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Grenada - Consular Information Sheet
September 5, 2000
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Grenada is a developing Caribbean
island nation. The capital is St. George's. Tourism facilities
vary, according to price and area.
ENTRY AND EXIT REQUIREMENTS: U.S. citizens may enter
Grenada with proof of U.S. citizenship, (a certified birth certificate,
a Naturalization/Citizenship Certificate, or a valid or expired
passport) and photo identification. U.S. citizen visitors who
enter Grenada without one or more of these documents, even if
admitted by local immigration officials, may encounter difficulties
in boarding flights to return to the U.S. No visa is required
for a stay of up to three months. There is an airport departure
charge for adults and for children between the ages of five and
thirteen years of age. For additional information concerning entry/exit
requirements, travelers may contact the Embassy of Grenada, 1701
New Hampshire Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, telephone
(202) 265-2561, e-mail grenada@oas.org, or the Consulate of Grenada
in New York at telephone (212) 599-0301.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Grenada is a peaceful island. Terrorism
and kidnappings are unknown. There are no extremist groups, areas
of instability or organized crime within the island.
CRIME INFORMATION: Street crime occurs occasionally in
Grenada. Tourists have been victims of armed robbery in isolated
areas, and thieves frequently steal U.S. passports, alien registration
cards, and money. Muggings, purse-snatchings and other robberies
may occur in areas near hotels, beaches and restaurants, particularly
after dark. Visitors should exercise appropriate caution when
walking after dark, or rely on taxis. Valuables left unattended
on beaches are subject to theft. Visitors may wish to consult
with local authorities, their hotels and/or the U.S. Embassy for
current information.
The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately
to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlets,
A Safe Trip Abroad and Tips
for Travelers to The Caribbean, for ways to promote a more
trouble-free journey. The pamphlets are available by mail from
the
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs,
or via the
Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical care is limited. U.S. citizens
requiring medical treatment may call the U.S. Embassy in St. George's
for a list of local doctors, dentists, pharmacies and hospitals.
Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical
evacuation to the U.S. can cost thousands of dollars or more.
Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for
health services. Pharmacies are well stocked, and prescription
medicine is available, but travelers are advised to bring with
them sufficient prescription medicine for their length of stay.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: U.S. medical insurance is not always
valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs
do not provide payment for medical services outside the United
States. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas
may face extreme difficulties. Please check with your own insurance
company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including
provision for medical evacuation. Please ascertain whether payment
will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether you
will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance
policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for
disposition of remains in the event of death. Useful information
on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs,
is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs
brochure, Medical Information for
Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular
Affairs home page or autofax: (202) 647-3000.
OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations
and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international
travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX
(1-888-232-3299), or via CDC's
Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country,
U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly
from those in the U.S. The information below concerning Grenada
is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally
accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation: Good
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Good
Traffic moves on the left in Grenada; therefore, the majority
of vehicles are right-hand drive. Grenada's system of paved and
unpaved roads (approx. 575 miles) consists of mostly narrow, winding
roads. Road surfaces often deteriorate, particularly in the rainy
season (June-November) before maintenance work begins. Grenada's
road conditions, increasing numbers of vehicles, and sometimes-undisciplined
minibus drivers (who provide public and for-hire transport) all
oblige caution and reduced speed for safety. For specific information
concerning Grenada driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road
tax and mandatory insurance, please contact the Grenada Tourism
Board in New York at telephone 1-800-927-9554.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Grenada's
civil aviation authority as Category 2 -- not in compliance with
international aviation safety standards for the oversight of Grenada's
air carrier operations. While consultations to correct the deficiencies
are ongoing, any of Grenada's air carriers with existing routes
to the U.S. will be permitted to conduct limited operations to
the U.S. subject to heightened FAA surveillance. No additional
flights or new service to the U.S. by Grenada's air carriers will
be permitted unless they arrange to have the flights conducted
by an air carrier from a country meeting international safety
standards.
For further information, travelers may contact the Department
of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit
the FAA's
Internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/. The U.S.
Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air
carriers for suitability as official providers of air services.
For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers,
travelers may contact the DOD at telephone (618) 229-4801.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Grenada customs authorities may
enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into
or export from Grenada of items such as firearms, antiquities,
business equipment, fruits and vegetables, electronics, and archaeological
items. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Grenada in Washington,
D.C. or the Consulate of Grenada in New York for specific information
regarding customs regulations.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S.
citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which
sometimes differ significantly from those in the U.S. and may
not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S.
law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in
the U.S. for similar offenses. Persons violating Grenada laws,
even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties
for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Grenada
are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences
and heavy fines.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: It is difficult to cash personal
U.S. checks in Grenada, and, if accepted, these will take approximately
six weeks to clear by a local bank. Major credit cards are widely
accepted, and ATM facilities are available at most banks.
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: Grenada has experienced tropical
storms during the hurricane season, from June through November.
General information about natural disaster preparedness is available
via the Internet from the
U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov/.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information
on international adoption of children and international parental
child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html
or telephone (202) 736-7000.
REGISTRATION/EMBASSY AND CONSULATE LOCATIONS: Americans
living in or visiting Grenada are encouraged to register at the
Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Grenada and obtain updated
information on travel and security within Grenada. The U.S. Embassy
is located on the right hand-side of the main road into Lance
aux Epines in the "Green Building," and is approximately 15 minutes
from the Point Salines International Airport. Telephone: 1-473-444-1173/4/5/6;
fax: 1-473-444-4820; Internet: http://www.spiceisle.com; email:
usemb_gd@caribsurf.com.
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