St. Lucia Travel Alert

The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines that Hurricane Tomas caused significant damage to these countries.  St. Lucia's Prime Minister declared a state of emergency, and reports indicate that St. Lucia’s transportation and communication infrastructure was seriously affected.  This Travel Alert expires on December 1, 2010.

There are no reports of U.S. citizens killed or seriously injured in the storm or its aftermath.  However, major roads and bridges on the islands are closed due to landslides and flooding, making transportation around the island extremely difficult or impossible.  Cell phone towers are down, resulting in limited communication, and some areas do not have electricity or water.  St. Lucia authorities are working to restore services as soon as possible.  Both airports on St. Lucia are open, but operating at limited capacity.  U.S. citizens should contact their tour operator, airline, or hotel for further information on the situation before traveling.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines also experienced significant damage due to Hurricane Tomas in the northern part of the country, but areas generally frequented by travelers were not severely impacted.

U.S. citizens who choose to travel to St. Lucia despite the Travel Alert are urged to enroll with the State Department's travel registration website.  Please continue to monitor the Embassy’s website for updated information at http://barbados.usembassy.gov/.

For any emergencies involving American citizens, please contact the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit of the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section, located at Wildey Business Park, Wildey, St. Michael, Barbados; telephone 246-227-4000; ACS unit fax 246-431-0179; e-mail BridgetownACS@state.gov; web page http://barbados.usembassy.gov/.  Current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except U.S. federal holidays.