Saint Lucia speeds up arrival process with new online form

Saint Lucia is making its entry process more seamless for visitors with the introduction of an online Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) form that allows for the electronic processing of travellers.

The electronic ED Form, which activates March 1, aligns with initiatives by the Government of Saint Lucia towards a digital conversion of public sector services. 

It will replace the written form, providing real-time information to Immigration, Customs, and Port Health, and should "significantly reduce the processing time of arriving passengers," according to a press release. 

The system has been tested at the George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU) and at the Hewanorra International Airport (UVF), with "overwhelmingly positive feedback from the executing agencies." 

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Completion of the online form is only applicable to air travel and is not a requirement for boarding. However, passengers should submit prior arrival in Saint Lucia for swift processing on arrival. 

If the electronic form has not been completed by the time a passenger arrives in Saint Lucia, then the written form, provided by the airline or in country, will be required.

Four-step process

A simple four-step process requires travellers to;

1. Visit stlucia.org/entry
2. Complete and submit the user-friendly ED form.
3. Receive a QR code by email.
4. Present the QR code (one a device such as a phone, laptop, tablet etc., or a printed copy) and travel document (passport) to officials on arrival.

“We continuously strive to secure our borders and provide quality service to travellers at our points of entry while protecting the safety and security of our nationals, visitors, and business associates with a reliable immigration system. In advancing our seamless entry process, the written form will be phased out as of April 12, 2023" stated Sean Alexander, assistant superintendent in charge of the department of immigration.

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