Precaution Should always be taken when traveling to a foreign country, in this article you would get a bit of information about about the Caribbean island of Grenada and what you could expect when visiting this island so that there will be few surprises.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
-Safety and Security – Terrorism
There is a very low threat from terrorism on the island of Grenada but all persons traveling should also be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by locals and foreign travelers.
Safety and Security – Crime
You should maintain at least the same level of security awareness as you would in whichever part of the world that you are visiting Grenada from and you must also ensure that your living accommodation is secure. Apply the same measures of security if you are staying on a yacht. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas, including the beautiful beaches after dark. Do not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery. Valuables and important travel documents should be left, when possible, in safety deposit boxes and hotel safes.
Safety and Security – Local Travel
– Local Travel – Road Travel
Motorists drive on the left in Grenada. In some areas, there are small and some time large open drains, at the side of roads and many roads are steep, with sharp bends and potholes in places that’s why extra care is needed when traversing the various roads in Grenada. Drives should take particular care at pedestrian crossings ,roundabouts, and traffic lights even if you think you have the right of way. Use only designated bus stops to ride the local buses because the practice of flagging down buses on busy roads (which is very common in Grenada) is responsible for many accidents.
The mini buses that operate throughout the island provide very affordable and fast travel within Grenada. Water taxi and ferry services are also available as alternative forms of travel. There’re Standard taxi fares for various destinations but it’s advisable to firstly clarify the fare with the taxi driver before beginning a journey with him. The option also exists to rent vehicles to experience the thrill and adventure of the island on you own. Because of the steepness and ruggedness of many roads that are in the mountainous hinterland, automatic four-wheel drive vehicles are very popular. You are required to purchase a local driving permit (30 East Caribbean Dollars for a three-month permit that would be about 12 US dollars) and will need to produce a full driving license from your country of origin to obtain one.
– Local Travel – Air Travel
You will have to pay a departure tax when leaving the island of Grenada. The cost is East Caribbean Dollars 50 per person which can also be paid in US Dollars ($20).
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
-You should note that for most countries there are severe penalties for all drug related offenses. Its always wise to pack all luggage yourself and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else.
-Certain homosexual acts are illegal under Grenadian laws.
-It is an offense for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Entry Requirements – Visas
You should note that overstaying without permission is an offense and paid employment is also prohibited without the issuing of a work permit. CARICOM nationals only need some form of valid identification like their birth certificate, drivers license etc to enter Grenada. North American and UK nationals do not need visas to enter Grenada.
Entry Requirements – Passport Validity
– For Tourists requiring passports to enter Grenada, the passport has to be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Grenada.
-Entry requirements may change from time to time and should be checked with the Grenada High Commission in your respective country of origin for further information.
HEALTH
-Dengue fever occurs across the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. This is a mosquito borne infection that can cause an illness associated with headache, fever, muscle aches and pains, and rashes. Some cases of dengue tend to be very severe. Dengue can be prevented by avoiding being bitten by the disease carrying mosquitoes that feed predominately in daylight hours.
-You should exercise normal precautions to prevent exposure to HIV/AIDS.
-You should seek medical advice before traveling to Grenada and any other country in general to ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date
NATURAL DISASTERS
Natural Disasters – Hurricanes
The hurricane season in the Caribbean typically runs from June to November. You should monitor local and international weather updates that are being streamed from the US National Hurricane Center and the World Meteorological Organization.
GENERAL
General – Insurance
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before traveling if its available. It is particularly important that this includes air ambulance charges and medical expenses in a third country because serious medical cases are sometimes referred overseas. Search for any exclusions and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.
General – Package Holidays
-If you are on what is referred to as a package holiday, you must travel on the specified return date. If you fail to do so it is likely that you will have to pay the cost of a return ticket yourself
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