The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has taken a significant step toward modernising its border management system with the passage of the Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
The landmark legislation supports the launch of the Federation’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system, set to go live in June 2025.
READ MORE: ST. KITTS AND NEVIS TO ROLL OUT ADVANCED ETA SYSTEM
Introduced by Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, The Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, the Bill marks a major milestone in the Federation’s ongoing efforts to enhance national security, facilitate seamless travel, and align with international aviation and customs standards.
ENHANCING SECURITY THROUGH INNOVATION
The amendment to the original Act, No.32 of 2024, strengthens the legal and operational framework necessary for the eTA rollout, allowing for real-time, multi-layered screening of travellers.
Passenger data will now be submitted simultaneously to both the local competent authority and the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS).
This dual submission ensures alignment with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the World Customs Organisation (WCO).
Travellers from visa-exempt countries will be required to apply online in advance of travel, undergo biometric and AI-powered risk assessments, and receive a Digital Travel Credential (DTC).
Upon arrival, they will be processed through biometric corridors, eliminating the need for manual forms and reducing wait times.
Prime Minister Drew emphasised the strategic benefits:
“This does not put any extra burden on our people. I want to say that this is not a guess in bringing this system. In Seychelles, where the same technology is deployed, drug mule interceptions surged, forged identity detections increased, and GDP growth was fuelled by post-COVID tourism recovery. St. Kitts and Nevis stands to gain, as well.”
A WHOLE-OF-GOVERNMENT APPROACH
The Bill is part of the Government’s comprehensive national development strategy that views border security as a public health and economic imperative.
“A whole of government, whole of society approach. The passage of these amendments demonstrates the National Assembly’s role as a proactive partner in the government’s whole of society strategy to treat with crime, violence, and transnational threats as matters of public health and national development. This is also part of our citizen security. We want to strengthen our borders. We want to know who is coming into St. Kitts.”
The Bill ensures that all passenger and crew data is lawfully processed and protected, with enhanced capabilities for timely, data-driven threat assessments.
INTERNATIONAL ALIGNMENT AND COMPLIANCE
Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, The Honourable Marsha Henderson, voiced strong support for the Bill, highlighting its role in meeting global aviation standards and facilitating international cooperation in areas such as human trafficking prevention, counter-terrorism, and trade security.
She confirmed that St. Kitts and Nevis is on track to meet full compliance with Annexe 9, which governs the collection and protection of passenger data.
“I think we’re scheduled for the audit sometime later this year, early next year. I’m happy, however, to report that we’re 80% compliant and by the time we would be audited, I’m pretty certain with these amendments that we would be ready, 100% compliant.”
LEGAL AND TECHNICAL ENHANCEMENTS
Attorney General and Minister of Justice, The Honourable Garth Wilkin, provided a detailed overview of the technical amendments introduced, including:
- Simultaneous Data Transfers: Passenger Name Record (PNR) data must now be transmitted at the same time to the competent national authority and CARICOM IMPACS, improving coordination and screening speed.
- Updated Standards: Definitions were expanded to explicitly include the World Customs Organisation, reaffirming the Federation’s commitment to global customs and aviation standards.
- Operator Obligations: Commercial carriers are now legally required to send Advance Passenger Information (API) and PNR data to both local and regional authorities, without exception.
- Technological Alignment: All data handling and screening procedures must follow standards set by ICAO, IATA, and WCO. Data must be securely stored in compliant data centres.
SUPPORTING THE ETA ROLLOUT
Following the Bill’s passage, Prime Minister Drew and members of the Federal Cabinet visited the eTA System Unit to assess operational readiness ahead of the system’s launch in June.
The visit underscored the Government’s commitment to ensuring the platform is fully functional and aligned with the needs of border management professionals.
The eTA platform is designed to improve pre-arrival vetting, predictive analytics, and immigration efficiency, positioning St. Kitts and Nevis as a regional leader in smart border solutions.
This legislative advancement is a pivotal step in ensuring that St. Kitts and Nevis remains safe, open, competitive, and compliant with the highest global standards.