Asked & Answered

What are the major telephone providers?

Flow and Digicel are the major telephone service providers in St. Kitts and Nevis. Direct Dialing, Leased Circuits, Internet, Class Services, Voice Mail, Caller ID and other features are currently offered. ISDN and DSL services are also available. The area and country code for St. Kitts is 1-869.

Whom do I call in case of a medical emergency?

In case of emergencies, call 911 to contact the local police or emergency ambulance services. You can also call 869-465-2801 for an ambulance. The primary hospital is JNF General Hospital.

Can I get married in St. Kitts?

Yes. No residency is required. Couples are only required to obtain a marriage license in St. Kitts and have the following documents:

- A valid passport or photo ID.
- Original or certified copy of Birth Certificate.
- If divorced, a decree absolute (an original or certified copy showing the court's stamp or seal) must be presented.
- If widowed, a copy of the death certificate of the deceased spouse must be presented.
- If documents are not in English, they must be accompanied by a notarized translation.

What are the fees for getting married in St. Kitts?

The license fee for getting married on St. Kitts is $200.00 (XCD). The Justice of the Peace may also assess a fee. Your ceremony can be held in the grounds of one of the St. Kitts hotels, in a church of almost any denomination, amongst historic ruins, in a rustic gazebo in a picturesque garden and, of course, on the beach.

- 6 am - 6 pm for ceremonies presided over by a religious person
- 8 am - 6 pm if performed by a Magistrate
Visitors are welcomed to exchange or renew their vows in St. Kitts. Please visit our Romance section for more details.

Are we required to attend counseling sessions before the marriage?

If a Catholic priest is to perform the ceremony, couple must receive marriage counseling sessions from their parish priest and submit the required Catholic documents. A letter must come from the couple's resident priest verifying that they are unmarried and that they have received the necessary instructions. All Catholic weddings take place in the church.

If an Anglican or other minister of religion is to perform the ceremony, a letter must be brought from the couple's resident minister verifying that they are known and unmarried.

Should I be worried about the Zika virus?

Not at all! According to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), transmission of the virus has stalled, or otherwise reached undetectable levels, for over 12 months. This finding prompted the World Health Organization to remove Caribbean nations — including St. Kitts — from its Zika virus country classification scheme. If you'd like more information on the subject, check out this CARPHA study from August 2018.

Are there any health issues I should be concerned about?

There are no particular health concerns associated with St. Kitts. Special vaccines are usually not required. Modern ambulatory services are available and there are specialists in most fields of medicine. Emergency 911 services are available.

Do I need to declare my prescribed medication to Customs upon arrival in St. Kitts?

There are protocols regarding medication, specifically controlled substances. To ensure you comply with St. Kitts and Nevis Customs protocol.

For more information, email: enquirypoint@skncustoms.com or customerservice@skncustoms.com.

Is smoking marijuana illegal?

Marijuana is illegal on St. Kitts and Nevis. Persons found with this drug are punishable by law which could include incarceration. No allowances are given for claims of use for medical reasons.

What airlines offer direct flights to St. Kitts?

Non-stop flights are available from the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, as well as numerous regional commuter flights from within the Caribbean. Flights are available with: 

• American Airlines
• British Airways
• Air Canada
• Delta Airlines
• United Airlines
• Liat
• WinAir
• InterCaribbean Airways
• Caribbean Airlines
• JetBlue 

St. Kitts also provides facilities for cargo jets, private jets and various other types of aircraft. For more information, please visit the Arriving By Air page.

What is the primary language of St. Kitts?

English

What are the accepted forms of currency?

The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) is the local currency. U.S. bills are accepted by most stores and businesses, and change is given in E.C. currency. U.S. coins are not accepted. Pound Sterling, Euro and Canadian notes can be converted in one of the local banks.

What is the current* exchange rate?
U.S.$1.00 = E.C.$ 2.70

*Exchange rates can fluctuate. Please visit XE.COM for rates for all other currencies.

What travel documents are required to enter the country?

All persons with the exception of citizens of the OECS (Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States) traveling to St. Kitts are required to present a valid passport in order to enter St. Kitts-Nevis. Where applicable, documentation of a legal name change (for example, a marriage certificate) must also be presented. Additionally, proof of sufficient funds and a return or onward passage might be required.

If you are traveling to St. Kitts, it is required that you complete the online Immigration and Customs ED Form before arrival. Upon completion, you will receive a receipt with a QR code that you must present upon arrival in St. Kitts. Your QR code can be printed out or scanned directly from your phone.

Persons traveling should reconfirm travel document requirements with their carrier prior to trip commencement. Also, kindly click here for information regarding the entry/re-entry requirements, as advanced by the United States Department of State. 

If I arrive in St. Kitts, do I need immigration to travel to Nevis?

No, St. Kitts and Nevis is one Federation, if you enter on one island you can transfer to the other island without restriction and travel documents.

Do I need a visa to travel to St. Kitts?

Visa requirements are based on your citizenship. Persons visiting on a cruise or for less than 24 hours do not require a visa. For up-to-date information on destinations that require a visa to enter St. Kitts and Nevis, please visit here.

What should I expect at the airport?

All persons traveling must comply with air travel regulations of their destination country. Travelers should familiarize themselves with restrictions and regulations ahead of arriving at the airport, as requirements are strictly enforced. Any container of liquids, gels, or aerosols packed in carry-on or hand luggage must not exceed 3.4fl oz. All such items must also fit into a single, quart-sized clear bag, and that bag must close. If necessary, ziplock bags are available for purchase at the airport.

Can I drive to Nevis?

The Sea Bridge is a car ferry which allows you to take your car to Nevis. Ferry departs from Major’s Bay on the South-East Peninsula. Some car rental companies will offer you a car in Nevis if you rent in St. Kitts and vice versa.

Can I bring my animal to St. Kitts?

If you plan to bring your pet, you must apply to the Chief Veterinary Officer for an import permit. Your pet must also have a microchip and up-to-date rabies vaccination. An application is required for pets and service animals. Individual St. Kitts resorts and hotels may have different guidelines. Requirements are the same for those arriving on a cruise ship.

For more information, e-mail: skbvet12@gmail.com

Pet Form: Updated Import Animals

Where is St. Kitts located?

St. Kitts is located in the Eastern Caribbean at 17.20° N, 62.45° W, roughly 1,200 miles from Miami, 1,600 miles from New York, 4000 miles from London, 350 miles (or 55 minutes by plane) from Puerto Rico, and 155 miles (or 30 minutes by plane) from the U.S. Virgin Islands.

What is the capital of St. Kitts?

The capital of St. Kitts is Basseterre, which means lowland in French. The name was given to the town by the French settlers of the 17th century.

What is the time zone for St. Kitts?

Atlantic Standard Time is throughout the year which is 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-4 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is not observed.

How large is St. Kitts?

The island is 68 square miles with a population of approximately 40,000. Basseterre is the capital.

What is St. Kitts and Nevis's primary industry?

Tourism is our primary industry.