Grenada

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 911 for police.
• Dial for 434 ambulance services.

Crime

Violent crime can occur anywhere in Grenada. American citizens in Grenada have been victims of armed robbery, assault, burglary, and rape. In some cases, American citizens have been killed. Police response times are not as fast as in the United States.

Safety tips:

• Review our information on Crime Abroad.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Use caution when walking at night.
• Keep a low profile.
• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Do not answer your door at your hotel or residence unless you know who it is.
• Do not leave valuables unattended in public areas, on beaches, unsecured in hotel rooms, or in rental homes.
• Avoid displaying flashy jewelry, expensive electronics, and large amounts of cash.
• Always be aware of your surroundings. If you see something suspicious or unusual contact local police to report it immediately.
• Use added caution when shopping in crowded areas, especially during the holiday season.
• Use added caution when attending crowded events, celebrations, music festivals, etc.
• Do not leave drinks unattended in public venues as this could create a potential vulnerability for the use of “date rape” drugs in furtherance of criminal activity.
• University students: Contact campus security in the event of an emergency. Security staff may respond more quickly than local police.
• Boaters: Use caution if unfamiliar people or watercraft approach your boat, whether at anchor or at sea.

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 911.

Review our information for Victims of Crime.

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care. 
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault and domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications. 
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.
• Drones are legal in Grenada but are regulated and require approval by the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF).

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
  
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• Camouflage clothing is illegal in Grenada. Like in some Eastern Caribbean destinations, it is only allowed for law enforcement. Customs officials may take camouflage items if found in luggage.
• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
• If you use foul language in the presence of a police officer, you may be arrested and prosecuted.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Grenada seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

• Grenadian law criminalizes consensual same-sex sexual activities between men, with potential penalties of 10 years’ imprisonment. Prosecutions based on these laws are rare.
• Grenadian society is generally intolerant of same-sex sexual conduct.
• There are no laws protecting against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

The law in Grenada prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. The law is enforced.

• People with mobility issues in Grenada may find accessibility difficult.
• The most common types of accessibility may include new construction and recently renovated premises.
• Expect accessibility to be limited in most areas of society including public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers 

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Marriage.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Grenada Traveler Information Page provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 911 for emergency medical services.
• Dial 473-440-2051 for the general hospital.

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are available. However, training and response time of emergency responders may poor.

• Ambulances are below U.S. standards and sometimes not equipped with advanced medical equipment. 
• Ambulances are staffed with trained paramedics.
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not.
• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Grenada. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient. 
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

Health facilities are available throughout Grenada.

• Health care officials in Grenada are well trained.
• Hospitals and doctors require payment upfront prior to service or admission.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.

Prescription medications

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
• Check with the Government of Grenada to ensure the medication is legal in Grenada.
• Pharmacies are usually well stocked and prescription medicine is available.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Surrogacy

If you are considering traveling to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.

• Surrogacy is unavailable in Grenada due to limits in technology. As such, surrogacy is largely unregulated with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents.  Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Grenada courts.

Water quality and food safety

• In most areas, tap water is generally safe to drink and use in cooking. However, in heavy rain it is advisable to use bottled water.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Grenada.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

Roads are mostly narrow and winding, with many blind corners, narrow or no shoulders. Some roads have steep drops into the sea.

• There are few sidewalks.
• Road lighting varies, making night driving dangerous. Use caution when driving at night.
• Road signage is inadequate.
• Drive slowly and with caution.

Traffic laws 

• Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. 
• Seat belts are required, and violators may be fined 400 USD.
• We recommend you get a local temporary driver’s license.
• In an accident, you may be fined if you do not have a local driver’s license, regardless of who is at fault. Vehicle rental companies may help you in applying for a temporary driver’s license.

Taxis and ride-shares

Exercise appropriate caution after dark and when using taxis.

• Take taxis to and from restaurants and ask whether the driver is a member of the Grenada Taxi Association (GTA). GTA members are required to pass additional driving tests and receive training from the Grenada Tourism Board. They are generally reliable and knowledgeable about the country and its attractions.
• International ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft are not used in Grenada, but local ride-share apps are used widely.

Public and commercial transportation

Exercise appropriate caution after dark and when using buses.

• Small boat owners may offer to take you to and between islands. Before accepting, check to be sure that the boat carries life preservers and a radio.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation safety oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Grenada does not meet international standards for aviation safety oversight.  The FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Grenada should check the following: 

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings 
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

• Hurricanes – Hurricane season in Grenada runs from August to October. September is the peak month. Hurricanes can come with high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, and flooding. This can disrupt transportation, damage infrastructure, and create hazardous conditions.
• Earthquakes – Earthquakes threaten Grenada year-round as it is in a seismically active region of the Caribbean.
• Strong currents – High surf and rip conditions can occur year-round. Exercise caution when swimming in the Caribbean and pay attention to weather reports and beach warnings.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates