Overview of St Kitts and Nevis
Saint Kitts and Nevis is shaped rather like a tennis racquet and ball; the former is larger and separated from its southern counterpart by a two mile (3km) channel called the Narrows. It's the smallest sovereign state in the Americas by both area and population. Despite this, it still packs a touristic punch.
The sleepy and lush islands appear forgotten in time, conveying nothing of their former prosperity and turbulent history. European powers once fought for control of the territory as it became the most illustrious sugar colony in the Caribbean, its rich waters an irresistible stalking ground for pirates who lay in wait for the merchant ships.
Saint Kitts and Nevis have become the tourist pearls of the Caribbean, valued today more as a tropical paradise than anything else, with clear and inviting waters, sandy beaches and natural wonders. Together with a diverse range of activities, historical sites and the charm of their two capital harbour towns, the volcanic islands are a seductive blend of colour, sunshine and luxurious relaxation.
Key Facts
- Language:
- English is the official language.
- Passport/Visa:
-
Although a maximum stay of either three or six months is indicated in official requirements, essentially immigration officials will decide how long visitors are legally allowed to stay in St Kitts and Nevis upon arrival. Visitors are recommended to hold confirmed return or onward tickets, all documents needed for next destination and sufficient funds to cover their stay. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official
sources.
- Currency:
-
The official currency is the East Caribbean Dollar (XCD), which is divided into 100 cents. It is tied to the US dollar at a rate of US$1=EC$2.70. Most businesses accept US Dollar notes as payment, but change is given in EC$. Major credit cards are widely accepted, and major currencies can be exchanged at banks, with US Dollars the cheapest to exchange. Most banks are closed on weekends, but provide 24-hour ATM services.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 230 volts, 60 Hz, but a 117-volt supply is available in most hotels. Round three-pin plugs and three-pin rectangular blade plugs (as in the UK) are in use.
Travel to St Kitts and Nevis
Overview
Saint Kitts and Nevis makes provision for both sunbathers and outdoor enthusiasts. The beaches are the main drawcards, with visitors enjoying the dual pleasures of both the Caribbean and Atlantic Oceans.
Favourites include Frigate Bay South, where the Strip operates as the island's prime nightlife and entertainment hub. There's also the seldom busy Frigate Bay North, while Majors Bay is a pristine golden shore with calm waters. Visitors are also enticed by Pinney's Beach on Nevis, widely acknowledged as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean.
Oualie Beach on Nevis is a magnet for celebrities, and is ideal for scuba diving and other water sports. Pump Bay and Belle Tete Beach offer something different, sought after for their black and grey sand.
Mount Liamuiga and Mount Nevis are ideal for those looking for outdoor adventure, while the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club offers a getaway for avid golfers. Those who are only in the country for a day should consider doing a circuit on the Scenic Railway, which takes in a lot of the island's natural beauty, while history buffs may be interested in the UNESCO-listed Brimstone Hill Fortress and Alexander Hamilton House.
Climate in St Kitts and Nevis
The climate of St Kitts and Nevis is tropical, but sea breezes keep the islands relatively cool. There are no definite seasons and the yearly average temperature is 79°F (26°C). Although rain is possible throughout the year, the average is higher between July and November, coinciding with the hurricane season.
Health Notes when travelling to St Kitts and Nevis
Medical facilities are adequate but limited, and travel insurance is essential. This should include emergency air evacuation, with most travelling to Miami or Puerto Rico for more complex procedures.
Safety Notes when travelling to St Kitts and Nevis
Although most visits to the islands are trouble-free, visitors should still guard against robbery and other crimes of opportunity. Valuables should be left in hotel safes where possible and remote places, particularly beaches, should be avoided, especially after dark. Hurricane season normally runs from June to November.
Customs in St Kitts and Nevis
Wearing camouflage clothing in Saint Kitts is illegal, as is nudity on beaches. Sadly, homosexuality is illegal, while the penalties for drug-related offenses are severe.
Duty Free in St Kitts and Nevis
Travellers over the age of 18 may import 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco, and 1.5 litres of wine or spirits without paying customs duty.
