Grenada

U.S. Embassy Grenada
L’Anse Aux Epine
St. George’s
Grenada, W.I.
Telephone: + (473) 444-1173
Fax: + (473) 444-4820
Email: StgeorgesACS@state.gov

Grenada requires travelers to provide evidence of return/onward travel arrangements.

HIV/AIDS: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Grenada.

See the Embassy of Grenada’s website for additional visa information.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction, and customs information on our websites.

Crime: U.S. citizens are not specifically targeted for crime in the Eastern Caribbean islands. However, crimes of opportunity such as petty larceny, burglary, automobile break-ins; as well as incidents of violent crime, such as murder, sexual assault, robbery, shootings, and drug related crimes do occasionally occur. As you would in any major metropolitan area of the United States, use the below personnel security measures while traveling:

• Do not leave valuables unattended in public areas, on beaches, unsecured in hotel rooms, or in rental homes.
• Avoid walking alone, especially at night, on beaches, and in isolated or poorly lit locations.
• Go out in groups or with a companion and restrict nighttime activities to established safe and reputable venues.
• Use only clearly marked taxis and avoid rides with strangers.
• Stick to well-lit and well-traveled routes.
• Avoid displaying flashy jewelry, expensive electronics, and large amounts of cash.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times. If you see something suspicious or unusual contact local police to report immediately.
• Use added caution when shopping in crowded areas, especially during the holiday season.
• Use added caution when attending crowded events, celebrations, music festivals, etc.
• Do not leave drinks unattended in public venues as this could create a potential vulnerability for the use of “date rape” drugs in furtherance of criminal activity.
• Do not be predictable; vary your daily routes and schedules.
• Do not engage in illegal activity.

Exercise appropriate caution after dark and when using buses or taxis. Take taxis to and from restaurants and ask whether the driver is a member of the Grenada Taxi Association (GTA). GTA members are required to pass additional driving tests and receive training from the Grenada Tourism Board. They are generally reliable and knowledgeable about the country and its attractions.

See the Department of State and the FBI

Victims of Crime: Report crimes to the local police at 911 and contact the U.S. Embassy at (473) 407-2495.

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, hospitals are able to provide urgent medical treatment, though very serious injuries often require medical evacuation. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
• If you use foul language in the presence of a police officer, you may be arrested and prosecuted.
• Do not buy counterfeit and pirated goods. These are illegal in the United States, and you may also be breaking local law.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Money: It is difficult to cash personal U.S. checks in Grenada. If accepted, they will take approximately six weeks to clear by a local bank. Major credit cards are widely accepted, and ATM facilities are available at all banks. Most hotels and restaurants take U.S. currency; however, change will be in local currency.

Customs: See our Customs webpage for information on import restrictions.

Climate: Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, although hurricanes have been known to occur outside that period. During hurricane season, visitors are advised to monitor local weather reports closely in order to be prepared for any potential threats. Grenada is also located in a seismic zone, so earthquakes and tsunamis are possible. See our website on disaster preparedness for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers: Grenadian law criminalizes consensual same-sex sexual activities between men, with potential penalties of 10 years’ imprisonment. Prosecutions based on these laws are rare. Grenadian society is generally intolerant of same-sex sexual conduct.

See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Individuals with mobility issues may find accessibility difficult. Although the law does not mandate access to public buildings or services, building owners increasingly incorporate accessibility access into new construction and renovated premises. Since public transportation is privately owned, the law does not mandate any special consideration for individuals with mobility issues.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers: Please review our travel tips for Women Travelers.

Medical care in Grenada is below U.S. standards. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the U.S. can cost thousands of dollars. Ambulance service is available, but response times vary greatly. Pharmacies are usually well stocked and prescription medicine is available. A hyperbaric chamber is available in Grenada.

Contact the U.S Embassy for a list of local doctors, dentists, pharmacies, and hospitals.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of Grenada to ensure the medication is legal in Grenada. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.

Dengue is prevalent in Grenada.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Road Conditions and Safety: Roads are mostly narrow and winding, with many blind corners, narrow or no shoulders, and steep drops into the sea. There are few sidewalks. Road lighting varies, compounding dangers at night. Road signage is inadequate. Drive slowly and with caution.

Traffic Laws: Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. Seat belts are required, and violators may be fined EC$1,000 (US$400).

We recommend you get a local temporary driver’s license. In an accident, you may be fined if you do not have a local driver’s license, regardless of who is at fault. Vehicle rental companies may assist in applying for a temporary driver’s license.

Public Transportation: Small boat owners may offer to take you to, and between islands. Before accepting, check to be sure that the boat carries life preservers and a radio.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Grenada’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Grenada’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Grenada should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings.