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Visitor & short-stay visas

Kittitian and Nevisian Cruise and Short Transit (Under 24 Hours)

For cruise passengers going ashore and travellers transiting for less than 24 hours, who generally do not need a visa to enter Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

The 'under 24 hours, no visa' rule is drawn from official mission FAQ pages; confirm whether an eTA is still required for cruise/transit travellers under the 2025 e-Border system.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Saint Kitts and Nevis government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Short transit / cruise shore visit (under 24 hours)
Route type
Visa-exempt short transit
Visa needed
No visa for stays of less than 24 hours
Passport
Valid passport required
Maximum stay
Less than 24 hours (short transit or cruise shore visit)
eTA required
No for in-transit passengers and cruise day-trip visitors; required for non-exempt travellers
eTA cost (if required)
US$17 per person
Standard service charge for the eTA; a discounted US$8.50 rate applied until 1 September 2025. Not payable by exempt cruise/transit travellers.
eTA validity (if required)
90 days, or until passport expiry, whichever is sooner
Entries
Single entry (eTA, where one is required)
Where to apply
St. Kitts and Nevis e-Border app or knatravelform.kn (only if an eTA is needed)

Who it is for

  • Cruise-ship passengers going ashore for less than 24 hours
  • Travellers in short transit for under 24 hours

Requirements

  • Valid passport
  • Compliance with any applicable eTA / ED entry-form requirements

What you can do

  • Visit ashore or transit for under 24 hours without an entry visa

How to apply

  • For a qualifying short transit or cruise shore visit of less than 24 hours, there is no visa or eTA application to complete
  • If your journey is not covered by the transit or cruise exemption, apply for the eTA before you travel through the official 'St. Kitts and Nevis e-Border' mobile app or the government portal at knatravelform.kn
  • The online eTA form can be submitted up to 90 days before travel and takes only a few minutes to complete
  • Exempt travellers (citizens/residents and OECS/CARICOM nationals) still complete the free online Immigration and Customs (ED) form through the same e-Border app or website

Documents you may need

  • Valid passport
  • Cruise boarding documentation, or an onward/transit ticket showing you are in short transit
  • Approved eTA confirmation (only if you are not covered by the transit or cruise exemption)

Frequently asked questions

  • No. In-transit passengers are exempt from the Electronic Travel Authorisation, and cruise-ship passengers going ashore on a day trip are not required to obtain one. You still need a valid passport. If you plan to stay in the country beyond a short shore visit, you may need an eTA.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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