St. Kitts and Nevis has taken a major legislative step toward modernizing its border control systems with the passage of the Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
The legislation, passed in the National Assembly on May 15, was described by Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. Terrance Drew as a “foundational component” in transforming the Federation’s border management into a secure, efficient, and technology-driven system.
The new amendments strengthen the legal and operational framework necessary for the launch of the country’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system, set to go live in June 2025. Prime Minister Drew called the legislation “our bold stride into the future of secure, seamless, and smart border management,” affirming his administration’s commitment to both safeguarding national security and improving the travel experience for legitimate visitors.
The amended legislation builds on Act No. 32 of 2024 and allows for real-time, multi-layered screening of travellers. Passenger data will now be simultaneously submitted to St. Kitts and Nevis’ competent authorities and to CARICOM IMPACS, bringing the Federation in line with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the World Customs Organization (WCO).
The Bill also enhances the operational readiness of the national eTA platform—a digital system that pre-screens travellers before they arrive. These improvements will boost the accuracy, speed, and reliability of travel data, allowing for predictive analytics, faster immigration processing, and increased legal accountability for commercial carriers.
“The successful implementation of our eTA system depends entirely on the quality, timeliness, and reliability of Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) data,” said Prime Minister Drew. “These amendments ensure that the infrastructure and legal standards governing API/PNR collection and sharing are robust, automated, and integrated with the eTA platform.”
The eTA system will allow travellers from visa-exempt countries to apply online before arriving in St. Kitts and Nevis. It will feature biometric and AI-driven risk assessments and provide travellers with a secure Digital Travel Credential (DTC). Upon arrival, visitors will pass through biometric corridors, eliminating the need for paper forms or long queues at immigration.
“Just like in the Seychelles, where the eTA platform has led to increased tourism, detection of drug smugglers, and faster airport processing times—Saint Kitts and Nevis is set to lead the Caribbean in secure, smart travel,” said Prime Minister Drew. “The implementation of the eTA is a border management upgrade and a national development milestone, ensuring that our borders remain safe, open, and globally competitive.”
Dr. Drew emphasized that the rollout of the eTA and its accompanying legislation represents not just a technological shift, but a strategic move to enhance the Federation’s innovation capacity, support tourism growth, and improve its standing on the global stage.
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