Enhanced Security and Travel Facilitation for Visitors

Saint Kitts and Nevis has launched a new Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system, effective May 26, 2025, marking a significant step towards modernizing its border control and enhancing the visitor experience. This digital system aims to streamline the entry process, strengthen national security, and solidify the twin-island nation’s position as a leading Caribbean destination. The eTA mandates pre-arrival authorization for most travelers, ensuring a seamless and secure travel experience while contributing to more efficient border management.

The eTA application process is designed for convenience and accessibility. Travelers are encouraged to use the dedicated mobile app, “St Kitts and Nevis e-Border,” available for Android and iOS devices, for the quickest application experience. Alternatively, the eTA can be completed online at www.knatravelform.kn. The application, available in multiple languages, requires basic travel information and supporting documentation. It can be submitted up to 90 days prior to travel, with approval delivered electronically. A discounted service charge of US$8.50 applies until September 1, 2025, after which the standard fee of US$17 will be in effect. The eTA remains valid for 90 days or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever comes first.

This digital transformation brings a multitude of benefits. Enhanced national security is achieved through pre-arrival screening, allowing authorities to identify potential risks in advance. The streamlined entry process significantly reduces wait times and enhances efficiency at immigration checkpoints. The fully digitalized system integrates various travel services, including customs declarations and SIM card purchases, creating a more convenient travel experience. Operational efficiency is improved by minimizing manual document checks, freeing up immigration resources for other critical tasks. Finally, the improved visitor experience further elevates Saint Kitts and Nevis as a desirable tourist destination, driving economic growth and promoting development in related sectors.

Travelers applying through the mobile app will benefit from Fast-Track Arrival, utilizing a contactless Facial Biometric Corridor starting June 2, 2025. This innovative approach to immigration clearance represents a significant advancement in border management. While citizens and residents of Saint Kitts and Nevis, along with citizens of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), are exempt from the eTA requirement, they must continue to complete the free Online Immigration and Customs ED Form, available on the mobile app and website.

Several other exemptions from the eTA service charge apply, encompassing citizens/residents of CARICOM member nations, accredited diplomats on official duty, children under two years old, in-transit passengers, on-duty flight or vessel crew members, and active military or search-and-rescue personnel. These exemptions ensure that the eTA system remains flexible and accommodating to various travel scenarios.

The implementation of the eTA system positions Saint Kitts and Nevis at the forefront of digital innovation in the Caribbean region. By embracing smart border management technologies, the government demonstrates its commitment to providing a safer, more efficient, and interconnected travel experience. This initiative not only strengthens national security but also contributes to the broader regional advancement in digital travel technology, setting a standard for other nations to follow. The eTA system signifies a proactive approach to enhancing both security and tourism, reflecting the government’s dedication to modernizing its infrastructure and processes for the benefit of its citizens, residents, and visitors.