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How safe is to visit St Kitts and Navis?

Saint Kitts and Nevis is a small country in the eastern Caribbean Sea, consisting of two islands of the same name. Until 1983, these remote lands were an unremarkable British colony, whose inhabitants mainly earned their living from growing and processing sugar cane.

Today, Saint Kitts and Nevis is actively developing tourism: building modern resort complexes, improving transport infrastructure and laying new excursion routes. Every year, these islands are visited by hundreds of thousands of foreign tourists. In 2024 – 875,085 people visited this Caribbean jurisdiction.

Even the most seasoned travellers will be enchanted by the natural beauty and rich cultural traditions of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Here they will find historic churches and colonial-era mansions, picturesque landscapes with farm fields, tropical forests and volcanic peaks, go sailing, take part in underwater fishing or simply immerse themselves in the serene atmosphere of a seaside resort for a few days.

Foreign entrepreneurs value St. Kitts and Nevis as a reliable tax haven for registering offshore companies, where international businesses do not have to pay taxes on foreign income, and information about beneficiaries is not publicly available.

Saint Kitts and Nevis has the oldest passport programme currently in operation, under which wealthy foreigners can obtain second citizenship for a significant contribution to the island’s economy. The Saint Kitts and Nevis investment programme is chosen to gain freedom of movement around the world, as well as a comfortable refuge for the whole family in case of economic or political turmoil at home.

Regardless of the purpose of your trip to Saint Kitts and Nevis, whether you are a tourist, investor or expat, you will be concerned about the same thing: how safe is it to be in this country? What precautions should you take? Is it worth taking your family with you? Experts from Imperial & Legal answer these and many other questions in our article.

Is it safe in Saint Kitts and Nevis?

Saint Kitts and Nevis is one of the safest countries in the Caribbean. Thanks to progressive laws and the coordinated work of the local police, the islands have created a safe environment for all foreign visitors, whether they are solo travellers, newlyweds or large families with young children.

Unlike the fast-paced inhabitants of large cities, the people of Saint Kitts and Nevis lead a more relaxed lifestyle and have not lost their ability to enjoy the simple things in life. Local residents are hospitable and generally friendly towards tourists and expats.

Unfortunately, Saint Kitts and Nevis is vulnerable to tropical hurricanes, which occur during the rainy season from June to November. If you are planning a trip during this period or are considering moving to one of the islands, keep an eye on the weather conditions and develop an emergency plan in advance.

Crime analysis in Saint Kitts and Nevis

As already highlighted, Saint Kitts and Nevis is one of the safest jurisdictions in the Caribbean. According to the Numbeo Crime Index, Saint Kitts and Nevis has a relatively low crime rate. Its safety index in 2025 was 59.98, and its crime index was only 40.02.

Crime and safety indices for Saint Kitts and Nevis compared to other Caribbean jurisdictions

Rank

CountrySafety index

Crime index

1

Cuba64

35

2

Saint Kitts and Nevis59

40

3

Barbados55

44

4

Dominica46

53

5

Dominican Republic39

60

6

Puerto Rico38

61

7

Jamaica32

67

8

Haiti18

81

Main types of crime in Saint Kitts and Nevis

Foreign citizens are not a favourite target for criminals in Saint Kitts and Nevis, but so-called “situational crimes” such as petty theft, car theft and fraud are common. The police frequently detain individuals suspected of illegal possession of weapons. Violent crimes such as armed robbery, murder, shootings and sexual assault are much less common in the country. Crimes related to drug trafficking are extremely rare in this tropical resort.

Police in Saint Kitts and Nevis

The Royal St. Kitts and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) is responsible for maintaining law and order on the islands. The island police’s duties include crime prevention and investigation, traffic control and maintaining public safety.

Since James Sutton took office as the new RSCNPF commissioner, there has been a decrease in the overall crime rate and an increase in the murder clearance rate.

Safety recommendations for tourists in Saint Kitts and Nevis

The US State Department considers this island nation safe to visit and therefore recommends that its citizens take the usual precautions, which boil down to purchasing travel insurance and following a few simple guidelines. The basic precautions in Saint Kitts and Nevis are like those in any American or European city:

  1. Do not leave valuables unattended in public places, including beaches, unlocked cars, hotel rooms or rented homes.
  2. Do not walk alone at night, especially on deserted beaches, poorly lit streets or country roads.
  3. Late at night, only leave the hotel grounds as part of a tourist group or with someone you know well. If you plan to visit a nightclub, choose only safe clubs and restaurants with a good reputation.
  4. Only use taxis with the appropriate markings or call a taxi using a smartphone app. Avoid car rides with strangers.
  5. When planning independent walks, choose only busy and well-lit routes.
  6. Do not display flashy jewellery, expensive electronics or large amounts of cash. When planning to leave the hotel grounds, leave your documents, money and valuables in your room safe.
  7. Pay by bank card. Take some cash in small denominations with you in case a café or souvenir shop does not accept card payments.
  8. Only use ATMs in safe and crowded places, such as shopping centres or hotels.
  9. Be especially careful when attending large events, holidays, or music festivals. Be aware of your surroundings when shopping in crowded areas, especially during the holiday season.
  10. Do not leave your drinks and food unattended in public places. Do not drink from open containers if offered by a stranger.
  11. Do not engage in illegal activities. Familiarise yourself, at least in general terms, with what is considered illegal in Saint Kitts and Nevis. For example, camouflage clothing is prohibited in this country unless you are a member of the local police or self-defence forces.
  12. Yacht and boat owners should be cautious if an unfamiliar person or vessel approaches their moored vessel.

