The U.S. State Department reports petty crime is common, epscially in tourist locations, across this island nation
Credit: Stone RF/Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- The U.S. State Department raised St. Lucia’s travel advisory to Level 2 due to increased crime concerns
- Tourists are warned about petty crimes like pickpocketing and violent crimes including armed robbery and assault
- Travelers are advised to stay alert, avoid displaying wealth and consider purchasing travel insurance before visiting the island nation
The U.S. State Department has issued a new warning for all Americans to “exercise increased caution” when visiting St. Lucia due to potential crime.
On Friday, July 10, the U.S. Embassy to St. Lucia changed its travel advisory level for the popular Caribbean island nation from a Level 1, “exercise normal precautions,” to a Level 2. The State Department uses a variety of risk factors to determine the travel advisory for each destination, with Level 4 countries marked as “do not travel.”
The updated advisory pointed to instances of crime across the island. The department reports “petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations.” The warning specifically mentions “crimes of opportunity” like purse snatching and pickpocketing. Tourists should also be aware of overcharging and scams from aggressive vendors.
Credit: Westend61/Martin Moxter/Getty
However, the department has also seen instances of violent crime that “can occur anywhere” in St. Lucia.
“U.S. citizens and other foreigners in Saint Lucia have been victims of armed robbery, assault, burglary and rape,” the release states. “In some cases, U.S. citizens have been killed.”
For those deciding to travel to the country, the State Department recommends Americans stay aware of their surroundings, use caution when walking or driving at night and keep a low profile.
“Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry,” the release says. “Do not answer your door at your hotel or residence unless you know who it is.”
Credit: Eric Vandeville/GAMMA-RAPHO/Getty
The department further warns to stay alert when visiting banks or ATMs and popular tourist spots. “Most sites have tourist police available to help in uncomfortable situations,” the State Department says.
Travelers are further encouraged to review the department’s available resources and consider purchasing travel insurance prior to their trip.
The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s travel advice for St. Lucia shares a similar sentiment. The office has received reports of crime including murder, armed robbery and sexual assault. They note a “continuing serious risk of homicides, primarily gang related and involving guns,” as well.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
According to a June press release from the St. Lucia Tourism Authority, the country has experienced a continued growth in tourism within the last few years. April 2026 saw a total of 40,572 international overnight visitors over the course of the month. The country specifically saw an increase of 900 visitors from the U.S., compared with the previous year.
Level 2 is a common warning level for a variety of popular travel destinations. Other countries that currently have a Level 2 warning for U.S. citizens include France, Italy, Costa Rica, the Bahamas and Jamaica.
Read the full article here