Saint Kitts and Nevis | North America

Saint Kitts and Nevis is a dual-island sovereign state in the Leeward Islands. As of January 2026, the nation is undergoing a significant "Sustainable Island State" transformation, prioritizing digital infrastructure and environmental resilience; the capital city is Basseterre.

Visa & Entry Policy

EU, US, and UK passport holders are granted visa-free entry for tourist stays of up to 90 days. As of September 1, 2025, all visitors (excluding OECS members) must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) prior to departure. The eTA fee is $17.00 USD. Application is made via the St. Kitts & Nevis e-Border app or official website. Entry requires a passport valid for at least six months, proof of onward/return travel, and evidence of sufficient funds. Travelers using the mobile app qualify for fast-track arrival via contactless biometric corridors.

Language & Communication

English is the official language and primary medium for all formal sectors. English proficiency is high and universal. Saint Kitts Creole is the dominant local vernacular. In 2026, the government has integrated the "Limin'" cultural philosophy into its national tourism branding, emphasizing the local art of social relaxation.

Currency & Payment Systems

The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD), pegged to the US Dollar at 2.70 XCD to 1 USD. As of January 2026, the Federation has launched a National Digital ID (e-ID) pilot, providing 25,000 citizens with secure access to public services. For travelers, credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are standard in Basseterre and Charlestown. DCash, the ECCB digital currency, is widely accepted for mobile payments. Cash remains necessary for local buses and small vendors.

National Transport Grid

Inter-island transit is managed by a high-frequency ferry system between Basseterre and Charlestown, and the Sea Bridge car ferry from Major’s Bay to Cades Bay. As of 2026, the St. Kitts Scenic Railway has been upgraded with hybrid-electric engines to align with the Sustainable Island State Agenda. Intra-island travel relies on privately owned minibuses (identifiable by green "H" license plates) and taxis.

Digital Infrastructure

Primary mobile network providers are Flow and Digicel. As of early 2026, 5G services have reached over 70% population coverage, concentrated in the Basseterre-Frigate Bay corridor and Charlestown. A new national government e-payments platform is scheduled for full rollout by mid-2026, centralizing all government fee settlements into a single digital gateway.

Climate & Seasonality

The climate is tropical maritime. The dry season runs from January to May. The wet season spans from June to December. In late 2025, the government introduced the Child Climate Risk Index–Disaster Risk Model, the first of its kind in the region, to improve real-time responses to climate-related hazards like flash floods and extreme heat events.

Health & Safety

No mandatory vaccines are required unless arriving from a Yellow Fever endemic country. High-quality private and public healthcare is centered at the Joseph N. France General Hospital (St. Kitts) and Alexandra Hospital (Nevis). The emergency number for all services is 911.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Saint George Basseterre: Hub: Basseterre (Commercial/Cruise Port).

Saint Paul Charlestown (Nevis): Hub: Charlestown (Historical/Administrative).

Saint Thomas Lowland (Nevis): Hub: Pinney's Beach (Luxury Tourism).

Local Cost Index

1L Water: 4.25 XCD ($1.60 USD)

1 Domestic Beer (0.5L): 7.00 XCD ($2.60 USD)

1 SIM Card (10GB Data): 115.00 XCD ($42.50 USD)

Facts & Legends

Saint Kitts was the first British and French colony in the Caribbean, earning it the title "The Mother Colony." The island's original name, Liamuiga, means "fertile land." A prominent legend on Nevis involves the Eden Brown Estate, which is said to be haunted by a "weeping bride" after a 17th-century duel between her fiancé and her brother left both men dead on her wedding night. Historically, St. Kitts is the site of the largest greenhouse in the Caribbean, part of its 2026 initiative to fortify local food security.