Saint Kitts and Nevis is a two-island federation in the eastern Caribbean Sea and the smallest sovereign state in the Western Hemisphere by both area and population. It is a member of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). On May 26, 2025, Saint Kitts and Nevis introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system, replacing prior visa-free arrangements for many nationalities. The country is known for its Citizenship by Investment Programme (CBI), one of the oldest in the world.

2. OECS Freedom of Movement

Citizens of OECS member states enjoy unrestricted freedom of movement to Saint Kitts and Nevis, with no time limit on their stay. National identity documents are accepted instead of a passport.

OECS Member States — Unrestricted Entry (National ID Accepted) • Antigua and Barbuda • Commonwealth of Dominica • Grenada • Montserrat • Saint Lucia • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

3. Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) System

Effective May 26, 2025, Saint Kitts and Nevis implemented an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system. Under this system, most nationalities that previously enjoyed visa-free access must now obtain an eTA before travel. The eTA is a single-entry authorisation valid for 90 days from the date of issue, costing USD 17. It is obtained online prior to departure.

3.1 eTA — 6 Months Stay

The following countries are granted an eTA permitting a stay of up to 6 months:

6-Month eTA Countries • Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago (CARICOM non-OECS) • Canada • United Kingdom • United States of America

3.2 eTA — 3 Months Stay

Approximately 100 countries receive a 3-month eTA. This includes:

Key 3-Month eTA Countries • All European Union member states • Australia, New Zealand • Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein • Japan, South Korea, Singapore • Saudi Arabia, UAE • India • Israel, Turkey • Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru • South Africa • And approximately 80+ other countries

3.3 eTA — 30 Days Stay

The following countries receive a 30-day eTA:

30-Day eTA Countries • Belarus • China (People’s Republic) • Indonesia • Macao SAR

3.4 eTA — 27 Days Stay

Cuba is entitled to a 27-day eTA.

4. eTA Details and Process

eTA Key Facts • Type: Single-entry authorisation • Validity: 90 days from date of issue • Fee: USD 17 • Application: Online, prior to departure • Processing time: Typically within hours to 1-2 business days • Cruise ship passengers: Exempt from eTA requirement

5. Visa on Arrival and e-Visa

Nationals requiring a visa (not covered by the eTA system) may apply for an e-Visa through the official government portal. For those arriving without pre-approval, a visa on arrival may be available at the port of entry at a cost of USD 100, but only with a printed approval letter obtained in advance from the immigration authorities.

6. Pending / Unratified Agreements

Saint Kitts and Nevis has signed but not yet ratified visa agreements with the following countries, meaning these arrangements are not yet in effect:

Unsigned / Unratified Visa Agreements • Marshall Islands • Morocco • Montenegro • Oman • South Sudan • Sudan • Togo

7. Entry Requirements

• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity (or national ID for OECS nationals)
• eTA approval document (for applicable nationalities)
• Return or onward ticket from Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of stay
• Confirmed hotel or accommodation address
• Completed immigration/landing card

8. Summary Table

Category	Countries / Notes	Duration
OECS Freedom of Movement	Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St Lucia, St Vincent (ID accepted)	Indefinite
eTA — 6 Months	CARICOM (non-OECS), Canada, UK, US	6 months
eTA — 3 Months	EU, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, India, Saudi Arabia, UAE, ~100+ countries	3 months
eTA — 30 Days	Belarus, China, Indonesia, Macao	30 days
eTA — 27 Days	Cuba	27 days
eTA Fee	USD 17, single-entry, 90-day validity	—
Visa on Arrival	Visa-required nationalities with printed approval	USD 100
Cruise Passengers	Exempt from eTA	Port stay only

9. Citizenship by Investment Programme

Saint Kitts and Nevis is internationally recognized for its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme, established in 1984 — the oldest such programme in the world. It allows foreign nationals to obtain citizenship through a qualifying investment in real estate or a contribution to the Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF). Citizens of Saint Kitts and Nevis enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries, making it a sought-after second citizenship.

10. Important Notes

• The eTA system was introduced on May 26, 2025, replacing prior visa-free regimes
• The eTA is mandatory for most nationalities except OECS members
• All visitors are subject to immigration officer discretion upon arrival
• Extensions of stay can be requested from the Immigration Department
• Work and business activities require separate authorisation beyond the eTA
• Always consult the Saint Kitts and Nevis Immigration Department for the latest requirements