St Kitts and Nevis

The twin-island nation of St Kitts and Nevis, situated in the Leeward Islands in the eastern Caribbean, is shaped rather like a tennis racquet and ball - the larger St Kitts is separated from its ball-shaped southern counterpart, Nevis, by a two-mile (3km) channel called The Narrows.

At first glance, the small, sleepy islands appear to be forgotten in time, a pair of quiet, lush and natural islands that convey nothing of their former prosperity and turbulent history. From their wealthy position as the most illustrious sugar colony in the Caribbean in the early 18th century they became the centre of conflict as European powers fought for control of the islands, and the surrounding waters were an irresistible attraction for pirates who lay in wait for the riches transported on the merchant ships. Today the population consists mainly of descendants from the slaves who were shipped from Africa to work the sugar plantations, and vestiges of splendid estates from their heyday as a playground for the elite are all that remain as a reminder of the infamously profligate way of life of the rich and famous of days gone by.

These islands have become the tourist pearls of the Caribbean, valued today more as a tropical paradise than a major sugar producer, with clear and inviting waters, sandy beaches and a natural splendor to stun even the most avid city slicker. Together with a diverse range of activities, historical sites, and the charm of their two capital harbor towns, the volcanic islands are a seductive blend of color, sunshine and luxurious relaxation.

Basics

Time: Local time is GMT -4.
Electricity: Electrical current is 230 volts, 60 Hz, but a 117-volt supply is available in most hotels. Round three-pin plugs and three-pin rectangular blade plugs (as in the UK) are in use.
Money: The official currency is the East Caribbean Dollar (XCD), which is divided into 100 cents. It is tied to the US dollar at a rate of US$1=EC$2.70. Most businesses accept US Dollar notes as payment, but change is given in EC$. Travelers cheques and major credit cards are widely accepted, and major currencies can be exchanged at banks, with US Dollars the cheapest to exchange. Most banks are closed on weekends, but provide 24-hour ATM services.

 

Note: This is not updated daily and should be used as a guide only.

Language: English is the official language.
Entry Requirements for Americans: US nationals require a valid passport to enter St Kitts-Nevis. A visa is not required for a stay of up to three months.
Passport/Visa Note: All visitors require sufficient funds to cover their stay, and confirmed onward or return tickets. Entry will be refused to those not complying with appearance requirements (e.g. dreadlocks), but an application can be made before arrival. From 23 January 2007 all US citizens traveling to and from St Kitts and Nevis by air will require a valid passport; by 1 January 2008 the requirement will be extended to include all land and sea border crossings as well. *Special note: In connection with the Cricket World Cup, a common visa policy will be in effect from 1 February to 15 May 2007 between Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, Guyana, Grenada, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago. All visitors, except for nationals of Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, USA and UK, will require a CARICOM Special Visa, which will allow movement between the participating countries.
Health: No vaccinations are required for travel to the islands, but a yellow fever certificate is required from visitors traveling from a yellow fever infected country. Dengue fever occasionally occurs and there is a high incidence of HIV/AIDS. Medical facilities are adequate, but health insurance is essential, which should include emergency air evacuation. Most doctors and hospitals expect cash payment.
Tipping: A 10% service charge is usually included in hotel and restaurant bills, otherwise it is customary to leave 10-15% of the bill depending on the service. Taxi drivers receive 10-15% of the fare.
Safety: Although most visits to the islands are trouble-free, visitors should still guard against robbery and other crimes of opportunity. Valuables should be left in hotel safes where possible and remote places, particularly beaches, should be avoided, especially after dark. Hurricane season normally runs from June to November. The ICC Cricket World Cup takes place in the Caribbean from 11 March to 27 April 2007; travelers are advised that flights and accommodation will be in great demand during this period.
Customs: Nudity is not allowed on beaches and beachwear should not be worn in the towns or villages. It is an offence to wear camouflage clothing.
Business: Business in St. Kitts and Nevis is conducted in a relatively informal manner, but a fairly formal dress is expected despite the heat. Handshakes for both men and women are the common form of greeting, and business cards should be exchanged immediately after being introduced. Business hours are generally 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken at lunch.
Communications: The international dialing code for St Kitts and Nevis is +1 869. The outgoing code is 1 for the Caribbean, USA and Canada, and 011 for all other international destinations followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00127 for South Africa). City/area codes are not in use. Internet services are widely available at hotels and Internet cafes. Cable and Wireless Caribbean Cellular (St Kitts) Ltd. provides cellular phone service.
Duty Free: Travelers over the age of 18 may import 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225g tobacco, and 1.136 liters of wine or spirits without paying customs duty.
 

St Kitts

Officially known as St Christopher, the island was named by Christopher Columbus on landing there in 1493, but it wasn't until it became an English colony in 1623 that its name was shortened to St Kitts, by which the island is known today. A lush, verdant island, St Kitts is the larger of the twin-island nation and is more developed than Nevis, however neither island has succumbed to the usual tourist trappings, and St Kitts remains a naturally unassuming, un-crowded destination that is a true gem in the Caribbean crown. Dominated by an extinct 3,792ft (1,156m) volcano, the island is covered in green vegetation and sugar cane fields, and is ringed by sandy coves, coral reefs and clear waters. Most beaches to the north are black sand due to the volcanic nature of the island, but the beaches at the southern end, including Frigate Bay, Banana Bay, Sand Bank Bay and Cockleshell Bay, are what beach-gurus dream of: deserted stretches of fine white sand; while those yearning for waves will find Atlantic surf along the east coast. However there is more to St Kitts than splendid natural surroundings and beaches. An explosive history of slave revolutions and colonial contention during the 18th century has left the island with a rich heritage of architecture, as well as sites such as the impressive fortress at Brimstone Hill, which was constructed to defend the wealth, and to protect the wealthy, of the island. During the prosperous days of the sugar industry, St Kitts as the oldest and richest colony in the Caribbean boasted 68 sugar plantations in total. With the abolition of slavery, and the production of beet sugar in Europe, the surge of wealth finally came to an end, and today the once prolific factories and windmills lie in ruins among the abandoned sugar plantations. St Kitts was the last island in the Caribbean to persist in the production of sugar cane, but the industry has been discontinued due to the high costs involved.

 

Airports

Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB)

Location: The airport is situated about three miles (5km) from Basseterre on St Kitts. Time: Local time is GMT-4. Contacts: Tel: +1 869 465 8472. Transfer to the city: Taxis are available outside the terminal and fixed rates are posted at the airport. Car rental: There are no car rental agencies at the airport, but companies such as Avis, TDC and Sunshine provide a free pick up service from the airport. Facilities: Facilities include a restaurant and bar, shops, duty-free shopping and tourist information. Departure tax: EC$41.

Newcastle Airport (NEV)

Location: The airport is situated at Newcastle, eight miles (13km) from Charlestown on Nevis. Time: Local time is GMT-4. Contacts: Tel: +1 869 469 9040. Transfer to the city: Taxis are available outside the terminal and fixed rates are posted at the airport. A ferry connects the airport to St Kitts; the journey takes about 45 minutes. Car rental: There are no car rental agencies at the airport, but there is a phone available to contact them. Departure tax: EC$41.

 

Climate

The climate is tropical, but sea breezes keep the islands relatively cool. There are no definite seasons; the yearly average temperature is 79°F (26°C). Although rain is possible throughout the year, the average is higher between July and November, which coincides with the hurricane season.