Saint Kitts and Nevis

Understand

As if it were the custom in the Caribbean, Saint Kitts and Nevis changed hands many times between English and French, which has left it a heritage of cities with names from both countries. Contrariwise, the architecture in the island nation is very British (Victorian style) with driving on the left and especially in downtown Basseterre: Circus Place the reproduction of the 'Berkeley Memorial Clock'. The islands became an associated state of the United Kingdom with full internal autonomy in 1967. The island of Anguilla rebelled and was allowed to secede in 1971. Saint Kitts and Nevis achieved independence in 1983. In 1998, a vote in Nevis on a referendum to separate from Saint Kitts fell short of the two-thirds majority needed. There are also several ancient British fortifications which have been restored with minutiae and reproducing the tiniest details of original construction. Saint Kitts and Nevis will be called to be developed in the near future, in fact many projects are in progress or completion, notably vast dockings to accommodate the largest liners and cruisers with terminals, loading docks, etc. A road permits going to the southeast end of Saint Kitts (Turtle Beach) where one feels that a certain febrility in the air will make of this part of the island an appreciated place. Indeed, one has only to take a little adventure in the underwoods with some fruit in hand to see oneself quite soon surrounded by monkeys coming gently to meet one to get fed. For the inhabitants of the islands, on the other hand, the monkeys are not perceived as big a joy, for these pretty little hairy beings plunder the harvest and nose around everywhere they can go.

Climate Tropical tempered by constant sea breezes; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November

See

Of course, with an area no larger than 261 km², Saint Kitts and Nevis has a somewhat limited (but not absent!) array of typical sights. It's hardly a set back for visitors to these two small islands though, as they have all the enchanting natural beauty of the Caribbean. Its strategic location made Saint Kitts a colonial hotspot and a focus point of European nations in their struggle for power over the West Indies islands. The colonial settlers rapidly expanded sugar plantations and imported African slaves, thus laying the foundations for the islands' colourful culture. Festivities, crafts and other displays of that culture are among the islands' main tourist attractions now, as are the ruins of the many plantations. A particularly accessible one is the Old Road Rum distillery at Wingfield estate. The Scenic Railway, travelling on the tracks of the old sugar train railway, is a great way to see the best of them. However, nothing makes the islands' history as tangible as the impressive and well preserved remains of the Brimstone Hill Fortress. It's both a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provides some stunning views over the surrounding area and even some nearby islands. Only a few ruins and some cannons remain of Fort Charles on Nevis, the fortifications of Charlestown. Basseterre is a pleasant place and has a view sights, including St. George's Anglican Church and Independence Square, once the site of the slave market. The impres

Getting there

Entry requirements Citizens of Commonwealth countries, Organization of American States (except the Dominican Republic), Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands and the following countries do not require visas: Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Denmark, China, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Monaco, Kingdom of the Netherlands (incl. Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten in addition to the Netherlands in Europe), Norway, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Turkey, UK and the United Arab Emirates. You must complete the Online Immigration and Customs Form. You can save time by doing this in advance, a day or two before you arrive. Visa applications must be mailed to the Embassy in Washington, D.C. Included in your submission should be the original completed application form (you cannot copy the form and send it), your passport (valid for at least 6 months after visiting Saint Kitts and Nevis, 2 passport-size photographs and the visa fee (US$50). You must also include the mailing fee. The normal fee is $5, but if you want express overnight postage, the fee is $15.75.

By plane Robert L Bradshaw International (SKB IATA) on St. Kitts is the main hub of the islands.

Daily flights are available from San Juan, PR on American Eagle, as well as through British Virgin Islands/Tortola. American Airlines flies three times a week from Miami (more flights during the tourist season), twice a week to New York. Delta Air Lines has non stop service to St. Kitts from Atlanta. From Britain, British Airways has non-stop flights from London Gatwick. These flights are once a week, on Saturdays. From Canada, there is a non-stop flight from To

Getting around

By ferry Several passenger ferries run every day between Charlestown, the capital of Nevis, and Port Zante in Basseterre, which is the capital of St. Kitts. The schedule can be viewed at ifare.kn. The fare is US$12.5 per adult as of 2025. A car ferry runs from the "Sea Bridge". Car ferries occasionally run from Port Zante as well.

By train There is a scenic railway tour that goes on portions of the narrow gauge railway that was used for the sugar mill. It is essential to book in advance, as it does not run every day and can sell out. If more than one large cruise ship visits the island, organized train tours can fill the train. The train has double-decker observation cars; the upper level is open with a canopy. Each car has a restroom and bar, and a choir may be on hand to sing Caribbean favorites. If you're new to narrow gauge rail travel, the track has more and tighter bends than a standard gauge railway. This leads to more swaying of the cars and more frequent screeching as the wheels go around curves. ☏ +11-869-465-7263

By car Taxis and buses outnumber those needing them in St. Kitts. Be sure to negotiate upfront the costs of the trip, pay special attention if the fare is in US or EC dollars. Taxis charge 50% extra from 10PM to 6AM, and drivers expect a 10% tip. Temporary driver's licences are available, and there are several car rentals agencies. There are many popular tour guides in St. Kitts that will give you a tour of the island. One such tour guide is Thenford Grey's Island Tours or Grey's Island Excursions.

By bus Micro buses form the public transportation system on the island. These are much cheaper than taxis and can be flagged down while in route. If they are full the driver will flash their lights and proceed on. Service does not generally ext