Following these simple rules will make your trip to Saint Kitts and Nevis comfortable and safe.

Transport safety in Saint Kitts and Nevis

Public transport is poorly developed on both Saint Kitts and Nevis, so most foreigners visiting these islands use taxis or hire cars.

Taxis

General recommendations for using taxis remain the same: only use licensed carriers! They can be distinguished from unlicensed and uninsured private taxi drivers by their yellow number plates with the letters “T” and “TA”. The cost of the trip is determined by a pre-set fare. Agree on the price with the driver before they take you.

Car rental

A better, albeit more expensive, option is to rent a car, which will save you a lot of time and allow you to see more of this hospitable country’s sights. What recommendations are relevant for tourists who rent a car?

  • Traffic in Saint Kitts and Nevis, as in the former metropolis, is left-hand.
  • If you do not have an international driving licence, you will need to obtain a temporary driving licence from the Department of Internal Revenue before getting behind the wheel.
  • As a rule, car rental companies help foreign tourists obtain temporary licences. The downside of working with such companies is their strict requirements for customers. In Saint Kitts, most of these companies require the renter to be at least 25 years old and have driving experience.

Road safety precautions

Foreigners are advised to familiarise themselves with local traffic rules, road signs and the habits of local drivers in advance to minimise the risk of accidents and interaction with the island police.

When driving in the Caribbean, you may encounter wildlife, narrow and poorly maintained roads outside of town, poor road lighting and illegible road markings. Some local drivers forget to use their turn signals, and pedestrians may walk in the street after dark.

To keep yourself safe, keep your car doors locked at all times.

Ferry service

There is a regular ferry service between the town of Basseterre on St. Kitts and the town of Charlestown on Nevis. Thanks to the ferry service, travelling between the two islands is now much easier and takes no more than 45 minutes.

Medical and health safety on the islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis

Even if your trip to the islands is not going to take long, it is better to think about your health in advance and purchase travel insurance. Expats purchase more expensive insurance products that cover the cost of treatment at one of the two local hospitals or emergency hospitalisation in another country.

To visit Saint Kitts and Nevis safely, make sure you have been vaccinated against the following diseases:

  • typhoid fever;
  • rabies;
  • chickenpox;
  • hepatitis A and B;
  • diphtheria;
  • whooping cough;
  • measles;
  • rubella;
  • meningitis;
  • shingles;
  • polio;
  • mumps;
  • tetanus.

If you have a weak stomach, try not to drink tap water in Saint Kitts and Nevis. Although the water is chlorinated and generally safe, it is best to boil it before drinking or use bottled water from grocery stores to quench your thirst.

Natural and seasonal risks in Saint Kitts and Nevis

Rainy season and hurricanes

This wonderful country enjoys summer all year round. The temperature rarely drops below 24°C, and during the dry season, which lasts from December to May, the average temperature can exceed 30°C.

The rainy season in the eastern Caribbean begins in May and lasts until the end of November. This is a time of cloudy weather, prolonged rains, thunderstorms and tropical storms. Islanders know that the rains are sometimes accompanied by destructive tropical hurricanes. In 2017, Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 hurricane, swept through Saint Kitts and Nevis, causing significant damage to local property.

If you like to holiday in the low season, when there are no huge crowds of tourists and high prices, keep an eye on weather changes in Saint Kitts and Nevis, don’t miss emergency alerts, and stay in your hotel during natural disasters.

Beaches

Not all beaches in Saint Kitts and Nevis are safe and suitable for swimming. Moreover, the lack of beach infrastructure and lifeguards, combined with dangerous underwater currents, can lead to tragedy, especially if a novice swimmer or child is in the water. For example, dangerous beaches include Cayon Beach (due to strong winds and high waves) and North Friars Bay (no lifeguards or infrastructure, strong underwater currents).

Find out in advance which beaches are safe for swimming and patrolled by lifeguards. Pay attention to warning signs on the beach and weather conditions before entering the water. Do not swim alone or swim far out if you are not confident in your abilities.

Sharks

Our story would not be complete without mentioning sharks. Various species of sharks inhabit the waters of the Caribbean Sea, including hammerhead sharks, reef sharks, tiger sharks and bull sharks. Fortunately for the many visitors to St. Kitts and Nevis, these creatures usually avoid crowded beaches, so the chances of a tourist even seeing a shark in shallow water are relatively low.

However, as shark attacks in the Caribbean islands are extremely rare but have been recorded, here are a few simple recommendations to keep you safe while swimming:

  • Only use beaches that are popular with tourists and patrolled by lifeguards;
  • do not swim far out alone and do not swim in the open sea unless it is an organised sea excursion from a reputable tour operator;
  • Remove all shiny jewellery before entering the sea.

