In a significant diplomatic move, the Government of Saint Lucia, under the auspices of the Ministry of External Affairs, has secured a breakthrough visa waiver arrangement facilitating visa-free travel to India for holders of Diplomatic and Official passports.
The historic accord, inked on April 16, 2024, marks a milestone in bilateral relations between Saint Lucia and the Republic of India. Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre, alongside His Excellency Dr. Shankar Balachandran, the non-resident High Commissioner of India to Saint Lucia, formalized the agreement.
Previously, the application process for Saint Lucian holders of Diplomatic and Official passports necessitated cumbersome procedures, with processing times stretching up to thirty days. Applicants were compelled to engage courier services for the transportation of passports to India’s Embassy in Paramaribo for processing.
Under the new agreement, holders of ordinary passports from Saint Lucia seeking to travel to India can anticipate streamlined processing of e-visas, typically within a timeframe of 72 hours.
This development is poised to significantly alleviate financial burdens and reduce wait times for individuals traveling to India on official duties. Moreover, the accord extends its benefits to public servants awarded ITEC scholarships for educational pursuits in India.
The signing ceremony, attended by officials including Permanent Secretary Guillaume Simon from the Ministry of External Affairs, underscores the commitment to fortify diplomatic ties between Saint Lucia and the Republic of India. The agreement will be enacted upon ratification by both nations, heralding a new era of cooperation and ease in travel between the two countries.