English

Anglican, other Protestant, Roman Catholic

St. Kitts and Nevis is a developing Caribbean nation consisting of two islands.

Saint Kitts and Nevis Defense Force (includes Coast Guard), Royal Saint Kitts and Nevis Police Force.

The US does not have an embassy in Saint Kitts and Nevis; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Saint Kitts and Nevis.

The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires all travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada to have a valid passport to enter or re-enter the United States. When traveling by air, U.S. citizens must have a valid U.S. passport.  When traveling by sea, as of June 1, 2009, all U.S. travelers must have a U.S. passport or U.S. passport card.   We strongly encourage all American citizen travelers to apply for a U.S. passport or passport card well in advance of anticipated travel.  American citizens can visit travel.state.gov or call 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) for information on how to apply for their passports. 

Visitors may be asked to present an onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover the cost of their visit.  Stays of up to three months are granted at immigration.  Anyone requiring an extension must apply to the Ministry of National Security.  There is an airport departure tax and environmental levy charged when leaving the country.  Visit the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis web site for the most current visa information.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site.  For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.

Airports: 11, Airports w/paved runways: 3

Crime: Petty street crime occurs in St. Kitts and Nevis, as well as the occasional burglary; visitors and residents should take common-sense precautions. Travelers should avoid carrying large amounts of cash and use hotel safety deposit facilities to safeguard valuables and travel documents. Travelers should not leave valuables unattended on the beach or in cars and should exercise caution when walking alone at night.
Traffic in St. Kitts and Nevis moves on the left-hand side of the road.
All Caribbean countries can be affected by hurricanes. The hurricane season normally runs from June to the end of November, but there have been hurricanes in December in recent years.

Infant MR total: 13.74 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth: TOTAL 72.66 years  (male 69.81/female 75.69)
 

Required: None
Recommended: Hep A & B, Typhoid, Boosters: MMR, DPT as needed
 

Dengue epidemics have occurred on many of the Caribbean islands. Most islands are infested with Aedes aegypti, so these places are at risk for introduction of dengue.

Cutaneous larval migrans is a risk for travelers with exposures on beaches and leptospirosis is common in many areas and poses a risk to travelers engaged in recreational freshwater activities.  Such activities may include whitewater rafting, kayaking, adventure racing, or hiking. Outbreaks of ciguatera poisoning, which results from eating toxin-containing reef fish, have occurred on many islands.

Endemic foci of histoplasmosis are found on many Caribbean islands, and outbreaks have occurred in travelers.

Medical care is limited. There are three general hospitals on St. Kitts, and one on Nevis. Both islands have several health clinics. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the US can cost thousands of dollars. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services.

In 2006, malaria (falciparum) was confirmed in travelers to Great Exuma, Bahamas, and Kingston, Jamaica, areas where malaria transmission typically does not occur.

Country Code:  1-869 
Internet Code:  .kn