Saint Vincent & the Grenadines Customs Form & Entry Requirements

Is there a Saint Vincent and the Grenadines online customs form?

No. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has no online customs or immigration declaration. Unlike neighbours such as Grenada, Barbados or Belize, SVG has not launched a digital arrival portal, an eVisa or a pre-arrival travel authorization. You will not be asked for a QR code at the border, and you do not need to file anything before you fly.

Instead, the country uses the traditional two-part process that long-time Caribbean travellers will recognise:

• A paper immigration cardA short arrival/departure (E/D) card is handed out on the aircraft, or available in the arrivals hall. Complete it with your passport details, flight, your address in SVG and length of stay, then give it to the immigration officer.
• A verbal customs declarationAt the customs desk you declare, out loud, anything you obtained outside the country. There is no printed customs form for most travellers to complete.

A COVID-era online pre-arrival form was used temporarily in 2020 to 2021. The government today hosts an optional Pre-Arrival Travel Form (at stv.servicedx.com/travelform ). It is not mandatory for most routine tourist arrivals and does not replace the paper immigration card or the verbal customs declaration; some travellers complete it for convenience. Check the official links shortly before travel, as availability can change.

How customs & immigration work on arrival

Clearing the border at Argyle International Airport (SVD) is straightforward. Have your passport, completed paper immigration card and proof of onward travel ready, then move through these steps:

• 1 · Complete your paper cardFill in the immigration arrival card you were given on the flight. Bring a pen, write clearly, and keep the departure portion if the card has one.
• 2 · ImmigrationPresent your passport and card. The officer may ask the purpose of your visit, where you are staying and your onward ticket, then stamps your permitted length of stay.
• 3 · Collect your baggagePick up all checked luggage before you reach the customs desk.
• 4 · Verbal customs declarationTell the Customs and Excise officer about anything obtained abroad: gifts, goods carried for others, items for sale, commercial samples and plant material. Personal effects do not need to be listed. Anything above your allowance is dutiable in EC$.

Honesty matters: the Customs and Excise Department warns that misinformation can result in delays and penalties, and goods imported in excess of your exemption are subject to applicable duties.

No official fee, and watch for fake "SVG travel form" sites

Because there is no government online form to file, there is also no official government charge for the arrival process. The paper immigration card is free, and the customs declaration is verbal. The only costs you may face are duty on goods above your allowance, or a visa fee if your nationality requires a visa in advance.

Be wary of third-party websites that advertise a "mandatory Saint Vincent travel form," "SVG eVisa" or "travel authorization" and charge a fee. For visa-exempt visitors these are not official and not required. Verify entry rules only through the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Customs and Excise Department (customs.gov.vc ) and the Ministry of National Security immigration pages, listed at the foot of this guide.

Saint Vincent vs other Caribbean arrival forms

One reason this trips travellers up: several of SVG's neighbours have moved to a mandatory online arrival form, so people assume Saint Vincent must too. It does not. Here is how the region compares, with links to our full guides.

Heading to more than one island? Compare requirements across the region in our full Caribbean customs forms index.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines entry requirements

Have these ready before you reach immigration at Argyle International Airport (SVD), or at a sea port if you arrive by yacht or ferry:

• A valid passportRequired for all visitors. The US advises a passport valid on your date of entry with a blank page for the stamp, while the UK and many other authorities recommend at least six months' validity beyond your stay, so six months is the safe target. Passport cards are not accepted for international air travel.
• A completed paper immigration cardHanded out on the flight (or at the port). Fill it in before you reach the immigration officer.
• Return or onward travelA return or onward ticket is part of the published requirement. Travellers without proof of departure can be refused or delayed.
• Accommodation & sufficient fundsThe address of your hotel, villa, yacht or host, and evidence you can support yourself during your stay. Officers must be satisfied you are a genuine visitor.
• Yellow fever certificate (only from risk countries)Under International Health Regulations, travellers aged 1 and over arriving from, or transiting more than 12 hours through, a country with risk of yellow fever transmission must show a vaccination certificate. It is not required for direct travel from the US, Canada, UK or EU. There is no yellow fever risk within SVG itself.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines visa requirements by nationality

Most visitors do not need a visa for tourism. SVG grants visa-free entry to citizens of more than 90 countries. The immigration officer always sets the permitted length of stay on arrival, and the visa-free window is shorter than some travellers expect. Confirm your own nationality's status with an SVG diplomatic mission before travelling.

