St. Kitts and Nevis introduces Mandatory Biometric Passport Program
Standfirst: Citizens of the Caribbean Federation must complete enrollment by 31 July 2027, with collection centers now open worldwide.
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts and Nevis: Citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis are now required to complete biometric enrollment under a new federal program that modernizes the Federation’s passport to internationally recognized standards.
The National Biometric Enrolment and Passport Modernization Program, led by the Ministry of National Security and the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Unit, brings the country’s travel document in line with the biometric passports already in use across the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
Appointments at Government-designated collection centers opened on 1 May 2026. Every citizen must complete biometric enrollment by 31 July 2027. From 1 August 2027, passports that have not been upgraded will be deactivated, and affected citizens will be unable to travel on the document until enrollment is completed.
H.E. Calvin St. Juste, Chairman of the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Unit, said the program is a significant step for the Federation. “By aligning our passport with international biometric standards, we are strengthening the document for every citizen and ensuring that St. Kitts and Nevis stands with the international community on identity security. The Government has prioritized accessibility, with collection centers opening worldwide, and full Government control of all biometric data.”
The biometric appointment takes 15 to 30 minutes. Citizens provide fingerprints, a facial scan, and a digital signature, all of which are embedded in the new chip-enabled passport. The Government has confirmed that biometric data is captured once and remains valid for the lifetime of the document.
Phase 1 collection locations include the Citizenship Unit office in St. Kitts and a network of authorized service providers in key cities worldwide, with Phase 2 locations across the Federation’s consular network to be announced.
Program fees are USD 2,500 for the first adult, USD 2,000 for a second adult in the same family, and USD 1,300 for children under 16, inclusive of biometric enrollment and the passport upgrade. The program does not affect the rights, status, or standing of any citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Biometric data is transmitted directly to secure systems owned and operated by the Government, with handling aligned to international standards including those derived from the EU General Data Protection Regulation. Service providers supporting collection have no access to Government systems and operate solely as administrative facilitators during the appointment.
Enrollment must be facilitated by an Authorized Agent. Citizens are advised to contact the Authorized Agent who handled their original application to begin the process.For further information, citizens can contact the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Unit at [email protected]
