Saint Kitts and Nevis

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 911 for police. 
• Dial 911 for ambulance. 
• Dial 869-467-1275 for toll-free domestic violence hotline.  

Demonstrations 

Demonstrations are generally infrequent and typically peaceful in St. Kitts and Nevis, but they can occur with little notice and may cause temporary disruptions.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations.
• Past demonstrations have turned violent. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime

• U.S. citizens are generally not specifically targeted for crime in the Eastern Caribbean islands. However, crimes of opportunity happen. These include petty larceny, burglary, and automobile break-ins. 
• Violent crimes also occur sometimes, such as murder, sexual assault, robbery, shootings, and drug related crimes. Take the same safety precautions you would in any major metropolitan area of the United States.

Safety tips

• Do not leave valuables unattended in public areas, on beaches, unsecured in hotel rooms, or in rental homes.
• Avoid walking alone, especially at night, on beaches, and in isolated or poorly lit locations.
• Go out in groups or with a companion and limit nighttime activities to established safe and reputable venues.
• Use only clearly marked taxis and avoid rides with strangers.
• Stick to well-lit and well-traveled routes.
• Avoid displaying flashy jewelry, expensive electronics, and large amounts of cash.
• Always be aware of your surroundings. If you see something suspicious or unusual contact local police to report it immediately.
• Use added caution when shopping in crowded areas, especially during the holiday season.
• Use added caution when attending crowded events, celebrations, music festivals, etc.
• Do not leave drinks unattended in public venues as this could create a potential vulnerability for the use of “date rape” drugs in furtherance of criminal activity.
• Do not be predictable; vary your daily routes and schedules.
• Do not engage in illegal activity.
• For boaters: Be wary of unfamiliar individuals or crafts approaching your boat, whether at anchor or at sea.

Scams

• Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.
• If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help. 

Financial scams and Internet romance scams are not common in St Kitts and Nevis but can occur. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help. 

Common scams include: 

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating 
• Money transfers 
• Grandparent and relative targeting 
• Free trip or luggage 
• Lotteries 
• Inheritance notices 
• Work permits and job offers

If using dating apps or websites in St. Kitts and Nevis: 

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone.  
• Meet in a popular public place. 
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person. 
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule. 

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 911.

• Review our information for Victims of Crime.  

The U.S. embassy or consulate can: 

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.  
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police. 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. 
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.  
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys. 
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States. 
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need. 
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence 

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy for assistance. 
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy for assistance. 

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States. 
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.  
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks. 
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance. 
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Lodging safety

Consider safety when picking places to stay.

• Research hotels or lodgings carefully. Book accommodations before traveling and have backup options ready in case you have to switch locations.
• Consider accommodations with safety measures like 24-hour lobby service, gates, or security guards.
• Ensure all doors and windows lock properly.
• Always meet new visitors or strangers in the public lobby, not in your room.
• Review our information on Lodging Safety.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws. 
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.  
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• Do not enter St. Kitts and Nevis with firearms or ammunition without prior express consent from the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Please contact the Embassy of St. Kitts and Nevis before you travel. 
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in St. Kitts and Nevis seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.  

Arrest notification 

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.  

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations. 

• They may be illegal according to local laws.  
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.  
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.  

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:  

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

Consensual same‑sex sexual activity between adults is legal in St. Kitts and Nevis following a 2022 court ruling. However, there is still no comprehensive law that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in areas such as employment, housing, or access to services.

• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with disabilities or accessibility needs

• The law in St. Kitts and Nevis does not prohibit discrimination against people with physical, sensory, psychosocial, intellectual or mental disabilities.  
• Access to buildings, pedestrian paths, and transportation is extremely difficult for people with mobility issues.
• Sidewalks (if they exist) are very uneven and will only occasionally have ramps at intersections. Pedestrian crossings are rare and can be poorly marked. 
• Buses and taxis do not have special accommodations.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.  

Women travelers  

• Review our information for Women Travelers. 
• Review our information on Marriage. 
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) St. Kitts and Nevis Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations. 
• CDC Medical Tourism information 
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 911 for emergency medical services. 

