Published: September 3, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Eastern Caribbean Travel Advisories. This report covers the Eastern Caribbean countries and territories of Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Montserrat, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, served by the Barbados & Eastern Caribbean OSAC Chapter and the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown. OSAC Country Security Reports are available for these locations across the region:
- OSAC Barbados Country Security Report is country-specific.
- OSAC Grenada Country Security Report is country-specific.
- OSAC's French Caribbean Country Security report covers Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Barthélemy, and French St. Martin.
- OSAC’s Dutch Caribbean Country Security Report includes Dutch Sint Maarten and Dutch territories outside of the Eastern Caribbean.
Embassy Contact Information
U.S. Embassy in Barbados: Wildey Business Park, Wildey, St. Michael 14006
Tel 1-246-227-4399, Emergency 1-246-227-4000.
U.S. Embassy in Grenada: L’Anse aux Epines Main Road, St. George
Tel: 1-473-444-1173/4/5/6, Emergency 1-473-407-2495.
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
The Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Chapter is active and meets semi-annually, with smaller breakout meetings focusing on specific countries elsewhere in the region.
Contact OSAC’s Americas team with any questions.
Eastern Caribbean Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication indicates that travelers should exercise normal precautions in Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Montserrat, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent & The Grenadines.
Crime
Although these Eastern Caribbean countries do not have official ratings for crime from the U.S. Department of State, they should be considered similar to Bridgetown, which the U.S. Department of State has assessed as being a HIGH-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for any Eastern Caribbean country.
The crime emergency line are as follows:
- Anguilla: 911
- Antigua & Barbuda: (268) 462-0125/999
- British Virgin Islands: 999/911
- Dominica: 999
- Montserrat: 999
- Saint Kitts & Nevis: (869) 469-5391/911
- Saint Lucia: (758) 452-2854/999
- Saint Vincent & The Grenadines: (784) 457-1211/911
Regional police forces usually cooperate with U.S. counterparts. However, response time to law enforcement and security requests can at times be quite slow due to inadequate funding, lack of equipment and training, and staffing shortages. Criminals do not specifically target U.S. travelers visiting the Eastern Caribbean. Tourism is a major contributor to regional economies. U.S. nationals residing in the Eastern Caribbean do not always enjoy the same level of police protection that regional governments provide to tourist areas.
While violent crime and homicide rates have increased slightly over the last two years, most violent crime occurs between members of rival groups, and does not target tourists or spill over into tourist areas. There is no serious risk to travelers from violent crime. There is also minimal risk of petty theft; while travelers should always exercise caution and guard their belongings, street crime targeting tourists is not common.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for the Eastern Caribbean.
Kidnapping is a rare phenomenon in the Eastern Caribbean, consistently ranking near the bottom of reported crimes.
Terrorism
Although these Eastern Caribbean countries do not have official ratings for terrorism threat, they should be considered similar to Bridgetown, which the U.S. Department of State has assessed as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for the Eastern Caribbean countries.
There is minimal risk from terrorism in the region. Though specific terrorism incident reporting from the Eastern Caribbean remains relatively low, the region has several vulnerabilities that terrorist elements could exploit, such as porous borders, established narcotic and alien smuggling routes, and limited counter-terrorism capabilities. The exploitation of one of these vulnerabilities could have serious implications for U.S. organizations based in the Caribbean, and the Caribbean tourism trade in general.
Notably, the threat of terrorism out of neighboring Trinidad & Tobago remains a regional concern, given a foiled ISIS terrorist attack in 2018, as well as the number of Trinidadians who have traveled to Syria and Iraq in recent years to fight alongside ISIS. Their return as foreign fighters and the general freedom of travel between the countries of the Eastern Caribbean continue to pose a security challenge to regional stability. The U.S. Embassy continues to work with its regional counterparts to develop and implement counter-terrorism strategies and capabilities.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
Although these Eastern Caribbean countries do not have official ratings for political violence and civil unrest, they should be considered similar to Bridgetown, which the U.S. Department of State has assessed as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisories for the Eastern Caribbean. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
The islands of the Eastern Caribbean are peaceful and have experienced little political violence or revolution. The political climates are stable, with little threat of political violence. Labor riots in the 1930s were the last major event to transcend the entire region.
- Antigua and Barbuda is a multiparty parliamentary democracy. 2018 parliamentary elections were deemed free and fair. The next elections are scheduled for 2028.
- Dominica is a multiparty parliamentary democracy. The 2022 snap elections were deemed free and fair. The next elections are scheduled for 2027.
- Saint Kitts and Nevis is a multiparty parliamentary democracy and federation. August 2022 elections were deemed free and fair. Prime Minister Terrance Drew’s party won six of the 11 seats in the legislature, defeating the incumbent party. The next elections are scheduled for 2027.
- Saint Lucia is a multiparty parliamentary democracy. 2021 elections were deemed free and fair, with the opposition defeating the previously ruling United Workers Party. Philip J. Pierre was named the new prime minister. The next elections are scheduled for 2026.
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a multiparty, parliamentary democracy. In 2020, Ralph Gonsalves was elected to a fifth consecutive term as prime minister. Regional and local observers assessed the election as generally free and fair. The next elections are scheduled for November 2025.
Protests & Demonstrations
While violent public protests and demonstrations are rare in the Eastern Caribbean, protests do occasionally occur.