Doing Business in St Kitts and Nevis
Business in Saint Kitts and Nevis is conducted in a relatively informal manner, but fairly formal dress is expected despite the heat. Handshakes for both men and women are the common form of greeting, and business cards should be exchanged immediately after being introduced. Business hours are generally 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday, with an hour taken at lunch.
Communication in St Kitts and Nevis
The international dialling code for St Kitts and Nevis is +1 869.
Tipping in St Kitts and Nevis
A 10 percent service charge is usually included in hotel and restaurant bills. Otherwise, it's customary to leave 10 to 15 percent of the bill, depending on the service. Taxi drivers can also receive a tip of around 10 to 15 percent.
Passport/Visa Note
Although a maximum stay of either three or six months is indicated in official requirements, essentially immigration officials will decide how long visitors are legally allowed to stay in St Kitts and Nevis upon arrival. Visitors are recommended to hold confirmed return or onward tickets, all documents needed for next destination and sufficient funds to cover their stay. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official
sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
-
United States citizens must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond period of stay. A visa is not required for stays of up to six months.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
-
Canadians require a passport valid for at least six months beyond period of stay. A visa is not required for a stay of up to six months.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
-
UK nationals require a passport valid for at least six months beyond period of stay, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to three months.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
-
Australians require a passport valid for at least six months beyond period of stay, but no visa is necessary for staus up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
-
Irish nationals require a passport valid for the intended period of stay, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
-
New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for the intended period of stay, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
-
South Africans require a passport valid for the intended period of stay, but no visa is required for visits of up to 90 days.
Tourist Offices
Department of Tourism, Basseterre, St. Kitts: +1 869 465 4040 or http://www.stkittstourism.kn
St Kitts and Nevis Embassies
- In the United States:
-
St Kitts and Nevis Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 686 2636.
- In Canada:
-
High Commission for the Eastern Caribbean States, Ottawa, Ontario: +1 613 236 8952.
- In the United Kingdom:
-
St Kitts and Nevis High Commission, London, UK: +1 020 7937 9718.
Foreign Embassies in St Kitts and Nevis
- American Embassy
-
United States Embassy, Bridgetown, Barbados (also responsible for St Kitts-Nevis): +1 246 227 4000.
- Canadian Embassy
-
Canadian High Commission, Bridgetown, Barbados (also responsible for St Kitts-Nevis): +1 246 429 3550.
- British Embassy
-
British High Commission, Bridgetown, Barbados (also responsible for St Kitts and Nevis): +1 246 430 7800.
- Australian Embassy
-
Australian High Commission, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (also responsible for St Kitts-Nevis): +1 868 822 5450.
- South African Embassy
-
South African High Commission, Kingston, Jamaica (also responsible for St Kitts-Nevis): +1 876 620 4840.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Saint Kitts and Nevis
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hide Vaccines and Medicines
Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
| | Find Out Why | Protect Yourself |
All travelers You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel. |
| Routine vaccines | Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. |   |
Most travelers Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting. |
| Hepatitis A | CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Saint Kitts and Nevis, regardless of where you are eating or staying. |  |
| Typhoid | You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Saint Kitts and Nevis. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater. | |
Some travelers Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US. |
| Hepatitis B | You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures. |   |
| Rabies | Rabies is present in bats in Saint Kitts and Nevis. However, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends rabies vaccine for only these groups: - Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for bat bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
- People who will be working with or around bats (such as wildlife professionals and researchers).
|  |
| Yellow Fever | There is no risk of yellow fever in Saint Kitts and Nevis. The government of Saint Kitts and Nevis requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission. For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Saint Kitts and Nevis. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans. | |
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Saint Kitts and Nevis, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Saint Kitts and Nevis. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Rabies is present in bats in Saint Kitts and Nevis. However, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends rabies vaccine for only these groups:
- Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for bat bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
- People who will be working with or around bats (such as wildlife professionals and researchers).
There is no risk of yellow fever in Saint Kitts and Nevis. The government of Saint Kitts and Nevis requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.
For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Saint Kitts and Nevis. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans.
Key
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
- Keep away from animals
- Reduce your exposure to germs
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Top
Hide Stay Healthy and Safe
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Saint Kitts and Nevis, so your behaviors are important.