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are widely available. Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor. 

• Ambulances are equipped with advanced medical equipment.  
• Ambulances are staffed with trained paramedics. 
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad. Most U.S. plans do not. 

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in St. Kitts and Nevis. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Lack of payment may bar future travel to St. Kitts and Nevis.
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims. 

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities 

Health facilities are available throughout the destination but are concentrated in main towns. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.

• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics may lack basic resources and supplies.  
• Hospitals and doctors may require payment upfront prior to service or admission. 
• Be aware that some hotels and resorts have exclusive agreements with medical providers. This may limit your choices in seeking emergency medical attention. 
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse. Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals. 
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.

Medical tourism and elective surgery 

Medical tourism is a growing industry. If you want healthcare abroad, you need to know that their medical systems are different from the United States. They don't follow the same rules. Before you travel for medical reasons, talk to your doctor. 

• Visit the CDC’s Medical Tourism website for information on medical tourism. Find out about the risks of medical tourism and what you can do to prepare before traveling to St Kitts and Nevis. 
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.  
• Your legal options in case of malpractice may be limited in St. Kitts and Nevis.   
• Although St. Kitts and Nevis has many elective or cosmetic surgery facilities, the quality of care varies widely. If you plan to undergo surgery in St. Kitts and Nevis, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available, and professionals are accredited and qualified.  

If you are traveling to St. Kitts and Nevis for medical purposes, you must have a “medical” visa. Check the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis’s visa website for more information.

Prescription medications 

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. 

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally. 

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States. 

For more information: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• Food and Drug Administration

Non-traditional medicine 

• U.S. citizens have had serious complications or died while getting care from non-traditional “healers” and practitioners in St. Kitts and Nevis. 
• We strongly recommend against participating in this. Make sure you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities in such cases. 

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Surrogacy

• If you are considering traveling to St Kitts and Nevis to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad. 
• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in St. Kitts and Nevis with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents.  Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by St. Kitts and Nevis courts.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in St. Kitts and Nevis via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status
• People who try to avoid local law risk legal consequences.  

Water quality and food safety 

• Tap water is generally safe to drink and use in cooking. 
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. 
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Review the CDC’s tips for how to make water safe to drink in an emergency.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad. 

• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page. 
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow. 
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

Major roads are in average to poor condition. 

• You may find wandering animals and slow-moving heavy equipment. 
• Drivers often stop in the middle of the roadway without warning.  Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you and watch for signs of sudden breaking.  
• Cars may lack working safety and signaling devices.

Traffic laws  

• Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. 
• There is little police enforcement of traffic regulations. 
• You must obtain a visitor's driver’s license. You can get this online, from the Traffic Department or Fire Station for a small fee, or it may be arranged by your rental car company. You must show proof of valid state or international license.

Taxis and ride-shares

• Major rideshare apps such as Uber and Lyft are not currently available in St. Kitts and Nevis. Taxis and several local car services are available.
• Ask your driver for the fare before you depart.
• Make sure your taxi’s meter begins running when you depart and stops when you arrive.

Public and commercial transportation 

Public transportation includes mini-buses and taxis. Trusted, reasonable fares are available from airport dispatchers and local hotels.

• Visit the website of St. Kitts and Nevis’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety. 
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that St. Kitts and Nevis does not meet international standards for aviation safety oversight. 
• FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program. 

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to St. Kitts and Nevis should check the following:  

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings 
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

The U.S. Coast Guard has concerns about the security practices in the ports of St. Kitts and Nevis. Mariners and passengers in St. Kitts and Nevis ports should be careful and use stronger security measures. 

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Hurricanes, tropical storms and flooding 

• Hurricanes are the most significant threat. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with peak activity typically in August and September. The islands have experienced major hurricanes in the past.
• Even storms that don't reach hurricane strength can bring heavy rainfall, flooding, and wind damage.
• Heavy rainfall during the wet season can cause flash floods and landslides, especially in the mountains.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates