St Kitts – Nevis removes restrictions on international air travelers from India and South Africa

BASSETERRE, St Kitts – St Kitts and Nevis welcomes fully vaccinated international air travelers from India and South Africa with the October 18, 2021, removal of the restriction on travelers from these two destinations. The removal of the travel restrictions at this time for India and South Africa is consistent with the lifting of the restrictions on travelers from the UK on September 1, 2021, and aligns with the continued upward momentum of the vaccination rate in the Federation. The travel restriction remains in place for international travelers from Brazil.

Among the adult population, 77.4 percent have received one dose of the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine, with 70.3 percent of the adult population fully vaccinated; among children and teen agers between the ages of 12 – 17, 10.9 percent of have received their first dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine with 6.8 percent having received two doses. (Statistics as of October 19, 2021).

Effective October 7, 2021, “Vacation in Place” was reduced to 24 hours, with the required RT PCR arrivals test taken onsite at “Travel Approved” hotels and accommodations. Test results will be made available during the 24-hour “Vacation in Place.” Those travelers with a negative test result may fully integrate into the Federation after the 24-hour period has elapsed and enjoy the myriad experiences St Kitts and Nevis offers including, dining in restaurants, experiencing the vibe at one of the local beach bars on “The Strip,” visiting our unique and one-of-kind attractions, sailing the clear waters, hiking the volcano, shopping our local craft markets or just chilling at one of our beaches.

As announced on May 29, 2021, only fully vaccinated travelers will be allowed entry to the Federation.

• Exemptions are in place for citizens and residents of the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis and children under the age of 18 accompanying their fully vaccinated parents or guardians.
• All travel protocols and requirements remaining in place for the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis, including the submission of negative test results from an RT PCR test 72 hours prior to arrival.

Related Link: https://www.stkittstourism.kn/travel-requirements

A traveler is considered fully vaccinated when two weeks have passed since receiving their second dose of a two dose vaccine series (Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/Oxford, Sinopharm or Sinovac), or two weeks after they have received a single dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson). Mixing of approved vaccines for St Kitts and Nevis is accepted.

The previously announced travel requirements for non-vaccinated travelers are null and void.

Below are the travel requirements for fully vaccinated travelers:

a) Proof of vaccination is a scanned copy of the traveler’s official COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card. Upon submission of their vaccination card and completion of their travel authorization form, once verified, international travelers will receive authorization of their vaccination card and a KN number.

b) Traveler must complete the Travel Authorization Form on the national website (knatravelform.kn), including uploading your proof of vaccination and proof of booking at a Travel Approved hotel.

c) Upon submission of a completed KNA travel form, the traveler must upload their official COVID-19 RT-PCR negative test result from a CLIA/CDC/UKAS approved lab accredited with ISO/IEC 17025 standard taken 72 hours prior to travel. There are no exceptions to the 72-hour timeframe.

d) Upon submission of the copy of their official vaccination card and copy of their COVID -19 RT-PCR test negative result, the traveler’s information will be reviewed and they will receive the approval letter to enter the Federation (letter as pictured below).

e) For their trip, the traveler should bring a copy of their COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card and their negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test. Please note, acceptable COVID-19 RT-PCR tests must be taken by nasopharyngeal sample. Self-samples, rapid tests, or home tests will be considered invalid.

f) International travelers will undergo a health screening at the airport which includes a temperature check and a health questionnaire. Upon arrival, if a fully vaccinated traveler is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 during the health screening, they can be required to undergo a RT- PCR test at the airport at their own cost (150 USD).

g) Fully vaccinated international travelers arriving by air will be asked to “Vacation in Place” at a “Travel Approved” hotel for 24 hours.

h) During the “Vacation in Place” period, all fully vaccinated international travelers arriving by air are free to move throughout the “Travel Approved” hotel, interact with other guests and partake in all hotel activities.

i) The required RT-PCR arrivals test will be taken onsite at “Travel Approved” hotels and accommodations and must be administered by a Ministry of Health approved health professional (traveler’s cost UDS 150). Reservations are to be made solely through the hotel concierge. Tests conducted by independent local labs or health professionals offering RT – PCR testing services will not be accepted. Those travelers with a negative test result may fully integrate into the Federation after the 24-hour period has elapsed.

j) Travel Approved hotels for international travelers are:

• Four Seasons
• Golden Rock Inn
• Marriott Beach Club
• Montpelier Plantation & Beach
• Paradise Beach
• Park Hyatt
• Royal St Kitts Hotel

International travelers who would like to stay at private rental home or condo must stay at a property that has been pre-approved as a quarantine housing at their own cost, including security. Please submit request to info@stkittstourism.kn