Grenada Travel Advice

Threat level: Low-Medium
Grenada is a very small Caribbean island covering an area of only 133 square miles. The country has a very tightknit community and overall crime is not a big problem. There is no real risk of terrorist activity in Grenada, the country is very laid back and welcoming.

Having been hit directly by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, the country lost 90% of its homes; Grenada has since recovered and is seen as a luxury holiday destination famed for its breathtaking beaches.

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COVID-19 Situation in Grenada

A state of emergency was declared by local authorities in Grenada on the 21st of December following a surge in COVID-19 cases. To curb the spread of the virus, a curfew is in place between 22:00 and 05:00, social gatherings are limited, the use of face masks is compulsory in public and people must respect the rule on social distancing. Further to this, travellers must present a negative PCR test result on arrival, taken prior to travelling and they must obtain a Pure Safe Travel Certificate. They will have to take another COVID-19 test on arrival as well as quarantine. To avoid contracting the disease, wear a face mask, sanitise your hands regularly, maintain social distancing, avoid unnecessary gatherings and travel.

Recent Security Risk Events
There was a murder of an American tourist in 2015. This was deeply upsetting to the island and its community. Despite this incident the island of Grenada still has a “justified reputation” for being one of the safest islands in the whole of the Caribbean.

Security Risks
Like anywhere worldwide, crime does take place and although Grenada is considered very safe, the best travel advice in Grenada is to take normal precautions, more so at night or when you have been drinking as this can leave you vulnerable.

Valuables should be secure at all times and care should be taken when using ATM machines. Be aware of your surroundings and do not walk around the island on your own in the evenings.

Grenada is part of the drug trafficking route to Europe. The courts in Grenada take drug trafficking very seriously. In 2012, two British tourists were imprisoned for drug possession and trafficking. It is advised not to get involved with any drug taking on the island and not to be in the presence of those taking drugs.

Grenada is a former British colony and still enjoys strong links with the United Kingdom. It is also a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.

The island has good international relations with its neighbours and is not involved with any disputes.

Car hire is possible in Grenada. All drivers will need to have a local driving license for the period of their stay; you will still need to take with you your national driving licence. The local license can be arranged by the car hire company.

The standard of driving in Grenada is not too bad but some of the locals do their own thing and ignore signs, markings and other road-users. Roads are in places very narrow and steep with open drains, some are in a bad condition with pot holes which can worsen after heavy rains and storms.

The best travel advice in Grenada is to book your taxi journeys in advance using only official licenced taxis from the Grenada Taxi Association (GTA) or a car and driver organised by your hotel or resort. GTA drivers are far more professional, better trained and have more knowledge of the island and places to visit. Taxis are not metered so you will need to agree the fee in advance.

Between June and November, Grenada enters its hurricane season. This can cause disruption on the roads and to accommodation. Travellers are advised to ensure they know what the procedures are if they are caught in a hurricane and to keep up to date with the local weather and news whilst travelling the islands.

Official sources of information and advice are:
Federal Emergency Management
US National Hurricane Centre
US National Weather Service
World Meteorological Organisation

Police emergency: 911 or +473 440-3999
Fire emergency: 911 or +473 440-2112
General Hospital Ambulance: 434, 724, 774 or + 440-2113
General Hospital: +473 440-2051

Official languages: English, Grenadian Creole English & Creole French
Religion: Christianity
Currency: East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
Time now in St. George's:

The US government does not have a Embassy in Grenada. It deals with all diplotmaic and consular work via its Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados.
U.S. Embassy Bridgetown
Wildey Business Park,
Wildey,
St. Michael BB 14006,
Barbados
Telephone: +246 227 4000
Email: bridgetownniv@state.gov

The British government does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Grenada. It deals with all diplotmaic and consular work via its High Commission in Bridgetown, Barbados.
British High Commission Bridgetown
Lower Collymore Rock,
PO Box 676,
Bridgetown,
Barbados
Telephone: +246 430 7800
Email: ukinbarbados@fco.gov.uk

UK, U.S. and most EU nationals do not require a visa for travel to Grenada but they must ensure that they have a passport that is valid for a period of six months. Visitors may be required to show proof of a return ticket and to prove that they have the funds to support themselves for the duration of their stay.

It is advised that visitors to Grenada are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. You should ensure that you have been further vaccinated against diseases such as Tetanus which is usually administered when you are a young baby. You may also want to consider a Hepatitis A vaccination.

Although there is no direct risk of Yellow Fever in Grenada, if you are coming from a country where there is a risk of the disease, or transiting for longer than 12 hours in an at risk country, you will be required to provide a vaccination certificate. Check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.

Medical facilities at the main government hospital are quite good and can cope with most incidents but treatment of serious cases may require emergency medical evacuation. Medical and dental treatment on the island can be expensive, so visitors should ensure that they have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any necessary treatment or repatriation.

There have been confirmed cases of the Zika virus and Chikungunya fever in Grenada and suitable precautions are advised. Both diseases are transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes and although there is no vaccine at present, taking precautions against bites can prevent contraction in the first place.

You can find more about the Zika virus here: Zika virus facts
Information about the Chikungunya Fever, see: Chikungunya Fever facts