Saint Lucia entry requirements for Ivory Coast passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Ivory Coast passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Saint Lucia. Show up at Hewanorra International Airport or George F. L. Charles Airport, pay the fee in cash, and get stamped in. No advance application needed — just have your documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) or George F. L. Charles Airport (SLU). Have a printed return ticket, proof of accommodation, and enough cash to cover the visa fee (typically $50 USD). The officer may ask for your hotel booking and onward flight before stamping you in. | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport with at least 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Saint Lucia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket out of Saint Lucia. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready. If you don't have one, they may deny entry or require you to buy a ticket on the spot. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. The officer may ask to see where you are staying for the first few nights. A simple booking confirmation from Booking.com or Airbnb works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry a bank statement showing at least $500 USD or the equivalent in cash. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay. A credit card with a decent limit also works. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccination required
If you're arriving from Ivory Coast or have transited through a yellow fever endemic country, you must show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) at immigration. Without it, you may be quarantined or denied entry.
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — USD or Eastern Caribbean dollars. There is no ATM at the immigration counter, so bring the exact amount.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) or George F. L. Charles Airport (SLU). Follow signs to Immigration.
2
Queue at the Visa on Arrival counter
Join the line for 'Visa on Arrival' or 'All Passports'. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa on arrival fee in cash (USD or XCD). As of 2025, the fee is approximately $50 USD. Keep the receipt.
4
Get stamped in
The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date and allowed stay. Confirm the number of days before leaving the counter.
Download Saint Lucia Entry Checklist
PDF · Ivory Coast Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay6 weeks
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (USD 0)
Visa on arrival is free; pre-arranged visa not required but may be obtained from Saint Lucia missions abroad.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostFree (USD 0)
Available for special circumstances (e.g., medical, business); apply at Saint Lucia immigration office.
retirement visa
Saint Lucia Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
Free (USD 0)
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income. Requires proof of pension or savings. Allows long-term stay without work.
digital nomad visa
Saint Lucia Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
Free (USD 0)
For remote workers earning at least $50,000/year. Requires proof of employment and health insurance. No local tax on foreign income.
investor visa
Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment
Permanent
From $100,000 USD (non-refundable contribution)
For high-net-worth individuals investing in real estate or government fund. Grants full citizenship and passport.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Visa on arrival is free for Ivory Coast passport holders for stays up to 6 weeks. | Free (USD 0) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Not required; visa on arrival covers tourist visits. | Free (USD 0) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Multiple entry tourist visa not offered for this passport; visa on arrival is single entry. | Not available |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are not permitted; must leave and re-enter if needed. | Free (USD 0) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay is not allowed; no fine system exists—enforcement may include detention or deportation. | Free (USD 0) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Saint Lucia
No transit visa needed
Ivory Coast passport holders transiting through Saint Lucia do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Canada, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsHewanorra International Airport (UVF) · George F. L. Charles Airport (SLU)
Health & vaccines for Saint Lucia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Ivory Coast). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic cases reported.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low but pregnant women should take precautions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Castries
Saint Lucia Immigration Department
John Compton Highway, Castries
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Vieux Fort
Vieux Fort Immigration Office
Hewanorra International Airport, Vieux Fort
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles arrivals and some permit issues. Limited services; major matters referred to Castries.
Practical information for CI travellers
Country basics
CapitalCastries
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 3 months.
Money
CurrencyEastern Caribbean dollar (XCD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 2.7 XCD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-4
vs New York+1h
vs Los Angeles+4h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (three rectangular prongs, British standard)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is generally safe to drink in most areas, but bottled water is recommended for visitors.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The visa on arrival fee is approximately $50 USD (or equivalent in Eastern Caribbean dollars). Pay in cash at the immigration counter. Credit cards are not accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before your allowed stay expires. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and re-enter.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Saint Lucian immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Saint Lucia requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Ivory Coast is a yellow fever endemic country, so you will need to show your yellow card at immigration.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at both Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) and George F. L. Charles Airport (SLU). The process is the same at both.
You will be refused entry. Immigration requires proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
No. There is no arrival declaration or e-visa system for Saint Lucia. Just show up with your documents and pay at the counter.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.