Saint Lucia responds to UK visa requirement for nationals

The Government of Saint Lucia has formally responded to the United Kingdom’s decision to introduce a visit visa requirement for Saint Lucian nationals. In a statement, officials confirmed that the new policy, which also includes a direct airside transit visa for travellers passing through the UK, “will take effect on 5 March 2026 at 15:00 GMT (11:00 a.m. AST).” The UK has implemented a six-week transition period running until 16 April 2026, during which Saint Lucians who “already possess an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and have booked travel prior to the policy change may continue to enter the United Kingdom visa-free if they arrive before the end of the transition window.” The UK government cited “a notable increase in Saint Lucian nationals entering the UK as visitors and subsequently claiming asylum, which it says has placed pressure on its border and asylum processes” as the rationale for the measure. Acknowledging the concerns this may raise for citizens, the Government of Saint Lucia said it “wishes to reassure citizens that active diplomatic engagement with the United Kingdom is ongoing, and that Saint Lucia will continue discussions with UK authorities to better understand the decision and to explore pathways for maintaining strong mobility arrangements between both countries.” Officials added that they “will provide further guidance to the public on visa application procedures and travel requirements as additional information becomes available.”