St. Kitts and Nevis Travel Guide

St. Kitts and Nevis — Travel Tips

Browse the St. Kitts and Nevis Photo Gallery

Social Conventions

All visitors to the islands are cordially welcomed; marriages are valid after two days’ residence. Islanders maintain traditions of calypso dancing and music and this can be seen particularly during the summer months. Dress is informal at most hotels. Beach attire is not appropriate for around town, in shops or in restaurants. Nudity is not permitted on any beach. For more formal occasions and functions, a lightweight suit and tie is recommended. It is illegal to dress in camouflaged clothing. Homosexuality is illegal.

International Travel

Getting There By Air

Most international flights are via Antigua, Puerto Rico or St Maarten. American Airlines also has regular flights from the USA. LIAT (LI) (website: www.liatairline.com) runs from Antigua and offers day-trip charters to St Maarten and Antigua & Barbuda. Other airlines serving the islands include American Eagle (website: www.aa.com), Caribbean Star (website: www.flycaribbeanstar.com) and Winair (website: www.fly-winair.com).

Departure Tax

EC$41. Children under 12 years of age and passengers staying less than 24 hours are exempt. An environment levy fee of EC$4 is also payable on departure.

Main Airports

St Kitts (SKB) (Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw) is 3.2km (2 miles) from Basseterre on St Kitts. To/from the airport: Taxis are available; fares are regulated. Facilities: Tourist information, restaurant and duty-free shop.

Newcastle Airfield (NEV) is 11km (5 miles) from Charlestown on Nevis.

Getting There By Water

Main ports:Basseterre. This is a deep-water port capable of berthing ships up to 120m (400ft) and is regularly visited by cruise liners. Regular ferry services operate from St Kitts to St Maarten.

Duty Free

Overview

The following goods may be imported into St Kitts & Nevis by travelers aged 18 and over without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225g of tobacco.
• 0.95L of wine or spirits.

Internal Travel

Getting Around By Water

There are regular passenger ferry services on the MV Caribe Queen, the Sea Hustler and the Carib Breeze, between Basseterre (St Kitts) and Charlestown (Nevis) with a few sailings daily (journey time – 45 minutes).

Getting Around By Road

Traffic drives on the left. A good road network on both islands makes any area accessible within minutes. Extra care must be taken at night as roads are not well lit.

Bus: There are privately run bus services, which are comfortable and make regular, but unscheduled, runs between villages.

Taxi: Services on both islands have set rates. A schedule of taxi rates is obtainable at the government headquarters. There is a 50% surcharge between 2200-0600. Taxi drivers expect a 10% tip.

Car/moped hire: A selection of cars and mopeds can be hired from several companies. It is best to book cars through the airline well in advance. When hiring scooters safety equipment is not included in the price; those hiring these must bear this in mind as other road users do not usually give scooters due consideration.

Documentation: Before driving any vehicle, including motorcycles, a local Temporary Driver’s License must be obtained from the Police Traffic Department. This is readily issued on presentation of an International Driving Permit or national driving license and a fee.