Sources differ on the exact visa-free duration for some nationalities. In practice, the length of stay is determined by the immigration officer on arrival. Tourists can usually extend up to a total of 12 months by visiting the Immigration Department on Bay Street in Kingstown with their passport, an EC$ cash fee, proof of funds and an accommodation address.

Duty-free allowances for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

These figures come directly from the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Customs and Excise Department and apply per passenger aged 18 and over. Anything beyond the allowance, or any commercial goods, is dutiable. When in doubt, declare it verbally to the officer.

The alcohol and tobacco allowances cannot be exceeded duty-free even if you stay under the US$250 goods value, and the US$250 allowance may be claimed only once a year.

Prohibited & restricted items in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

The lists below are taken from the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Customs and Excise Department. Violations can lead to immediate seizure, severe penalties or prosecution. When in doubt, declare.

• Prohibited (will be seized)Narcotic drugs including opium, morphine, cocaine, LSD and marijuana; counterfeit currency and coins; indecent or obscene material; flick knives, night sticks, ratchet knives and pistols disguised as pens or pencils; gas cartridges; fictitious stamps; matches containing white or yellow phosphorus; food unfit for human consumption; and articles associated with obeah, witchcraft or the occult.
• Restricted, permit or licence requiredFirearms, ammunition, explosives and handcuffs (written permission of the Commissioner of Police); radio and TV transmitting equipment including walkie-talkies (Minister of Telecommunications); cannabis and other controlled drugs (licence of the Chief Medical Officer); CITES-listed plants and animals; chainsaws (Ministry of Agriculture); drones (Civil Aviation Authority import licence, arrange in advance); camouflage clothing; tear gas; goods bearing the SVG flag or coat of arms; and left-hand-drive vehicles (special Cabinet permit).
• Always declarePrescription medication (carry it in original packaging with the prescription), plants, seeds and fresh produce, meat and animal products, live animals or pets, commercial merchandise, and large amounts of cash. A note on cannabis: although SVG has decriminalised small amounts for some local use, importing cannabis across the border remains a customs offence unless licensed.

At the airport, arrival at Argyle International (SVD)

Nearly all international visitors land at Argyle International Airport (SVD) on the main island of St Vincent, which opened in 2017 and replaced the old E. T. Joshua Airport. After landing, have your passport and completed paper immigration card ready.

• 1 · ImmigrationPresent your passport and immigration card. Officers may ask your length of stay, where you are staying and the purpose of your trip, and may request your return ticket.
• 2 · Baggage claimCollect all checked luggage before customs. Porters may be available at busy times.
• 3 · Customs (verbal declaration)Tell the officer about anything obtained abroad and undergo screening if selected. Declare honestly, misinformation can mean delays and penalties.
• 4 · Arrivals hall & onward to the GrenadinesBeyond customs you'll find taxis, pre-booked transfers and car-rental desks. To continue to the Grenadines, take the Kingstown ferry (about a 35-minute drive from SVD) or a short inter-island flight to Bequia, Mustique, Canouan or Union Island.

Arriving by yacht or cruise ship

SVG is one of the Caribbean's great sailing destinations and a regular cruise call, so many visitors never see Argyle airport. The customs and immigration principles are the same, but the process differs.

• Private yachtsYou must clear in with Customs and Immigration at a designated port of entry, such as Kingstown, Port Elizabeth (Bequia), Clifton (Union Island) or Canouan, before going ashore elsewhere. The captain normally completes the vessel clearance and crew/passenger paperwork; advance notice and crew visas or port-health forms may apply.
• Cruise passengersCruise travellers are typically cleared through the ship's manifest and processed at the cruise port, so there is no separate online form for you to file. Follow your cruise line's instructions, carry your passport ashore, and expect that random customs inspections remain possible.

Money matters

The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$ / XCD) is the local currency and has long been pegged at roughly EC$2.70 to US$1. US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, though you'll often get fairer value paying in EC$ or by card.

