Grenada travel guide
About Grenada
As far as paradise islands go, few come more beautiful than Grenada. A mountainous and volcanic landscape gives the country one of the loveliest environments in the Caribbean, with crater lakes, rainforests and coastal mangrove plantations giving way to white sand beaches, and brilliant blue waters filled with coral reefs. What's not to like?
Grenada is known as the Spice Island for good reason. Nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, ginger and vanilla are just a few of the scented gems found here. When it comes to food, Grenadians like it particularly hot and spicy. Pepper pot is a favourite – meat cooked with lots of garlic, onions and, you guessed it, pepper. As well as fragrant spices, music is also an important part of life on Grenada, with the calypso tunes dancing over the island evoking Grenadians' African origins.
Many will, of course, be drawn to Grenada for its beaches. They are several dozen of them, immaculate and well-preserved, while digging a bit deeper will bring you to isolated coves where it'll be just you and the sea. Bring your snorkelling gear – there are plenty of colourful fish species to be glimpsed.
If there's only so much lounging on a beach you can tolerate, pick up one of the many nature trails running across the island that'll take you through wilderness brimming with wildlife. Expect to see rare birds in the rainforest and monkeys in the loftier terrain. You're also likely to cross one or two spice plantations, whose beguiling aromas are one of the trademarks of Grenada.
The capital, St George's, is a pretty city boasting one of the finest beaches in the Caribbean, Grand Anse. Meanwhile, day trips to neighbouring islands come highly recommended for those keen on sailing, diving and fishing. For unassailable tranquility, spend some time on the islet of Carriacou, whose simple, idyllic way of life is sure to charm. In fact, on the whole of Grenada, there are no colossal resorts, meaning peace, quiet and nature are largely the order of the day, along with a friendly and welcoming population.
Key facts
344 sq km (132 sq miles).
107,327 (UN estimate 2016).
321.8 per sq km.
Saint George’s.
Constitutional monarchy.
HM King Charles III since 2022, represented locally by Governor-General Dame Cécile La Grenade since 2013.
Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell since 2022.
Travel Advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and see support for British nationals abroad for information about specific travel topics.
Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Grenada set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Grenadian High Commission in the UK.
COVID-19 rules
There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Grenada.
Passport validity requirements
To visit Grenada, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Make sure you get your passport stamped.
Make sure the border control officer puts a stamp in your passport. If you do not get a stamp in your passport, you’ll be considered an illegal visitor.
Visa requirements
You can visit Grenada without a visa.
On entry, you’ll be allowed to stay for a maximum period of 3 months.
To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must meet the Grenada Immigration Department’s entry requirements.
It’s illegal to overstay the entry period or to work without a work permit.
Vaccination requirements
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Grenada guide.
Depending on your circumstances, this may include a yellow fever certificate.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Grenada. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in Grenada
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Grenada, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Crime
Most crime in Grenada is non-violent and opportunistic, such as thefts of unattended items or burglaries from villas or cars. There are occasional violent crimes including armed robbery and sexual assault.
To reduce the risk to yourself and your belongings:
- make sure your accommodation is secure – this also applies if you’re staying on a yacht
- take care when walking alone off main roads and at late night street parties, particularly during the festival season
- avoid isolated areas, including beaches, after dark
- only use licensed taxis
- do not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery
- keep valuables and travel documents in your hotel safe or a safety deposit box
Laws and cultural differences
Laws on clothing
It’s illegal for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing.
Illegal drugs penalties
There are severe penalties for all drug offences. Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else.
LGBT+ travellers
Local attitudes towards the LGBT+ community are mostly conservative throughout the Caribbean. Certain same-sex sexual acts are illegal in Grenada. Showing affection in public may attract unwanted and negative attention. It is uncommon for opposite or same-sex couples to show affection in public in Grenada.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
Swimming safety
Currents can be deceptively strong and not all beaches have lifeguards or warning flags. Get local advice before swimming.
Transport risks
Road travel
If you are planning to drive, see information on driving abroad. You must have a temporary Grenadian driving licence. Your car hire company will help you get one, and you’ll need to show a UK driving licence.
Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an international driving permit (IDP).
Roads can have potholes and speed bumps. Minor roads and roads in rural areas are often narrow and may have blind corners. Drivers do not always use indicators. Pedestrians often walk on the roads.
Some roads are unlit at night. Road signs and hazards may not be easily visible.
Do not stop if you’re flagged down by pedestrians. Keep car doors locked when driving. If you have an accident, call the police and do not move the vehicle.
Taxis and minibuses
Taxis are not metered. There are standard taxi fares for most destinations. To avoid being overcharged, agree the fare in local currency with the driver before you set off. You can often pay in US dollars as well as East Caribbean dollars.
If you use private taxis, you can ask the driver to observe speed limits, but minibus drivers often exceed them.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
See extreme weather and natural hazards for information about how to prepare, and how to react if there is a warning.
Hurricanes
The hurricane season in the Caribbean normally runs from June to November. Monitor local news and check the warnings on the US National Hurricane Center.
Earthquakes
Earthquakes are a risk in the Caribbean and tremors are occasionally felt in Grenada. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
Volcanic eruptions
Check the alert level of the underwater volcano ‘Kick ‘em Jenny’, located 5 miles off the coast of Grenada. Observe any maritime exclusion zones and follow the advice of the local authorities if there is increased activity or an eruption.
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 434 for St George’s general hospital, 724 for Princess Alice hospital in Grenville, or 774 for Princess Royal hospital in Carriacou and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccinations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip check:
- the latest information on vaccination recommendations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Grenada guide
- where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad.
Healthcare facilities in Grenada
The main government hospital can cope with many types of treatment but serious cases may need emergency evacuation.
Medical treatment in Grenada can be expensive. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.
FCDO has a list of doctors in Grenada.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Emergency services in Grenada
Ambulance: 434 for St George’s general hospital, 724 for Princess Alice hospital in Grenville, or 774 for Princess Royal hospital in Carriacou.
Fire: 911
Police: 911
Contact your travel provider and insurer
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Refunds and changes to travel
For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
- where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
- how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim
Support from FCDO
FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
- finding lawyers in Grenada
- dealing with a death in Grenada
- being arrested or imprisoned in Grenada
- getting help if you’re a victim of crime
- what to do if you’re in hospital
- if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack
Contacting FCDO
Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
You can also contact FCDO online.
Help abroad in an emergency
If you’re in Grenada and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British High Commission in St George’s.
The British High Commission in St George’s does not provide consular services. For consular assistance, contact the British High Commission in Barbados.
FCDO in London
You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