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
- Food that is cooked and served hot
- Hard-cooked eggs
- Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
- Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
- Food served at room temperature
- Food from street vendors
- Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
- Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
- Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
- Unpasteurized dairy products
- ”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
- Bottled water that is sealed
- Water that has been disinfected
- Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
- Carbonated drinks
- Hot coffee or tea
- Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
- Tap or well water
- Ice made with tap or well water
- Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
- Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Hide Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Saint Kitts and Nevis. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
- Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
- Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
- Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
- DEET
- Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
- IR3535
- Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
- Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
- Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?
Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.
For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.
Note: Zika is a risk in Saint Kitts and Nevis. For more information, see Zika Virus in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Hide If your travel plans in Saint Kitts and Nevis include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
- Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
- Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
- Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
- Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
- If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
- Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
- Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
- Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
- Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
- Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
- Do not dive into shallow water.
- Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
- Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
- To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Hide Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
- Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
- Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
- Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
- Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
- If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
- Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
- Go to a doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Hide Reduce your exposure to germs
Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:
- Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
- If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
Hide Avoid sharing body fluids
Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.
Protect yourself:
- Use latex condoms correctly.
- Do not inject drugs.
- Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
- Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
- If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
Hide Know how to get medical care while traveling
Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:
- Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
- Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
- Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
- Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Saint Kitts and Nevis’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
- Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Hide Select safe transportation
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
- Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
- Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
- Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
- Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
- Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
- Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
- Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
- Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
- Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
- Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
- Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
- Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
- Wear a seatbelt at all times.
- Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
- When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
- Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Saint Kitts and Nevis may be poor.
- Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
- Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
- If you choose to drive a vehicle in Saint Kitts and Nevis, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
- Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
- Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
- Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
- If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
- Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.
Traffic flows on the left side of the road in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
- Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
- LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.
Hide Maintain personal security
Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Before you leave
- Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
- Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
- Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
- Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
- Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
- Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
- Follow all local laws and social customs.
- Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
- Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
- If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
Hide Top
Hide Healthy Travel Packing List
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Saint Kitts and Nevis for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
Top
Hide Travel Health Notices
Be aware of current health issues in Saint Kitts and Nevis. Learn how to protect yourself.
Alert Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions
- Zika Virus in Saint Kitts and Nevis August 29, 2017 Zika virus (or Zika) has been reported. Public health officials have reported that mosquitoes are infected with Zika and spreading it to people.
Top
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.
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Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The official currency is the East Caribbean Dollar (XCD), which is divided into 100 cents. It is tied to the US dollar at a rate of US$1=EC$2.70. Most businesses accept US Dollar notes as payment, but change is given in EC$. Major credit cards are widely accepted, and major currencies can be exchanged at banks, with US Dollars the cheapest to exchange. Most banks are closed on weekends, but provide 24-hour ATM services.
|
Exchange rate for 1 XCD - East Caribbean Dollar
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0.37 BMD
Bermudan Dollar
|
0.33 EUR
Euro
|
0.37 USD
U.S. Dollar
|
0.26 GBP
U.K. Pound Sterling
|
40.40 JPY
Japanese Yen
|
0.49 CAD
Canadian Dollar
|
0.37 CHF
Swiss Franc
|
0.51 AUD
Australian Dollar
|
9.32 UAH
Ukrainian Hryvnia
|
125.29 KZT
Kazakhstani Tenge
|
558.69 LBP
Lebanese Pound
|
0.26 LYD
Libyan Dinar
|
2.55 BOB
Bolivian Boliviano
|
40.02 NPR
Nepalese Rupee
|
0.14 OMR
Omani Rial
|
1.35 QAR
Qatari Rial
|
0.51 SGD
Singapore Dollar
|
3.07 SEK
Swedish Krona
|
2.46 TTD
Trinidad Tobago Dollar
|
3.70 VEF
Venezuelan Bolivar
|
17.00 DOP
Dominican Peso
|
2.49 HRK
Croatian Kuna
|
6.91 MXN
Mexican Peso
|
217.53 XOF
West African CFA Franc
|
1.17 PGK
Papua New Guinean kina
|
0.37 BSD
Bahamian Dollar
|
0.78 FJD
Fiji Dollar
|
8.40 HNL
Honduran Lempira
|
41.01 DZD
Algerian Dinar
|
441.99 MMK
Myanma Kyat
|
4.15 BWP
Botswana Pula
|
1.25 PEN
Peruvian Nuevo Sol
|
257.31 CLP
Chilean Peso
|
177.38 AMD
Armenia Dram
|
8.97 CZK
Czech Koruna
|
7.41 MDL
Moldova Lei
|
46.11 ISK
Icelandic Krona
|
1,090.32 UZS
Uzbekistan Sum
|
1.43 ILS
Israeli New Sheqel
|
0.26 JOD
Jordanian Dinar
|
0.11 KWD
Kuwaiti Dinar
|
11.63 UYU
Uruguayan Peso
|
13.18 MUR
Mauritian Rupee
|
10.58 NIO
Nicaraguan Córdoba
|
3.10 NOK
Norwegian Krone
|
1.46 PLN
Polish Zloty
|
1.39 SAR
Saudi Riyal
|
54.17 LKR
Sri Lanka Rupee
|
13.21 THB
Thai Baht
|
1.36 AED
U.A.E Dirham
|
1.33 BRL
Brazilian Real
|
1.50 RON
Romanian New Leu
|
2.88 HKD
Hong Kong Dollar
|
218.02 XAF
Central African CFA Franc
|
8,338.42 VND
Vietnamese Dong
|
5.17 ARS
Argentine Peso
|
2.91 GTQ
Guatemalan Quetzal
|
3.63 MAD
Moroccan Dirham
|
0.14 BHD
Bahrain Dinar
|
0.37 PAB
Panamanian Balboa
|
0.55 AZN
Azerbaijan Manat
|
1,156.75 COP
Colombian Peso
|
25.34 KGS
Kyrgyzstan Som
|
103.79 HUF
Hungarian Forint
|
2.92 TJS
Tajikistan Ruble
|
5,076.61 IDR
Indonesian Rupiah
|
3.29 EGP
Egyptian Pound
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441.91 KRW
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St Kitts Airport (SKB)
Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport
Location: St Kitts The airport is situated about three miles (5km) from Basseterre on St Kitts.
Time: Local time is GMT-4.
Contacts:
Tel: +1 869 465 8121
Getting to the city:
Taxis are available outside the terminal and fixed rates are posted at the airport.
Car rental:
There are no car rental agencies at the airport, but they can do airport pick ups.
Airport Taxis:
Facilities:
Facilities include a restaurant and bar, shops, duty-free shopping, and tourist information.
Parking:
Newcastle Airport (NEV)
Vance W Amory International Airport
Location: Nevis The airport is situated at Newcastle, eight miles (13km) from Charlestown on Nevis.
Time: Local time is GMT-4.
Contacts:
Tel: +1 869 469 9040.
Getting to the city:
Taxis are available outside the terminal and fixed rates are posted at the airport. A ferry connects the airport to St Kitts; the journey takes about 45 minutes.
Car rental:
There are no car rental agencies at the airport, but there is a phone available to contact them.
Airport Taxis:
Facilities:
Parking:
Overview of the Attractions in St Kitts and Nevis
Saint Kitts and Nevis makes provision for both sunbathers and outdoor enthusiasts. The beaches are the main drawcards, with visitors enjoying the dual pleasures of both the Caribbean and Atlantic Oceans.
Favourites include Frigate Bay South, where the Strip operates as the island's prime nightlife and entertainment hub. There's also the seldom busy Frigate Bay North, while Majors Bay is a pristine golden shore with calm waters. Visitors are also enticed by Pinney's Beach on Nevis, widely acknowledged as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean.
Oualie Beach on Nevis is a magnet for celebrities, and is ideal for scuba diving and other water sports. Pump Bay and Belle Tete Beach offer something different, sought after for their black and grey sand.
Mount Liamuiga and Mount Nevis are ideal for those looking for outdoor adventure, while the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club offers a getaway for avid golfers. Those who are only in the country for a day should consider doing a circuit on the Scenic Railway, which takes in a lot of the island's natural beauty, while history buffs may be interested in the UNESCO-listed Brimstone Hill Fortress and Alexander Hamilton House.
