this probably is the best beach for you. Sandy Beach has the longest stretch of sandy beach in the entire Vieux Fort, or maybe in Saint Lucia island. There are also few bars and restaurants nearby, which will add to your relaxation and satisfaction during your adventure.

Explore the natures in this untouched island reserve, a 20-minute ride from the Pointe Stable. Have a sight-seeing on the island’s most protected reptiles and birds: the Saint Lucian whiptail lizard and racer, migrating flock of birds from Africa, and a nonvenomous grass snake. Snorkeling is also one of the adventures in Maria Islands Nature Reserve as it has rich corals and seaweeds.

Going into the tip and top of Vieux Fort is most recommended for travelers visiting Saint Lucia. Moule A Chique will give you the best view of topography, where you can see the whole Vieux Fort, Maria Islands, and a far glimpse of the twin pitons. This place offers you the best views and fresh air that is good for unwinding and photography

This well-placed scenic bar and grill by the bay is a head-turner for tourists beaching at Sandy Beach. Colorful designs and inviting set-up make you want to stay there as if it’s your own house. Delicious delicacies and chilling beers and rums, you name it, will surely quench your thirst.

After a long day of adventure, your body deserves relaxation. Body Delights Day Spa is known for its excellent customer service. They handle their customers well with professionalism. Get your nails fixed and beautified, and have your body massaged while taking a sip of freshly made drinks.

Soufriere is the former capital city and one of the most visited cities in Saint Lucia, with only 8,000 people. This city lies on the West Coast of Saint Lucia and is home to twin pitons, which are the most visited tourist site on the whole island. Below are the things you should add to your to-do-list when you visit Soufriere.

1. From Hewanorra International Airport to Soufriere.
2. From the entrance, drive east, going to Micoud Highway.
3. Upon reaching the highway intersection, turn right (drive south).
4. You will be following the Micoud Highway up to the Vieux Fort town.
5. Upon entering the town, you drive straight to the intersection, then turn right.
6. Follow the St. Jude Highway going out of town.
7. It’s a 34-kilometer drive to Soufriere. Expect a long ride and enjoy the view.

Soufriere offers a picture-perfect view for visitors who enjoy taking pictures while experiencing paradise. Below are the things you should do when visiting Saint Lucia’s Soufriere.

Whether you like climbing or not, experienced or not, you should try climbing these two Pitons. Gros Piton is next to the largest mountain of Saint Lucia, Mount Gimie, followed by Petit Piton, which is 2,348 ft high. Sure it’s a long way up, but it’s worth your sweat

Are you a waterfall-meander? If yes, then it’s the perfect place for you. Diamond Falls is considered the number one and most visited attraction in Diamond Botanical Gardens. This waterfall has a unique trait; the falling waters have a touch of volcanism and rainwater, resulting in changing colors depending on the water’s mineral concentration

This site is one of the recommended stops during your tour all over the Botanical Garden after a tiring but fun adventure. Dip your body and relax into the warm mineral pool with different types of temperatures.

Take time meandering around this tropical rainforest with lush vegetation, exotic plants, and the best tour guides. Nature Trail offers the best quality of picturesque nature surrounding and historical landmarks. You will witness the great waterwheel that supplies electricity to Soufriere and various bird species such as the Lucian Orioles, Hawks, and Doves in this trail.

Have a taste of their authentic foods and delicacies while breathing the freshest air from the rainforest. Inside the Old Mill, you will see the old wooden vats and the water wheel used for their past way of living. This restaurant has a variety of foods and fresh vegetables and fruits, a true vegetarian-friendly facility.