Grenada

If you're planning to explore Grenada's pristine beaches, establish business ventures, or pursue academic opportunities at St. George's University, understanding the island's visa framework is essential for seamless travel planning.

Professional Immigration Guidance for Caribbean Travel

Grenada maintains a relatively accessible visa policy for most visitors, with 107 jurisdictions eligible for visa-free entry for up to 3 months. Visa requirements are based on your country of citizenship, and vary significantly depending on your nationality and intended activities. Whether you're arriving for tourism in Grand Anse Beach, conducting business in St. George's, or engaging in educational pursuits, proper documentation ensures smooth entry. You must have a valid passport and return or onward ticket, with your passport valid for at least six months from your arrival.

Comprehensive Visa Category Analysis

Our expert guidance covers:

• Tourist visa requirements for short-term visits up to 90 days
• Business documentation for commercial activities and negotiations
• Student visa processes for academic programs including St. George's University
• Long-term residence pathways including investment options
• Visa on arrival procedures for eligible nationalities with pre-clearance letters

This comprehensive overview transforms complex Caribbean immigration regulations into clear, actionable strategies tailored to your specific travel objectives and citizenship status.

Most visitors to Grenada can enter visa-free for tourism and business purposes, with stay durations varying by nationality. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival with sufficient blank pages for entry stamps.

Visa-Free Access (90 Days)

Citizens of the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and British territories, European Union member states, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore can enter Grenada visa-free for stays up to 90 days. Over 107 jurisdictions in total are eligible for this 3-month visa-free entitlement. Citizens of Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom may also present proof of citizenship bearing a photograph (such as a birth certificate) plus one government-issued photo ID in lieu of a full passport.

Visa-Free Access (Other Durations)

• United Kingdom: Up to 180 days (6 months), applicable to all classes of British nationality
• China: 30 days visa-free
• CARICOM member states: Extended stay privileges
• Brazil, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, Israel, Turkey: Visa-free access available

Visa Required Countries

Nationals from countries including China (for stays beyond 30 days), India, Russia, Nigeria, and many African and Asian countries must obtain a visa before travel. Visa fees are USD 100 for a single-entry visa or USD 250 for a multiple-entry visa. Apply through Grenadian embassies or authorized visa processing centers. In countries where Grenada has no resident diplomatic mission, visas may in certain cases be processed through United Kingdom diplomatic missions — verify with the nearest UK embassy or Grenada consulate before travelling.

Transit Requirements

Transit passengers remaining in the airport international zone typically do not need visas. However, if you must clear immigration or have layovers exceeding 24 hours, standard visa requirements apply based on your nationality.

Important Entry Requirements

• Return or onward ticket required
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay
• Proof of accommodation
• Entry purpose must match visa-free categories
• Electronic Departure/Arrival Card (ED Card): As of March 2, 2026, all travellers must complete this online at edcard.gov.gd before or upon arrival — mandatory for all nationalities including visa-exempt visitors

Grenada offers several visa categories designed to accommodate different travel purposes and durations. Understanding the specific requirements and conditions for each visa type ensures you select the appropriate option for your intended stay.

Tourist and Visitor Visas

Short-term Tourist Visa permits stays up to 3 months for leisure activities, family visits, and sightseeing. Extensions of stay may be obtained at the Immigration Authorities Office in Grenada. Many visitors from visa-exempt countries receive automatic entry permission valid for 90 days upon arrival.

Long-term Visitor Visa accommodates extended stays beyond 3 months for tourism purposes, requiring additional documentation and higher fees.

Business Visa Categories

Business visas cater to various commercial activities:

• Conference and Meeting Visa for attending business events
• Investment Exploration Visa for evaluating business opportunities
• Trade Mission Visa for commercial negotiations and partnerships

Processing times typically range up to 10 days for standard applications. Multiple-entry options are available for frequent business travelers, with fees of 100 USD for single entry visas or 250 USD for multiple entry visas.

Work and Employment Visas

Work Permit Visa is valid for one year and requires prior employment authorization from Grenadian authorities. Applications must include employment contracts, skills assessments, medical certificates, and police clearance. The wait time to process a work visa application in Grenada is around 14 days before final confirmation. Work permits can be extended for three months before the visa expires, provided visa holders continue to meet requirements. The sponsoring employer must demonstrate that no suitably qualified Grenadian national is available to fill the position.

Student and Academic Visas

Student Visa covers enrollment in recognized educational institutions. Required documentation includes acceptance letters, financial proof, and academic transcripts. Validity typically matches study program duration. A passport valid for at least six months and a completed application form for each applicant are mandatory requirements.