Basseterre
St Kitts
The capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Basseterre is one of the oldest towns in the eastern Caribbean. Founded in 1627, it retains a certain architectural charm from its period of British and French colonisation. Basseterre is located on the southwestern coast of St Kitts island and is still one of the chief commercial depots of the Leeward Islands. Basseterre is the most common entry point to Saint Kitts and Nevis for travellers arriving by both air and sea. The town has a rather tragic history, punctuated by colonialism, battles, fires, earthquakes, and hurricanes. Historic buildings are spread throughout, with many of the old structures surviving these perils to the present day.
Brimstone Hill Fortress
St Kitts
Nicknamed the 'Gibraltar of the West Indies', the striking Brimstone Hill Fortress sits atop an 800-foot (244m) rise and is protected by 49 guns and immense walls. Built largely by African slaves, it took nearly ten decades to complete since construction first began in 1690. The scale and grandeur of this UNESCO World Heritage Site is representative of the historic importance of Saint Kitts during the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, the complex affords incredible views from its commanding position and houses a small museum.
Address: Basseterre
Website: http://www.brimstonehillfortress.org
Frigate Bay Peninsula
St Kitts
If Saint Kitts can be described as a tennis racquet-shaped island, the Frigate Bay Peninsula is the narrow handle stretching down towards Nevis. It connects the racquet head to the widened end of the handle to the southeast. The peninsula is unique in that it offers beaches on both the Atlantic and Caribbean coasts. South Frigate Bay on the leeward side offers calm waters ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and a variety of water sports activities. Alternatively, North Frigate Bay on the Atlantic Coast is battered by waves perfect for bodysurfing and is one of the most scenic beaches on the island. As a result, it has also attracted most of the resort and hotel development along the coast.
Pinney’s Beach
Nevis
Pinney's Beach is one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. The epitome of paradise, its fine white sands are backed by palm trees and lapped by calm Caribbean waters. Lying within convenient distance of Charlestown, Pinney's Beach has a few casual restaurants and beach bars, and is the closest thing Nevis has to a party beach, although the length of the beach ensures that a secluded spot can always be found. The four-mile (6km) stretch of sand is never crowded and entertains a beautiful lagoon, with ideal conditions for swimming. However, Pinney's Beach is not ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling as the water can be quite murky.
Address: Near Charlestown, half a kilometer from The Narrows strait.
Website: http://www.nevisisland.com/beaches
Mount Liamuiga
St Kitts
The highest point on Saint Kitts, Mount Liamuiga is a dormant volcano topped by a 0.6-mile (1km) wide crater lake. Formerly called Mount Misery, the name Liamuiga means 'fertile land' in the native Kalinago language. The slopes of the mountain are covered in farmland and lush tropical rainforest, and are popular places for hiking in Saint Kitts. Guided hikes usually start from Belmont Estate in the village of St Paul's and go up to the summit, which has panoramic views of the Caribbean, including the islands of St Barths, St Martin, Antigua, and Nevis.
Sandy Point
St Kitts
Sandy Point Town is the second-largest on Saint Kitts, with a population of just more than 3,000 people in the surrounding area. Thought to be the original landing point for English explorer Sir Thomas Warner in 1623, Sandy Point was the commercial centre of the island until the 18th century when most business was moved to Basseterre. These days, Sandy Point is an industrial centre and tourist attraction, located at the entrance to Brimstone Hill National Park. There are some excellent beaches around Sandy Bay, including the shiny black sand beach of Pump Bay, offering good scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities, and Belle Tete, which is near the La Valle estate.
Oualie Beach
Nevis
Oualie (pronounced wah-lee), meaning 'beautiful waters', was the original name of the island of Nevis, and the pretty stretch of sand known as Oualie Beach lives up to its name. Located on the northern shore of the island, Oualie Beach boasts fine yellow sand and sheltered waters that are ideal for swimming. The area also makes a good base for a holiday on the island of Nevis, with the excellent Oualie Beach Resort providing top-class accommodation in the picturesque bay. Oualie Beach is home to fun activities, with water taxis, scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing, mountain biking, and windsurfing easily organised from its pleasant dock area.
Address: Located on the northwest tip of Nevis.
