Guidance

Living in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Advice for British people living in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, including information on health, education, benefits, and residence requirements.

This guide sets out essential information for British nationals living in or moving to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

There is no British high commission in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. See British High Commission Bridgetown, Barbados for information about services we provide for British nationals.

Entry and residence requirements

Information about entry requirements for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is on travel advice.

British nationals are not permitted to work in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines without a valid work permit and students must hold a student visa.

Read more information about residency, work permits and student visas on the Ministry of National Security, Air & Sea Port Development website, or the High Commission for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the UK.

Health

The main hospital is the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in Kingstown. Specialised cases are usually referred to Trinidad or Barbados.

Further information on healthcare in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is on travel advice or on Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ministry of Health.

Education

The school system in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is similar to the UK. For more information, visit the Ministry of Education website.

Benefits

British nationals may be entitled to UK benefits while living in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The UK basic state pension is payable in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Contact the International Pension Centre for more information on getting your pension in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

You may wish to pay voluntary contributions to top up your pension entitlement. For further information on paying voluntary contributions in the UK, contact HM Revenues & Customs.

Driving in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Residents and visitors are required to hold a valid Vincentian licence or permit to drive on the roads. Driving licences and permits are issued at police headquarters in Kingstown, Saint Vincent. Temporary permits may also be issued at any port of entry in the Grenadines. You must provide a current valid driver’s licence issued in the your previous country of residence.

Banking and finance

There are a number of banks in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

You should get advice directly from the banks on how to open an account. You will usually be asked to provide a reference from your UK bank. More information is on The Financial Services Authority website.

Disclaimer

This information is provided as a general guide and is based upon information provided to the High Commission by the relevant local authorities and may be subject to change at any time with little or no notice. The FCDO and the British High Commission will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information. British nationals wishing to obtain any further information must contact the relevant local authority.

Published 25 November 2013
Last updated 11 January 2023 + show all updates
  1. Guidance has been reviewed and updated.

  2. Please see the updated 'Living In' Guides for St Vincent and the Grenadines - February 2021

  3. First published.