In the summer of 2021, demonstrations occurred in St. Vincent, Antigua, Barbados, French St. Martin, and Martinique over proposed COVID-19 prevention measures, including mask and vaccine mandates. While most of these demonstrations were peaceful, there were isolated instances that escalated into violence.
The British royal family visited several Caribbean islands in spring 2022, drawing anti-monarchy protests and calls to remove Queen Elizabeth II as head of state.
In March of 2025, Dominica experienced two days of violent protests in response to election reforms. Demonstrators gathered outside the Parliament in Roseau and became violent, clashing with police. Rubber bullets and tear gas were deployed, and over 25 people were arrested.
Outside of this activity, very little civil unrest occurs throughout the islands. Most civil unrest is connected to labor issues, which are usually settled by union and government intervention.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
U.S. travelers and organizations in the Eastern Caribbean have not been the focus of terrorist actions, crime, or political violence based on their nationality. Peaceful protests are rare and do not target U.S. interests.
Law Enforcement
Antigua & Barbuda: Security forces consist of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, the prison guard service, immigration officers, airport and port security personnel, the Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force, and the Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy. National security, including police and prison guards, falls under the supervision of the attorney general, who is also the minister of legal affairs, public safety, and labor. Immigration falls under the minister of foreign affairs, international trade, and immigration. The Ministry of Finance is responsible for money-laundering policy. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces. There have been no reports that members of the security forces committed abuses.
Dominica: The Ministry of Justice, Immigration, and National Security oversees the police, the country’s only security force. The Financial Intelligence Unit reports to the Ministry of Legal Affairs; some of its officers have arrest authority. Civilian authorities maintained effective control over the security forces. There were no credible reports of significant abuses by the security forces.
St. Kitts & Nevis: The security forces consist of a police force, which includes the paramilitary Special Services Unit, a drug unit, the Special Victims Unit, the Office of Professional Standards, and a white-collar crimes unit. These forces are responsible for internal security, including migration and border enforcement. In addition, there is a coast guard and a small defense force. The military and police report to the Ministry of National Security, which is under the prime minister’s jurisdiction. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces. There were few credible reports that members of the security forces committed abuses.
St. Lucia: The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has responsibility for law enforcement and maintenance of order within the country. Civilian authorities maintained effective control over the security forces. There have been credible reports that members of the security forces have committed some abuses.
St. Vincent & The Grenadines: The Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police is the only security force in the country and is responsible for maintaining national security. Its forces include the Coast Guard, Special Services Unit, Rapid Response Unit, Drug Squad, and Antitrafficking Unit. Police report to the minister of national security, a portfolio held by the prime minister. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces. There have been credible reports that members of the security forces have committed some abuses.
Police Response
The level of professionalism and quality of service can vary from island to island, and the level of protection is directly proportional to an incident’s possible impact on the tourist trade. Areas tourists frequent command a more visible police presence. Response delays to the non-touristed, less populated, and rural areas of the islands can be significant.
Generally, uniformed police are adequate to have an influence on crime deterrence, but uniformed police response to alarms or emergency calls are sometimes below U.S. standards. Police performance and conduct varies from poor to acceptable in professionalism and training, and regional police organizations have definite resource/manpower limitations that inhibit their deterrence and response effectiveness. It is not uncommon to wait an hour or more for police response.
Any U.S. citizen detained or harassed by police or other security services should immediately contact American Citizen Services (ACS) at the U.S. Embassy in Barbados during business hours, or the U.S. Embassy duty officer during non-business hours or holidays.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in the Eastern Caribbean, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for any of the nations in the Eastern Caribbean.
Antigua & Barbuda: The law provides criminal penalties for corruption by officials, but full implementation of the law was hindered during the pandemic. Media reported several allegations of corruption against officials during the year. Media and private citizens reported government corruption was widespread and endorsed at the highest levels of government.
Dominica: The law provides criminal penalties for corruption by officials, but the government implemented the law inconsistently. According to civil society representatives and members of the political opposition, officials sometimes engaged in corrupt practices.
St. Kitts & Nevis: The constitution prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention and provides for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of his or her arrest or detention in court. The government generally observes these requirements. Media and private citizens report government corruption is occasionally a problem.
St. Lucia: The law provides criminal penalties for corruption by officials, and the government generally implemented these laws, but not always effectively. There were isolated reports of government corruption during the year.
St. Vincent & The Grenadines: The law provides criminal penalties for corruption by officials, but the government does not implement the law effectively.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity attacks frequently target public institutions, financial institutions, and critical infrastructure. Many of the Eastern Caribbean police forces are ill-equipped to prevent and investigate these types of attacks and intrusions. In recent years, government websites were targets of attacks in St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Antigua & Barbuda. The governments of the Eastern Caribbean appear to be taking some steps to develop better investigative infrastructure for cyber incidents as evidenced by the 2017 opening of the Regional Security Systems Digital Forensic Laboratory, significantly enhancing their ability to investigate crimes with a digital nexus. Digital security remains a concern in the region, particularly with ATM fraud, credit card fraud and other cybercrimes.
Import/Export Restrictions
It is illegal in the Eastern Caribbean, even for children, to wear camouflage clothing or carry items made with camouflage material. Do not enter any Eastern Caribbean country with firearms or ammunition without prior express consent from the host nation government.
There have been no reported issues regarding the import of satellite phones or personal medications to these countries. Personal medication should always be transported in its original packaging and with its original prescription.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