Transit and Multiple-Entry Options

Transit Visa allows stays up to 60 days with visa on arrival for eligible nationalities. Multiple-entry visas are available for most categories, particularly beneficial for business and family reunion purposes. These typically require higher processing fees but provide flexibility for frequent travelers.

Special Categories

Diplomatic and official visas require government sponsorship and are processed through official channels. Family reunion visas necessitate relationship documentation and sponsor guarantees. Citizens of OECS member nations and CARICOM citizens with a Skills Certificate do not require a Work Permit to work in Grenada.

Processing Times & Visa Categories

Grenada offers several visa categories for foreign nationals requiring entry authorization. Tourist visas typically process within 5-10 business days for most nationalities. Business visa and work permit applications require 2-4 weeks standard processing, while student visas generally take 3-6 weeks due to additional documentation requirements. The Digital Nomad Visa, introduced for remote workers, processes within approximately two weeks; however, apply at least 6 weeks before departure as the application must be submitted by post to the Embassy of Grenada and is not accepted online.

Application Costs & Fee Structure

• Tourist visa: Single-entry visas cost approximately EC$270 (USD 100) with multiple-entry visas at EC$675 (USD 250)
• Business visa: USD 150-200 depending on entry type and duration
• Work permits: USD 300-500 plus processing fees
• Student visas: USD 200-300
• Digital Nomad Visa: USD 1,500 for single applicants; USD 2,000 for a family of up to four (USD 200 per additional dependent beyond four)

Expedited processing available for additional USD 75-100, reducing standard timeframes by approximately 50%. Visa on arrival is available for a limited number of nationalities.

Application Locations & Methods

Applications are processed through the Grenada Immigration Department or authorized diplomatic missions abroad. Online applications are available through the official government portal for certain visa types. Applications can also be submitted at Grenadian embassies, high commissions, or consulates in your country of residence. As of March 2, 2026, all travellers must additionally complete the Electronic Departure/Arrival Card (ED Card) at edcard.gov.gd before arrival — this is separate from the visa application process. Peak processing occurs during the December through April tourist season, potentially extending standard timeframes by 3-5 days.

Essential Documentation

• Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity from date of arrival
• Completed visa application form for each applicant
• Passport-size photographs measuring 3.5 x 4.5 cm, with one notarized
• Proof of accommodation arrangements and return or onward travel tickets
• Financial statements demonstrating sufficient funds for your stay or sponsorship letters
• Travel itinerary and purpose of visit documentation

Payment & Contact Information

Payment methods accepted include credit cards, money orders, and certified checks. Tourist visa validity typically ranges from 30 days to 90 days depending on nationality and visa type. Work permits are generally valid for up to 12 months. Extensions are available through local immigration offices for fees of USD 25-50. Most visa-exempt visitors automatically receive 30-day entry stamps that can be extended if needed.

Contact: Grenada Immigration Department - Tel: +1-473-440-2791

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Category

Identify the correct visa type based on your travel purpose. Tourist visas accommodate leisure travel, while business visas cover commercial activities. Work visas require additional documentation including employer letters addressed to the Labour Minister of Grenada. Consider duration requirements and entry restrictions specific to your nationality. Many nationalities enjoy visa-free access for stays up to 90 days, while longer stays require formal visa applications.

Step 2: Gather Required Documentation

Prepare essential documents systematically:

• Valid passport with minimum 6-month validity from departure date
• Completed application forms with accurate information
• Two passport-style photographs measuring 3.5 by 4.5 cm, one notarized
• Financial statements demonstrating sufficient funds
• Travel itinerary and accommodation confirmations
• Return or onward travel tickets

For work visa applications, include qualification documents such as diplomas, employer reference letters, a letter from your future employer addressed to the Labour Minister, and a police certificate showing no criminal record. Document legalization may be required for certain certificates. Ensure translations are certified if documents are not in English.

Step 3: Complete Application Forms

Obtain application forms from Grenada consulates or authorized visa centers. All forms must be completed in full with typed information. Download the official application form, fill it out completely with accurate information, and sign it before submission. Missing information or handwritten applications may result in delays or rejection.

Step 4: Schedule and Submit Application

Submit applications in person at Grenada consulates or authorized visa centers. Book appointments at designated consular offices such as the Consulate General of Grenada in New York or the Embassy of Grenada in Washington, D.C. Applications cannot be submitted without original passports. Biometric data collection is required for visa applicants and will be mandatory for all Grenadian passport holders from mid-2026 onwards.