Investment citizenship of Saint Kitts and Nevis

The citizenship by investment programme has been in place in Saint Kitts and Nevis since 1984. It would not be an exaggeration to say that this oldest of the currently operating passport programmes is a benchmark for other jurisdictions planning to attract foreign investment for their economic development.

How to invest in citizenship of Saint Kitts and Nevis?

There are currently three options for investing in citizenship in this island nation:

  1. A non-refundable contribution to the state development fund, also known as SISC – Sustainable Island State Contribution. By donating $250,000, one investor or a family of four can obtain a passport.
    If the investor’s family is larger, each additional dependent will increase the amount of the non-refundable contribution:

    • by $50,000 if the Caribbean passport is being issued to an adult;
    • by $25,000 if the additional dependent family member is under 18 years of age.
  2. A non-refundable investment of $250,000 in a socially beneficial project approved by the island government – Public Benefit Option.
    This relatively new investment option involves the financial participation of a foreign investor in specific projects aimed at developing industrial production, construction on state-owned land or construction of facilities to be transferred to state ownership, local development – creation of new jobs or improvement of professional qualifications.
  3. Purchase of real estate worth:
    • at least $325,000 in a construction project approved by the authorities;
    • at least $325,000 if purchasing an apartment in a condominium;
    • at least $600,000 if it is private home ownership.

    Real estate purchased by the investor after 7 years of ownership can be sold without losing citizenship.

Is it safe to participate in the St. Kitts and Nevis investment programme?

The government of Saint Kitts and Nevis guarantees complete confidentiality to participants in the passport programme. If you choose the third investment option – purchasing real estate on one of the islands – your funds will be invested only in existing houses, apartments or development projects approved by the government of this Caribbean jurisdiction.

Your interaction with the CIU (Citizenship by Investment Unit) will be carried out exclusively through an official programme agent – a lawyer approved by the authorities and residing directly on one of the two islands. Our representative in Saint Kitts and Nevis will be able to assess all the properties on offer on site to find the most advantageous option.

To ensure a high level of security for participation in the passport programme, the immigration authorities of Saint Kitts and Nevis impose strict requirements on investors and conduct background checks on each adult applicant.

The main applicant and their dependents over the age of 16 must also undergo an interview, which can be conducted either remotely via video link, in St. Kitts, or in any third country where a CIU representative is available.

Therefore, the process of obtaining citizenship of Saint Kitts and Nevis through investment must be accompanied by competent legal support. Imperial & Legal immigration lawyers will help you choose the optimal investment option tailored to your requirements and circumstances, and will advise you on how to successfully pass the due diligence and interview.With our lawyers, you will become the holder of a Caribbean passport within the time frame established by law. And if you plan to move to Saint Kitts with your family, we will help you organise a comfortable relocation.

FAQs about safety in Saint Kitts and Nevis

Is it safe to walk around St. Kitts at night?

The authorities of the United States, the United Kingdom and most European countries recommend that their citizens refrain from walking at night on the island of Saint Kitts.

You can walk around the secure grounds of your hotel. If you are tempted by nightlife in the capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis, choose only safe establishments with an impeccable reputation. And under no circumstances should you walk there – use a taxi service.

Why is it forbidden to wear camouflage on Saint Kitts and Nevis?

Camouflage clothing can be perceived as military or police uniform, so non-residents and foreign visitors are prohibited from wearing camouflage on the islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis and in a dozen other Caribbean jurisdictions.

What are the main requirements and advantages of investment citizenship in Saint Kitts and Nevis?

The key requirements for the main applicant are:

  • be of legal age;
  • sufficient funds to make the initial investment and pay all additional government fees;
  • no criminal record (participants in the investment programme must not be under criminal investigation).

The key advantages of the Saint Kitts and Nevis investment programme are:

  • Lifetime citizenship with the right of inheritance.
  • The opportunity to obtain second citizenship and a passport for visa-free travel to 154 countries, including the United Kingdom and the Schengen area.
  • A well-established mechanism for foreign investors to participate in the passport programme. No financial risk whatsoever for the applicant.
  • A Caribbean passport can be obtained not only by the investor’s immediate family members (spouse and minor children), but also by parents over 55 and adult children under 26.
  • Tax optimisation for residents of Saint Kitts and Nevis, complete absence of fiscal payments such as capital gains tax, gift tax, inheritance tax, etc.
  • The opportunity to move with your family to a prosperous country with a warm climate, developed tourist infrastructure, unique business opportunities and good air links to Europe and the United States.

What public transport is available on Saint Kitts?

Public transport on the island consists of several bus routes. The advantage of this mode of transport is its low cost. Tourists on a budget sometimes use it to avoid spending money on taxis and to reach various attractions in St. Kitts at a reasonable price.

However, this mode of transport is not without its drawbacks. Most of these services are provided by minibuses, which can sometimes be very crowded and stuffy. Stops and route frequency are often unregulated and a mystery to outsiders. Finally, the safety of minibus driving leaves much to be desired. If you can afford it, it is better to call a licensed taxi or travel around the island in a rented car.

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