Saint Lucia Electronic Immigration Form vs visa: What's the difference & when do you need them?

Planning your trip to Saint Lucia and unsure whether you need a visa, the new electronic immigration form, or both? You're not alone. Many travelers confuse the two.

Here's what you really need to know: Most visitors don’t need a visa, but everyone, including Saint Lucian citizens and cruise ship passengers, must complete the Saint Lucia Electronic Immigration Form before arrival.

Let’s break down the difference so you can breeze through border control without stress.

What is the Saint Lucia Electronic Immigration Form, and who needs it?

The Saint Lucia Electronic Immigration Form is a mandatory online arrival card for anyone entering the country by air or sea. It’s not a visa. Think of it as your digital check-in with border control. This form replaces the old paper version used on arrival.

• Who needs it? All travelers, including Saint Lucian citizens, residents, and OECS nationals
• When to complete it? Submit within 72 hours before arrival in Saint Lucia
• What do you receive? A QR code by email to show at immigration
• How much does it cost? Free on the government site, or use our premium service for a faster, guided experience for a small fee.

Pro tip: There is limited Wi-Fi at UVF airport. Print or download your QR code before traveling.

What is a Saint Lucia visa?

A visa is an official entry permit issued by the Saint Lucian government. Most nationalities don’t need one for tourism. However, if your passport isn’t eligible for visa-free entry, you must apply before traveling..

Who needs a visa?

Travelers from these countries (list subject to change):

How early should I apply for my Saint Lucia visa?

Apply well before your trip. Visa processing times vary depending on your nationality and can take several weeks. We currently do not offer this visa, so you will need to apply directly through a Saint Lucian embassy or consulate.

How often do I need to apply for the visa? The standard Saint Lucia visa is typically a single-entry visa (valid for one time use to enter Saint Lucia), although multiple-entry visas can be granted under specific circumstances (usually for business or frequent travelers).

However, this depends on the applicant’s profile, purpose of travel, and discretion of the immigration authorities.

Important: If you need a visa, you still need to complete the electronic immigration form before each arrival.

Not sure if you need a visa? Use our Visa Requirement Checker to check the latest entry rules for your nationality:

Saint Lucia Immigration form vs visa: What’s the difference?

When do you need both the form and a visa?

If your nationality requires a visa to enter Saint Lucia, you must complete both steps to be allowed entry:

1. Apply for your visa well in advance through a Saint Lucian embassy or consulate. Visa processing can take time, so start early.
2. Complete the electronic immigration form within 72 hours before each arrival in Saint Lucia. This is required for every entry, regardless of whether you already have a visa or are re-entering the country during the same trip.

The immigration form is not a one-time document. You must fill it out again if you leave and come back, even just a few days later.

“We thought filling out the immigration form once was enough since we arrived by plane. After sailing around and heading back to St. Lucia, we were shocked to find out we needed to fill it out all over again,” explained Dan, USA.

⚠️ Common mistakes to avoid

Avoid delays, fines, or stress at the border by watching out for these common pitfalls:

• Skipping the form: Some travelers assume it's optional because it's free or not a visa. But immigration authorities require it for all arrivals.
• Waiting too long: You can only submit the form within 72 hours of your arrival. Submitting too early or too late can result in delays or denied boarding.
• Assuming you’ll get Wi-Fi at the airport: The UVF airport has limited connectivity. Always download or print your QR code ahead of time so you're not stuck scrambling after landing.
• Not completing it for re-entry: This form is required for every entry. If you leave Saint Lucia (for example, on a cruise or island hop) and return—even during the same trip—you must submit a new form again.

For more help, check out:

• Common mistakes to avoid on the Saint Lucia Immigration Form and how to fix them
• Saint Lucia Electronic Immigration Form FAQs

Why apply through iVisa?

Government platforms are often glitchy and confusing. iVisa helps you apply with confidence.

• Fast, mobile-friendly forms
• 24/7 live chat support
• No tech issues or vague instructions
• Instant delivery options
• Group applications in one go
• Step-by-step guidance with real-time help

“When we arrived at the airport, they had a line for people who completed it electronically. The rest of us had to grab the paper form, find a pen, and sit on the floor to fill it out after a long flight,” revealed Samantha, UK.

Need help?

Contact our team anytime via WhatsApp or online chat.