Website: http://www.nevisisland.com/beaches
Scenic Railway
St Kitts
One of the most popular tourist activities on the island, the St Kitts Scenic Railway is a must for first-time visitors to the Caribbean. It is a fantastic way to experience the beautiful scenery of the island, as well as its history of a major sugar producer in the 17th and 18th centuries. The St Kitts Scenic Railway takes visitors on a three-hour tour of the island, following a 30-mile (48km) circular track. The narrow-gauge train is unique in that it has two levels: an open-air observation deck on the top offering panoramic views, and an air-conditioned parlour below, where complimentary beverages are served throughout the trip. As the train rolls by sugar cane fields, traditional villages, and great sights such as Brimstone Hill Fortress, friendly tour guides contribute to your understanding of St Kitts by sharing anecdotes about the island and snippets of its colonial history. Cruise passengers should note that tickets for the Scenic Railway can be booked while on
board most cruise ships.
Address: The train departs from Needsmust Station
Website: http://www.stkittsscenicrailway.com/
The Strip
St Kitts
The Strip is the area immediately surrounding Frigate Bay. It is the beating heart of the island when it comes to nightlife and entertainment options. However, visitors should not expect neon lights or chic buildings. Rather, a closer guess would be a series of unpretentious beach shacks located a mere stone's throw from the ocean. Visitors can rest assured that what the Strip lacks in glitz, it more than makes up for in spirit, with numerous bars and clubs offering live music, DJs, fire-eating performances, bonfires, and a steady supply of cold rum cocktails to fuel your dance moves. Although restaurants and bars can be found on some of the most popular beaches, the Strip is the natural entertainment hub for those in search of fun on St Kitts.
Dive Sites
St Kitts
As with all Caribbean destinations, one of the most popular things to do on Saint Kitts and Nevis is to try your hand at some scuba diving or snorkelling. The calm, clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, not to mention its spectacular coral reef formations and its abundant marine life, make it a wonderful diving and snorkelling destination for beginners and experts alike. For those new to diving, Monkey Shoals and Friars Bay Reef provide a gentle introduction to the undersea wonders of Saint Kitts and Nevis, with plenty of reputable diving companies offering full training and guided excursions into the depths. For intermediate-level divers, Sandy Point on Saint Kitts is a National Marine Park known for its beautiful coral heads and colourful sea life. Those who prefer the excitement of wreck-diving can explore the remains of ships such as River Taw, M.V. Talata, and the recently sunk Corinthian. Experienced divers will enjoy the challenge of Nags Head's strong currents and
Aquarium, famous for its range of tropical fish.
Public Holidays in St Kitts and Nevis
Port of Call - St Kitts (Basseterre)
Basseterre, the capital of St Kitts, is a port town with a charming British and French heritage reflected in impeccable colonial-era buildings framed by the pristine setting of the natural harbour.
Top sights include Brimstone Hill Fortress, with stunning views of the lush sugarcane fields, and the Circus, a Georgian roundabout modelled on London's Piccadilly.
Cruise ships dock at Port Zante, in the centre of the bay, and when there is an overflow, at Birdrock Deepwater Port at the extreme east of Basseterre Bay. Port Zante comprises a single pier allowing any two of the largest ocean liners to dock at a time. This port is one of only two in the entire Caribbean where the Queen Mary II can berth. Cruise passengers are welcomed by cultural acts, dancers and licensed excursion providers, and there are some shops to browse.
Shopping in St Kitts (Basseterre)
There are two shopping malls in Basseterre, the Pelican and TDC Mall. Both feature selections of clothing, jewellery, and souvenirs. The vendor's huts behind Pelican Mall can be found to the right of Port Zante as you face the sea. For cheap local crafts get a taxi to Amina Market. The Caribelle Batik Factory has a shop with beautiful cloths, and you can tour the factory itself.
Dining in St Kitts (Basseterre)
El Fredo's - excellent Caribbean food close to downtown Basseterre in a casual setting.
Spice Mill Restaurant - a great spot for good food, an open air ambience and amazing views.
Serendipity - stylish and epicurean, with lovely views of Basseterre and the bay.
Things to do in St Kitts (Basseterre)
Go quad biking in the old plantations
Trot along horse-back mountain trails
Take a Best of St Kitts driving tour
Hike the pristine rainforest
Take the St Kitts scenic railway
info@portzante.com
http://www.portzantemarina.com
