Saint Lucia's passport is one of the main attributes of Saint Lucia citizenship. Like most Caribbean passports, it is of blue colour. On the cover are placed the coat of arms of the country and the official seal of the government. The coat of arms, among other symbols, depicts the national bird – the parrot of Saint Lucia, the national plant – bamboo and the country's motto – "Earth, People, Light".
One of the most valuable advantages of the document is the possibility of free movement around the world. Only the list of visa-free countries includes more than 90 countries, and in 40 you can apply for a visa upon arrival. You can find out which countries with a Saint Lucia passport you can travel to without a visa in the world passport rating.
Every citizen has the right to receive an identity card. However, depending on the needs, the passport can be of the following types:
- Ordinary – Identification on standard international travel.
- Official – issued to public servants.
- Diplomatic – this passport is issued to the diplomats working abroad.
- Emergency – provided in emergency situations when there is no time for standard procedures.
How to get a Saint Lucia passport?
Only citizens of the country can apply for a passport. An applicant who has become a resident by right of birth is obliged to provide a birth certificate. When obtaining the status through adoption or marriage, it is necessary to undergo the naturalization procedure with the provision of an appropriate package of documents.
Saint Lucia has a Citizenship By Investment program (CBI). Any foreigner for the amount of $200,000 can become a citizen and extend the right to members of his/her family. In this case, it is necessary to provide a package of documents confirming the investments and the legality of the funds received.
The CBI program is the only economic way to obtain a passport for persons who have no family ties with citizens of Saint Lucia. This could include investment in real estate, donations to the National Economic Fund, or purchase of government bonds.
How can receive Saint Lucia Citizenship?
All residence programs and, accordingly, passports are available if they meet the criteria. The fastest way is the purchase. The passport sales program was launched in 2015 and provides access to a simplified procedure for registration. In this case, it is not required to comply with the requirements for the minimum period of residence, request a residence permit or pass language tests, but special requirements are established for financial investments and proof of the legality of the funds contributed. Simultaneously with the applicant, family members can become citizens.
In addition can file a petition on one of the following grounds:
- By birthright.
- By origin right.
- By marriage to a citizen.
- By naturalization procedure, having lived in the country for at least 7 years.
Applicants residing abroad are required to contact the nearest consulate. For residents of Saint Lucia, there is a registration procedure at the Royal Saint Lucia Police.
Step by step, the process of obtaining a national ID is as follows:
Depending on the chosen program, the basis for obtaining a naturalization certificate, a permanent resident card and a passport is being prepared.
In accordance with the current list, the necessary documentation is collected, translated and notarized.
The Royal Police Department is provided with the main form, a package of documents and a receipt of payment of fees for application processing.
The authorized subdivision verifies the documents and makes a decision.
Once the approval has been granted, it is necessary to go to the Royal Police Station in person and obtain an identity card.
Current forms and guides for registration of residence and other documents of Saint Lucia can be found on the website.
Saint Lucia Citizenship Act
By law, the procedures for granting passports are regulated by the Citizenship Act of 1979 and the Constitution of 1978 . The regulatory framework determines who is eligible or has the right to become a citizen. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the current amendments.
In June 2024, the government adopted a number of modifications to the current Law on Citizenship. Now, persons born outside Saint Lucia automatically qualify for a passport if the mother, father, grandmother or grandfather has the status of a citizen by birthright.
The procedures for granting a passport through investment are governed by the Citizenship by Investment Law No.14 of 2015 and subsequent amendments, the latest of which is Regulation No.2 of 2022.
Local law allows multiple passports to be held at the same time, as long as this does not conflict with the laws of the applicant's home country. At the same time, there is a requirement for entry and exit on the identity card of Saint Lucia.
Documents for the passport
An applicant who has passed the established procedures for obtaining residence is required to apply for a national identity card. The application must be made at the office of the Royal Saint Lucia Police or, if the applicant is abroad, at the nearest consulate. Detailed information about the procedure is available on the official website of the government of the country.
Each application must be supported by a package of documents that is translated into English and duly legalized. In a standard situation, the checklist includes the following:
- Copy of a valid foreign passport.
- 6 recent passport size photos.
- Autobiography.
- Marriage certificate (if applicable).
- Police clearance certificate.
- Certificates of Conscription (if applicable).
How much does a Saint Lucia passport cost?
The cost of obtaining a local identity card depends on the chosen path to obtain residence. In addition to direct investments, the Golden Passport program provides for a variety of administrative fees for each candidate included in the application. For example, a non-refundable fee of $5,000 is charged for the trustworthiness verification of the candidate. It is also necessary to add fees for legal services and expertise, legalization of documents, etc.
The cost of processing an application for obtaining an internal ID is $29 in the usual mode (up to 14 days) and $48 in the express mode (up to 5 days). To receive the passport in hand, the applicant must provide payment receipts.