St Kitts and Nevis

The twin-island nation of St Kitts and Nevis, situated in the Leeward Islands of the eastern Caribbean, is shaped rather like a tennis racquet and ball - the larger St Kitts is separated from its ball-shaped southern counterpart, Nevis, by a two-mile (3km) channel called The Narrows. At first glance, the small, sleepy islands appear to be forgotten in time, a pair of quiet, lush and natural islands that convey nothing of their former prosperity and turbulent history. From their wealthy position as the most illustrious sugar colony in the Caribbean in the early 18th century they became the centre of conflict as European powers fought for control of the islands, and the surrounding waters were an irresistible attraction for pirates who lay in wait for the riches transported on the merchant ships. Today the population consists mainly of descendants from the slaves who were shipped from Africa to work the sugar plantations, and vestiges of splendid estates from their heyday as a playground for the elite are all that remain as a reminder of the infamously profligate way of life of the rich and famous of days gone by. These islands have become the tourist pearls of the Caribbean, valued today more as a tropical paradise than a major sugar producer, with clear and inviting waters, sandy beaches and a natural splendour to stun even the most avid city slicker. 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.

Climate

The climate is tropical, but sea breezes keep the islands relatively cool. There are no definite seasons; the yearly average temperature is 79°F (26°C). Although rain is possible throughout the year, the average is higher between July and November, which coincides with the hurricane season.

Money

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$2.70. Most businesses accept US Dollar notes as payment, but change is given in EC$. Travellers cheques and 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.

Passport Visa

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

• United States passport holders must have a passport or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as an original or certified birth certificate. A visa is not required for a stay of up to three months. All passengers should be in possession of tickets with confirmed onward/return reservations, all documents required for their next destination and sufficient funds to cover their stay.
• UK nationals require a passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to three months. Passport holders with an endorsement British Overseas Territories Citizen (residents of Montserrat) may stay for six months without a visa, and may enter with a passport-replacing document that has photo ID (e.g. driver's licence). All passengers should be in possession of tickets with confirmed onward/return reservations, all documents required for their next destination and sufficient funds to cover their stay.
• Canadians require a passport or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, to enter St Kitts-Nevis. A visa is not required for a stay of up to three months. All passengers should be in possession of tickets with confirmed onward/return reservations, all documents required for their next destination and sufficient funds to cover their stay.
• Australians require a passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to three months. All passengers should be in possession of tickets with confirmed onward/return reservations, all documents required for their next destination and sufficient funds to cover their stay.
• South Africans require a passport, but no visa is required for visits of up to three months. All passengers should be in possession of tickets with confirmed onward/return reservations, all documents required for their next destination and sufficient funds to cover their stay.
• Irish nationals require a passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to three months. All passengers should be in possession of tickets with confirmed onward/return reservations, all documents required for their next destination and sufficient funds to cover their stay.
• New Zealand nationals require a passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to three months. All passengers should be in possession of tickets with confirmed onward/return reservations, all documents required for their next destination and sufficient funds to cover their stay.

Health

No vaccinations are required for travel to the islands, but a yellow fever certificate is required from visitors travelling from a yellow fever infected country. Dengue fever is on the increase, and precautions against mosquito bites should be taken. There is a high incidence of HIV/AIDS. Medical facilities are adequate, but limited, and health insurance is essential, which should include emergency air evacuation. Most doctors and hospitals expect cash payment.

Embassy Consulates

• St Kitts and Nevis Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 686 2636.
• High Commission for the Eastern Caribbean States, Ottawa, Ontario: +1 613 236 8952.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Bridgetown, Barbados (also responsible for St Kitts-Nevis): +1 246 227 4000.
• British High Commission, Bridgetown, Barbados (also responsible for St Kitts and Nevis): +1 246 430 7800.
• Canadian High Commission, Bridgetown, Barbados (also responsible for St Kitts-Nevis): +1 246 429 3550.
• Australian High Commission, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (also responsible for St Kitts-Nevis): +1 868 822 5450.
• South African High Commission, Kingston, Jamaica (also responsible for St Kitts-Nevis): +1 876 620 4840.