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Caribbean

Saint Kitts and NevisTravel guide

Explore Saint Kitts and Nevis visa rules

Saint Kitts and Nevis are two tropical islands in the Caribbean. They are known for green hills, rainforests, beaches, tropical birds and monkeys. Basseterre is the capital.

Why go

  1. Explore Brimstone Hill Fortress and its views of the surrounding sea and islands.

  2. Ride the Scenic Railway along tracks once used by sugar trains.

  3. Visit historic buildings and the National Museum in Basseterre.

  4. Hike Mount Liamuiga, a dormant volcano and the islands’ highest peak.

  5. Enjoy beaches, rainforest scenery and tropical birds.

Getting there

By air

  • Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport on Saint Kitts is the islands’ main airport. Its airport code is SKB.
  • The source lists flights to Saint Kitts from San Juan, Tortola, Miami, New York and Atlanta.
  • British Airways flies from London Gatwick once a week, on Saturdays.

By sea

  • Makana Ferry offers crossings to Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius and Saba on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
  • Basseterre has a cruise ship terminal and a marina for yachts.

Getting around

  • Taxi

    Agree on the fare before the trip. Check whether the price is in United States dollars or Eastern Caribbean dollars. Taxis charge 50% extra between 10pm and 6am. Drivers expect a 10% tip. Taxi minibuses have yellow number plates starting with T.

  • Public minibus

    Minibuses are much cheaper than taxis, and you can flag them down along their route. A full bus may flash its lights and keep going. Public buses have green number plates starting with H. Services generally do not reach Frigate Bay or the Southern Peninsula. Taxis serve these areas. Buses do not run after about 7–8pm.

  • Rental car

    Drive on the left. Temporary driving licences are available. Several car rental agencies operate on the islands.

  • Scenic Railway

    Book ahead because the train does not run every day and can sell out. Cruise ship tour groups can fill it. The train has two-level viewing cars, with a covered open upper level. Each car has a toilet and a bar. The narrow tracks have tight bends, so expect swaying and loud wheel noises on curves.

What to see and do

  • Brimstone Hill Fortress

    This well-preserved fortress is a national park and a World Heritage Site recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It offers wide views of the surrounding area and nearby islands.

  • Old Treasury building and National Museum

    The 1894 building was built as a gateway to Basseterre. Its museum covers the islands’ history, identity and independence.

  • Independence Square

    This historic square in Basseterre was once the site of the slave market.

  • St. George’s Anglican Church

    The church is one of Basseterre’s historic sights.

  • Fort Charles

    On Nevis, a few ruins and cannons remain from the fortifications of Charlestown.

  • Wingfield estate

    This accessible former plantation is home to the Old Road Rum distillery.

Food and drink

  • Ram’s

    This convenience store has three locations in Basseterre. One is opposite the port area, and two are on the outskirts.

Money

Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), written as EC$ or $

  • The official fixed exchange rate is US$1 to EC$2.70.
  • United States dollar cash is widely accepted, usually at US$1 to EC$2.50. This gives the seller a small advantage.
  • Credit cards are widely accepted. Card payments can be made in Eastern Caribbean or United States dollars at the official exchange rate.
  • Check which currency a quoted price uses, especially when arranging a taxi.

Tipping: Taxi drivers expect a 10% tip.

Typical costs

  • In 2025, a bus trip of 5 miles or less cost EC$3.50. Longer rides cost up to 50% more.
  • Taxi fares rise by 50% between 10pm and 6am.
  • Entry to the Nevis to Saint Kitts cross-channel swim cost US$250 in 2026.

Language

  • English
  • Local English-based Creole, which may be difficult for first-time Caribbean visitors to understand
a-come
Coming
a-knock
Knocking

Staying safe

  • Mount Liamuiga hikes can involve climbing rocks by hand. The final lookout requires pulling yourself up a rope onto a rock ledge and climbing over fallen trees.
  • Mount Liamuiga trails are unmarked and can be muddy. There is little shelter from rain and there are no toilets.
  • The islands lie in the Caribbean Hurricane Belt. Follow hurricane safety guidance when travelling during hurricane season.

Local customs

Do

  • Wear shoes and a shirt in towns, shops, airports and other public places.

Don't

  • Do not wear beach clothes in town; this is considered disrespectful.
  • Do not swear loudly in public. It is frowned upon and can lead to a fine.

Staying healthy

  • Tap water is safe to drink.