Best time to visit Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

The islands are warm year-round, averaging roughly 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F). The main differences between seasons are rainfall, sailing conditions, crowds and price.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs roughly June to November; check forecasts and consider travel insurance if visiting then.

Health, water & food safety

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an easy destination for most travellers, but a few precautions help.

• Before you goCheck current recommendations with your doctor and an official health authority. Mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue can occur in the Caribbean periodically, so insect protection is sensible.
• Water & foodTap water is generally chlorinated and treated in major population centres, though many visitors prefer bottled or filtered water, especially in remote areas. Local Creole food is a highlight, favour busy spots with high turnover.
• Sun & heatThe tropical sun is strong. Prioritise hydration, shade, sunscreen and light clothing, especially in your first days.

Top things to do in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

From hiking an active volcano to anchoring over a turtle-filled lagoon, these are the experiences first-time visitors love most across the 32 islands.

La Soufriere volcano

St Vincent's active 4,049 ft volcano, which last erupted in 2021. Hike through rainforest to the crater rim with a guide for sweeping island and ocean views.

Tobago Cays Marine Park

A protected lagoon of uninhabited islands ringed by reef, world-famous for snorkelling with green turtles and the clearest water in the Grenadines.

Bequia

The largest and most welcoming Grenadine, a short ferry from Kingstown. Admiralty Bay, Princess Margaret Beach, boat-building heritage and easygoing charm.

Mustique

The legendary private island of villas and hideaways, with quiet white-sand beaches, Macaroni Beach and the famous Basil's Bar.

Waterfalls & rainforest

Cool off at the twin Dark View Falls, or take a boat to the remote Falls of Baleine, then walk the Vermont Nature Trail in search of the endemic St Vincent parrot.

Kingstown & Fort Charlotte

Explore the capital's bustling market, the 1765 Botanical Gardens (the oldest in the Western Hemisphere) and hilltop Fort Charlotte's harbour views.

A sample day in the Grenadines

A classic day-sail from St Vincent or Bequia out to the Tobago Cays, the heart of any SVG trip.

1. 8:00 am

   Board your catamaran

   Set off from Bequia or Kingstown with breakfast aboard as you sail south past Mustique.

2. 10:30 am

   Snorkel with turtles

   Anchor in the Tobago Cays Marine Park and swim with green turtles over seagrass and coral.

3. 12:30 pm

   Beach barbecue

   Lunch of fresh-grilled lobster and fish on an uninhabited cay, toes in the sand.

4. 2:30 pm

   Mayreau & Salt Whistle Bay

   Stop at one of the Caribbean's prettiest twin-sided beaches for a swim and a rum punch.

5. 5:00 pm

   Sail home at golden hour

   Cruise back north with the sails up as the light softens over the islands.

6. 7:30 pm

   Dinner in Port Elizabeth

   Round off the day with fresh seafood and live music along the Belmont Walkway in Bequia.

Staying on St Vincent instead? Swap in a La Soufriere volcano hike, Dark View Falls and a stroll through the Kingstown Botanical Gardens.

Where to stay, best islands in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Each island has a distinct character, and getting between them takes ferries or short flights, so choosing the right base shapes your whole trip.

Main island

St Vincent (Kingstown & Villa)

The transport hub, close to Argyle airport, with the volcano, waterfalls, diving and the ferry to the Grenadines. Best for first arrivals, adventure and a convenient base.

Grenadines

Bequia

Laid-back island life, sailing, good-value guesthouses and beautiful beaches, a one-hour ferry from Kingstown. Best for relaxed island charm and sailing.

Grenadines

Mustique & Canouan

Exclusive private islands of luxury villas, five-star resorts and total privacy, usually reached by their own air or boat transfers. Best for honeymoons, privacy and high-end stays.

Official Saint Vincent and the Grenadines resources

This is an independent travel guide by CustomsBreeze. Always confirm current requirements with the official agencies below before you travel.

• customs.gov.vcSaint Vincent and the Grenadines Customs and Excise Department, duty-free, prohibited & restricted goods
• security.gov.vcMinistry of National Security, Immigration Department (visas, length of stay & extensions)
• discoversvg.comSaint Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, trip-planning & island information
• Your government's travel-advice serviceAnd the nearest Saint Vincent and the Grenadines mission, for visa specifics