Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Enhanced Digital Entry System
Grenada has introduced a streamlined online pre-arrival form for all visitors, which must be completed 24-72 hours before arrival. It's free and includes health declarations; failure to submit can result in boarding denial. This system helps manage tourism flow and ensures quick processing at Maurice Bishop International Airport.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Grenada, with at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. This is a standard CARICOM requirement to prevent issues upon re-entry to your home country.
Children under 18 traveling without both parents should carry a notarized consent letter and birth certificate to avoid delays at immigration.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, EU countries, Australia, and many others can enter visa-free for up to three months for tourism or business. This covers over 100 nationalities, making Grenada accessible for short stays without prior visa applications.
Always verify with the Grenada Immigration Department or your embassy, as lists can update; overstaying incurs fines starting at $100 EC per day.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring visas (e.g., China, India, certain African countries), apply at a Grenadian embassy or consulate at least one month in advance, submitting proof of return ticket, accommodation, and sufficient funds ($100 USD/day minimum).
Visa fees range from $50-100 USD, with processing times of 5-15 business days; online applications are available for some via the official eVisa portal for faster approval.
Border Crossings
Entry is primarily via Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND) in St. George's, with seamless arrivals for pre-cleared passengers; expect a quick customs check for declarations of goods over $250 USD duty-free allowance.
Yacht and cruise arrivals at Port Louis Marina or Grand Anse require advance notice to customs; regional CARICOM flights often have expedited processing without full border controls.
Travel Insurance
While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical evacuation (costs can exceed $50,000 USD), trip delays, and adventure activities like scuba diving or hiking in Grand Etang National Park.
Policies from providers like World Nomads start at $30 USD for a week; ensure coverage for hurricanes during the wet season and include baggage loss for island-hopping trips.
Extensions Possible
Visa-free stays can be extended up to six months total by applying at the Immigration Office in St. George's before your initial period expires, providing reasons like medical needs or extended tourism with proof of funds.
Extension fees are around $50 EC, and approval isn't guaranteed; plan ahead to avoid fines or deportation, which can bar re-entry for up to five years.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Grenada uses the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD or EC$). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Grenada (GND) by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for direct flights from Miami or New York during the dry season.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at roadside stalls for oil down (national dish) or fresh fish under $10 USD, skipping resort restaurants to save up to 50% on food costs.
Visit farmers' markets in St. George's for spices, fruits, and ready-to-eat meals at bargain prices, supporting local vendors while keeping your budget intact.
Public Transport Passes
Use affordable minibuses ($1-2 USD per ride) for island travel, or rent a scooter for $25/day to explore independently and cut taxi expenses by 70%.
No formal passes needed, but buying multi-ride cards at bus stations can offer slight discounts for frequent hops between parishes like St. George and St. David.
Free Attractions
Relax on public beaches like Grand Anse or Morne Rouge, hike the free trails in Grand Etang National Park, and wander St. George's colorful streets for authentic, cost-free experiences.
Many spice plantations offer self-guided tours without fees; join community events like Carnival rehearsals for cultural immersion at no extra cost.
Card vs Cash
Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted at hotels and larger shops, but carry EC$ cash for markets, small eateries, and rural areas where ATMs are scarce.
Withdraw from bank ATMs for the best rates (avoid airport exchanges); notify your bank of travel to prevent card blocks during your stay.
Attraction Bundles
Opt for multi-site passes like the Grenada Heritage Trail ticket ($20 USD) covering forts, museums, and gardens, which pays off after two visits and saves 40% on individual entries.
Combine with free entry days at sites like Fort George for panoramic views, maximizing value on historical explorations.
Smart Packing for Grenada
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton or linen clothes for the tropical heat, including swimwear, cover-ups, and quick-dry shorts for beach days and island excursions.
Include a light rain jacket or poncho for sudden showers, and modest attire like long pants for visiting religious sites or rural villages to respect local customs.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter for Type A/B/G plugs (110-240V), a waterproof phone case for beach use, portable charger for off-grid hikes, and a GoPro for underwater adventures.
Download offline maps of Grenada via apps like Maps.me and currency converters; solar chargers are handy for eco-lodges without constant power.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a basic first-aid kit with motion sickness remedies for boat trips, prescription meds, and high-SPF reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life.
Include DEET-based insect repellent for mosquito-prone areas, water purification tablets for remote hikes, and a whistle or personal alarm for solo explorations in national parks.
Travel Gear
Pack a waterproof daypack for snorkeling gear and market visits, a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated on humid trails, and a sarong for versatile beach lounging or sun protection.
Bring photocopies of passport/insurance in a waterproof pouch, a money belt for securing valuables on crowded buses, and eco-friendly reef shoes to avoid coral damage while exploring lagoons.
Footwear Strategy
Choose flip-flops or sandals for beach hopping and casual strolls in St. George's, paired with sturdy water shoes for rocky shores and river tubing adventures.
Hiking sandals or lightweight boots are ideal for trails in Grand Etang or Levera National Park; break them in beforehand to handle uneven terrain and potential mud from rains.
Personal Care
Opt for travel-sized biodegradable sunscreen, shampoo, and body wash to minimize environmental impact on fragile ecosystems; include aloe vera for sunburn relief after long beach days.
Pack a wide-brim hat, polarized sunglasses for glare off turquoise waters, and a compact dry bag for protecting items during catamaran sails or waterfall swims.
When to Visit Grenada
Dry Season Start (January-March)
Peak dry period with sunny skies, low humidity, and temperatures of 25-30°C, ideal for beach lounging at Grand Anse and sailing the Grenadines without rain interruptions.
Fewer crowds post-holidays make it perfect for spice tours in Gouyave and hiking Annandale Falls; expect vibrant Carnival preparations in February for cultural immersion.
Dry Season Peak (April-June)
Warm weather around 28-32°C with minimal rain, great for scuba diving at Underwater Sculpture Park and yacht charters; shoulder season means lower prices than high winter months.
Attend the Grenada Sailing Festival in April or enjoy blooming nutmeg plantations; it's prime time for eco-adventures like birdwatching in Mount Hartman Dove Sanctuary.
Wet Season Early (July-September)
Budget-friendly with lush greenery from afternoon showers (25-30°C), suitable for indoor activities like rum tastings at River Antoine Distillery and exploring Carriacou museums.
Wave season deals on resorts up to 40% off; monitor for early hurricane risks, but it's excellent for waterfall hikes with fuller cascades and fewer tourists.
Wet Season End (October-December)
Transition to dry with occasional storms (26-31°C), ideal for chocolate festivals in November and pre-holiday deals; cooling trade winds make it comfortable for spice market visits.
Avoid peak hurricane months but catch Spicemas Carnival in August if visiting early; great for budget travelers seeking authentic experiences before the high season rush.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD or EC$). Fixed at 2.70 EC$ = 1 USD. USD widely accepted but change given in EC$; ATMs dispense both.
- Language: English is official. French patois and Creole dialects common in rural areas; basic English suffices for tourists.
- Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST), UTC-4 year-round (no daylight saving).
- Electricity: 220-240V, 50Hz. Type A/B/G plugs (US-style flat pins and UK three-pin).
- Emergency Number: 911 for police, medical, or fire assistance across the island.
- Tipping: 10-15% customary in restaurants and for taxis; not expected for small services like market purchases.
- Water: Tap water safe in main towns but boil or use bottled in rural areas to avoid stomach issues; eco-friendly bottled options available.
- Pharmacies: Readily available in St. George's and Gouyave. Look for "Pharmacy" signs; 24-hour options at major hospitals like General Hospital.