Phone and internet

  • Mobile coverage is good in most areas.
  • You can get a local SIM card, the small card used to connect a phone to a mobile network.
  • You can also use your phone with international roaming.
  • Most hotels, restaurants and cafés offer free Wi-Fi.

Outdoor adventures in Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis offer rainforest hills, tropical birds, monkeys and Caribbean beaches. Hike Mount Liamuiga for summit views, or explore reefs, shipwrecks and turtle dive sites. Some diving suits beginners, but the volcano hike involves climbing and rough trails.

  • Mount Liamuiga

    HikeSaint Kitts

    Hard

    Many cruise ship lines offer a hiking excursion up this dormant volcano.

    • Trails are unmarked and can be muddy.
    • Some sections require climbing rocks by hand. The last lookout involves a rope, a rock ledge and large fallen trees.

  • Monkey Shoals

    Scuba diving

    Easy

    Go diving at Monkey Shoals, an easily reached site suitable for beginners.

  • Friars Bay Reef

    Scuba diving

    Easy

    Go diving at Friars Bay Reef, an easily reached site suitable for beginners.

  • Sandy Point National Marine Park

    Scuba diving

    Explore Sandy Point on a dive.

  • Wreck of River Taw

    Scuba diving

    Visit the River Taw shipwreck on a dive.

  • M.V. Talata Wreck

    Scuba diving

    Visit the M.V. Talata shipwreck on a dive.

  • Wreck of the Corinthian

    Scuba diving

    Visit the Corinthian shipwreck on a dive.

  • Turtle Bar

    Scuba diving

    Dive at Turtle Bar to look for turtles.

  • Frigate Bay Reef

    Scuba diving

    Explore Frigate Bay Reef on a dive.

  • Nags Head

    Scuba diving

    Hard

    Choose this dive site if you are a more experienced diver.

    • Strong currents make this a challenging dive.

  • Aquarium

    Scuba diving

    Explore Aquarium on a dive.

  • Nevis to St Kitts Cross Channel Swim

    More to doThe Narrows, between Nevis and Saint Kitts

    March or April, when the annual event takes place

    Register in advance on the event website to join the annual swim from Nevis to Saint Kitts.

    • Permit: Advance registration on the event website is required.
    • Cost: US$250 as of 2026

  • Turtle Beach

    BeacheSoutheast Saint Kitts

    Follow the road to the southeast end of Saint Kitts to reach Turtle Beach.

Airports, metros and trains in Saint Kitts and Nevis

Airports with scheduled flights

  • SKBRobert L. Bradshaw International AirportBasseterreMain international airport

Trains

Rail network
58 km

People and safety in Saint Kitts and Nevis

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.

  • Christian95%
  • No religion2%
  • Hindu2%
  • Folk religions1%
  • Other<1%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal

  • Same-sex marriage is not recognised.
  • Some laws protect against discrimination.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 127 of 198 countries can visit Saint Kitts and Nevis easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required36
  • Freedom of movement1
  • eTA required90
  • eVisa71

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Americas32 of 34 countries
  • Europe42 of 46 countries
  • Oceania11 of 14 countries
  • Asia25 of 50 countries
  • Africa17 of 54 countries

Questions

Which airport can I fly into?

Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport on Saint Kitts is the main airport. Nevis has the smaller Vance W. Amory International Airport.

How do I travel between Saint Kitts and Nevis?

Sea Bridge runs between Majors Bay on Saint Kitts and Cades Bay on Nevis from 8am to 7pm.

Can I use United States dollars?

United States dollar cash is widely accepted, usually at US$1 to EC$2.50. The official fixed rate is US$1 to EC$2.70.

Are public buses easy to recognise?

Public minibuses have green number plates starting with H. Taxi minibuses have yellow plates starting with T.

When is the rainy season?

The rainy season runs from May to November. Temperatures vary little through the year, and sea breezes help cool the islands.

Will people speak English?

English is the language of the islands. Local people also speak an English-based Creole that visitors may find difficult to understand.

Is tap water safe to drink?

Yes, tap water is safe to drink.

Do I need to book the Scenic Railway ahead?

Yes. It does not run every day and can sell out, especially when cruise ship tour groups fill the train.

Can I wear beach clothes around town?

Beach clothes in town are considered disrespectful. Wear shoes and a shirt in towns, shops, airports and other public places.

Will I be able to get online?

Most hotels, restaurants and cafés offer free Wi-Fi. Mobile coverage is good in most areas, and local SIM cards are available.

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