Step 5: Pay Processing Fees

Pay visa fees at the time of application submission. Single-entry visa fees are 100 USD, while multiple-entry visa fees are 250 USD. Payment methods include cash in person at the consulate, certified checks, or money orders payable to the Embassy of Grenada. Retain payment receipts for tracking purposes. If your passport must be returned by mail, pay additional courier fees ranging from 20 USD to 60 USD depending on delivery speed and destination.

Step 6: Track Application Progress

Processing times typically range from 5 to 10 business days for standard applications. Monitor application status through the consulate where you submitted your documents. Contact the visa section directly if processing exceeds the standard timeframe or if additional information is requested.

Step 7: Collect Your Visa

Retrieve approved visas from submission locations in person or arrange delivery through courier services. You must present your passport and application receipt when collecting the visa. If denied, review refusal reasons and address any deficiencies before reapplying. Visas are valid only for the period specified and do not authorize work in Grenada unless separately approved by the Ministry of Labour.

As of March 2, 2026, Grenada requires all travellers to complete an Electronic Departure/Arrival Card (ED Card) before reaching a port of entry. The digital platform, accessible at edcard.gov.gd, replaces the paper immigration form previously distributed on board aircraft or at the port. Completing the ED Card is mandatory for all nationalities — including those with visa-free access — and there is no fee for submission.

Who Must Complete the ED Card

Every individual arriving in or departing from Grenada by air or sea must complete the ED Card. This includes tourists, business visitors, students, returning residents, and transit passengers who clear Grenadian immigration. Cruise ship passengers should confirm specific requirements with their carrier, as cruise terminal processing may be managed separately by the cruise line.

How to Submit

• Visit edcard.gov.gd on any internet-connected device
• Enter your travel document details, personal information, travel itinerary, and accommodation address in Grenada
• Complete the customs declaration section regarding goods and currency being brought into the country
• Submit the form and retain your confirmation reference for presentation at immigration

Authorities recommend completing the ED Card the day before travel or before departing your port of embarkation. Submissions are accepted within 72 hours of arrival. Travellers who have not completed the card online may be required to do so at the port of entry, causing delays.

Information Required

• Full legal name as shown on your travel document
• Passport or travel document number, nationality, and country of residence
• Date and port of arrival; flight or vessel number
• Address of accommodation in Grenada
• Customs declaration: goods and currency being brought into the country

Ports of Entry

The ED Card system operates at all Grenadian ports of entry, including Maurice Bishop International Airport in Point Salines (St. George's) and the main seaports and ferry terminals. The system is designed to reduce queuing times at arrival and provide immigration and customs authorities with advance passenger information. Holding a valid visa does not exempt a traveller from completing the ED Card — the two processes are entirely separate.

The Grenada passport gives citizens — natural-born or naturalised through the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme — visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 140 countries and territories as of 2026. This section covers the passport's global reach, renewal cost, and the CBI programme for those seeking to obtain Grenadian citizenship.

Visa-Free and Visa-on-Arrival Destinations

Key destinations accessible without a prior visa for Grenadian passport holders include:

• United Kingdom and British Overseas Territories
• All Schengen Area member states
• Singapore and Hong Kong
• China: visa-free for stays up to 30 days per year
• Russia and several Gulf states including Saudi Arabia
• All CARICOM and OECS member states
• Many Latin American, African, and Asian destinations

The full list is reviewed periodically; verify the current count with the Grenada Passport and Immigration Department or a recognised index such as the Henley Passport Index.

Passport Validity and Renewal Cost

Grenada issues a biometric ePassport valid for 10 years. The standard government renewal fee for a 10-year adult passport is USD 350 for natural-born citizens. CBI passport holders renewing from abroad also pay legal representation and courier fees through their authorised agent, increasing total costs. Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks; begin renewal at least 6 months before expiry, particularly when renewing overseas.

Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme

The CBI programme lets qualifying investors and eligible family members obtain Grenadian citizenship and a passport with the same travel rights as natural-born citizens. Investment routes include:

• National Transformation Fund (NTF): non-refundable government contribution from USD 235,000 for a single applicant
• Approved real estate: acquisition of a government-approved property or qualifying development share

Processing takes approximately 9 to 12 months with mandatory government due diligence. A spouse, dependent children, and certain qualifying relatives can be included in one application. The programme is administered by the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU).

US E-2 Treaty Visa and Global Mobility

Because Grenada maintains a US E-2 Treaty, Grenadian passport holders — including CBI recipients — may apply for the US E-2 investor visa, permitting US residence and business operation. This is a primary draw for nationals of countries without a US E-2 treaty, such as India, China, Russia, and Nigeria, who simultaneously gain Schengen and UK visa-free access. The Grenada CBI programme accepts applicants from most countries globally, subject to government due diligence clearance.