In a landmark move aimed at facilitating smoother diplomatic engagements, Saint Lucia and India have inked a significant visa-waiver agreement. This agreement, signed on Wednesday, marks a historic milestone, granting holders of Diplomatic and Official passports the privilege of visa-free travel between the two nations.
Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre and the non-resident High Commissioner of India to Saint Lucia, H.E. Dr Shankar Balachandran, formalized the accord on April 16. This development is poised to bring about notable benefits, particularly in terms of reducing costs and waiting times for those traveling on official business between Saint Lucia and India.
Officials have emphasized that this agreement will not only streamline travel for diplomatic and official passport holders but will also extend its benefits to public servants awarded ITEC scholarships to pursue studies in India.
The signing ceremony, attended by witnesses including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Guillaume Simon, and officials from both nations’ Foreign Ministries, signifies a deepening of diplomatic ties between Saint Lucia and the Republic of India.
Previously, the application process for Saint Lucian holders of Diplomatic and Official passports seeking gratis diplomatic/official visas for travel to India was cumbersome and time-consuming. Applicants endured a wait of up to thirty (30) days, compelled to utilize courier services for the transportation of passports to India’s Embassy in Paramaribo for processing.
With this new agreement in place, however, the process for e-visas for ordinary passport holders from Saint Lucia traveling to India typically takes just 72 hours for processing and approval. This swift and efficient facilitation of travel arrangements underscores the commitment of both nations to fostering stronger bilateral relations and enhancing diplomatic cooperation.
