TRAVELLING TO THE ISLAND
Flights
St. Lucia has two airports: Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) located in Vieux Fort and George F. Charles Airport (SLU) located in Castries. Students should do their best to fly into Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) since it is located approximately five minutes from the campus. After arriving in UVF, students will be greeted at the airport by an IAU Welcome Committee who will transport them from the airport. Students flying into Castries (SLU) will have to arrange their travel from Castries to Vieux Fort, which is about a one-hour taxi ride, costing approximately US$100.
Airlines serving UVF direct include American Airlines (JFK, MIA), Jet Blue (JFK), Delta (ATL), US Airways (CLT), British Airways (LGW), Virgin Atlantic (LGW), Air Canada (YYZ), Sunwing (YYZ), Air Transat (YYZ), and West Jet (YYZ), among others.
Students are advised by the Office of Student Services as to which day they should arrive on the island. Traditionally students are requested to arrive the Wednesday to the Saturday before Orientation Day. Upon arrival at UVF airport all students and guests are greeted by an IAU Welcome Committee who then transports them to their new apartment in St. Lucia.
Immigration Documents
United States and Canadian citizens are not required to have a visa prior to entering St. Lucia. All other nationals as well as Green Card holders will be required to obtain a visa before arrival in St. Lucia. The University assists students in processing visas through the Immigration office in St. Lucia. All visa paperwork is due to the Office of Student Services as quickly as possible in order for visas to be processed in a timely manner. Students who will require a visa are responsible for contacting the Office of Student Services to begin the visa application process immediately after acceptance into the University. For more information regarding St. Lucia immigration and travel information please visit the St. Lucia Government website.
Students flying through the UK or Europe may need a Transit Visa and should contact the Office of Student Services immediately. The Transit Visa application process can be rather lengthy and complicated and can take up to 2 months. It is the responsibility of the student to apply for this visa before traveling to St. Lucia. For more detailed information regarding transit visas please visit the UK Government website or the Netherlands Government website or German Government website.
Campus Visits
We highly encourage students and family members to travel to St. Lucia for a campus tour. IAU offers a Flight Reimbursement program for all prospective students who wish to visit the island and campus before attending. This reimbursement is offered for one flight cost (or up to a maximum amount) and is credited toward the second semester tuition. Campus visits are arranged on an individual basis through the Office of Student Services, as some dates are not available for campus visits. Students and family members can take a campus tour, attend classes, meet with faculty and students, and even take a tour of the island during their stay in St. Lucia. Please contact the Office of Student Services for more information regarding campus visits.
For visiting students or guests we recommend a few hotels in the Vieux Fort area:
Kimatrai Hotel – located within walking distance of the campus and downtown Vieux Fort, restaurant on location, approximately $40 per night.
Juliette’s Lodge – located within 5 minute drive from campus, restaurant and pool on location, approximately $70 per night.
Coconut Bay Resort and Spa – located within 5 minute drive from campus, all-inclusive resort, all meals included, spa and pools on location, approximately $150 per person per night.
Photo Gallery - IAU Campus
