Saint Lucia Passport Privileges- Visa-Free Entry To These Countries
Blessed with picture-perfect coral reefs, pristine sands, azure waters, and infinite nature, it’s easy to see why many would want to live in this part of the world.
The paradisial draws aren’t the only allures pulling people towards this island. When you obtain a Saint Lucia passport, you’ll be privy to many benefits. These comprise access to a favorable international financial services sector, a vibrant tourist-based economy, and plenty of affordable investment opportunities.
The main draw, however? The Citizenship by Investment program offers visa-free access to 147 countries. These comprise the United Kingdom, Singapore, and the Schengen States. Read on to learn more about these privileges and what you need to qualify.
A Brief Overview
Initially introduced in January 2016, the Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment program invites applicants to apply for a passport via three main investment routes. These comprise real estate, donation, and investment in a government bond.
Successful applicants will be granted access to Saint Lucia visa free countries.
The Countries on the List
As of February 2024, if you hold a Saint Lucia passport, you can travel to 147 countries visa-free. It’s important to note that 27 of these 147 countries will ask that you show a visa on arrival. However, they don’t ask that you apply for this in advance.
33 of these countries will request you show an electronic travel authorization (eTA), which can easily be applied for online up to 24 hours in advance of your departure.
This makes traveling to various places across the globe a great deal easier and more cost-effective.
If looking to travel to the United States regularly, there are added benefits for those traveling for leisure and business purposes. If traveling for leisure, as the holder of a Saint Lucia passport, you can apply for a visitor visa, which lasts ten years. If traveling for business, you can apply for a B-2 visa.
Find here : What Is Freight Brokerage? Understanding the Role
Below, we have listed more of the countries that allow visa-free access for Saint Lucia passport holders:
Europe
Of the 41 countries on the visa-free access list in Europe, spanning from Albania to the United Kingdom, only Turkey requires a visa on arrival. Albania and Georgie necessitate an eTA. All allow those in possession of a Saint Lucia passport to remain in the country for 90 days, except for the UK, which allows for 180 days.
Asia
Of the 27 places in Asia on the visa-free access list, Israel, Malaysia, the Phillippines, Singapore, and Uzbekistan require no visa for citizens of Saint Lucia. The remainder asks for an eTA or visa on arrival. The duration of stay in these countries spans from 14 to 120 days. It’s always important to check the rules on the official government website before booking your trip.
Africa
There are 40 destinations in Africa. The duration of stay spans from seven to 180 days, with some areas including Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Gambia, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Seychelles, Tanzania, Tunisia, Zambia and Zimbabwe offering visa-free access. The others currently on the list require a visa on arrival or an eTA.
Oceana
Oceana has 11 destinations on the list at present. Fiji, Kiribati, Micronesia, and Vanuatu allow for visa-free access with a Saint Lucia passport. Duration stays span from 30 to 120 days, with the others requiring a visa on arrival or eTA.
North America
North America has 19 cities on the list. All are visa-free. The majority have a 90-day or zero time limit destination duration.
South America
South America has nine destinations on the list. All bar Bolivia, which necessitates a visa on arrival, asks for no visa with a Saint Lucia passport. Everywhere grants 90 days of access apart from Peru and Suriname, which allow for 180 days.
How to Apply
As mentioned, there are various investment routes available to those wishing to obtain a Saint Lucia passport. From contributing to Saint Lucia’s National Development Fund to investing in a real estate project to investing in government bonds, there is an option to suit all. Here we discuss them in more detail:
Donation: This route necessitates a donation of $100,000 or more. There will be additional administration fees to pay on top of this.
Real Estate: Saint Lucia is home to several affordable real estate opportunities, from contemporary apartments to luxury villas. Provided you investing in a real estate project that has been approved not the local government, and costs a minimum of $200,000, you can gain access to a Saint Lucia passport for you and your family.
Government Bonds: The final route involves investing in Government Bonds. These must remain invested for a minimum of five years.
The Bottom Line
Saint Lucia boasts one of the Caribbean’s most cost-effective Citizenship by Investment programs. Whether a solo traveler or someone who is looking to relocate with the entire family, the island has many draws. The obvious is the picture-perfect landscape, which boasts scenery and activities suited to all ages.
Another major benefit? This passport grants visa-free access to various countries across the globe. What does this mean? You can travel freely to various destinations. Some of the most prevalent are the UK, Asia, and Schengen area.
Provided you meet the criteria and due diligence requirements, and make the necessary investment or donation, you can apply right away.
