St. Kitts And Nevis Passes ETA Amendment Bill To Increase Border Security

Published on: 14 June 2025

The National Assembly of St. Kitts and Nevis has passed the Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name (Amendment) Bill 2025 to modernize the country’s border control systems. 

The Bill lays the foundation for launching the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system, which is expected to go live in June 2025.

Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. Terrance Drew introduced the legislation as a major part of the Federation’s national security plan. The updated law supports new travel screening tools and aligns the country’s systems with international aviation and customs practices.

The new law modifies Act No. 32 of 2024 by creating a legal structure to support real-time and layered screening of incoming passengers. 

Traveler information will now be sent to national authorities and the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) to meet standards set by ICAO, IATA, and WCO.

Visitors from visa-exempt countries will need to apply online before travelling. They will complete biometric and AI-based risk checks and receive a Digital Travel Credential (DTC). Upon arrival, passengers will go through biometric corridors, which will eliminate the need for paper forms and reduce wait times.

Dr. Drew said that the system offers strong benefits. He pointed to Seychelles as an example where similar technology helped catch drug smugglers and fake identities while increasing tourism. He stated that the same positive results are expected for St. Kitts and Nevis.

The amendment is part of a national strategy that links border control to both public health and economic goals. Dr. Drew described it as a whole-of-government approach that strengthens national security and helps monitor who enters the country.

The law also improves the way travel data is processed and protected. According to the government, this will allow for faster and more accurate threat detection.

Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Marsha Henderson strongly supported the Bill. She said it helps the country meet international aviation and border security standards, including efforts against human trafficking and terrorism. 

Attorney General Garth Wilkin listed specific technical changes in the law. These include simultaneous passenger data transmission to local and regional bodies, legal obligations for airlines to submit API and PNR data without exception, and clear alignment with global data handling standards. All information must be stored in secure, regulation-compliant facilities.

Following the Bill’s passage, Prime Minister Drew and Cabinet members toured the eTA System Unit to evaluate system readiness. 

With this latest upgrade, St. Kitts and Nevis aims to lead the region in digital border control.

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