Saint Kitts and Nevis has launched its National Biometric Enrolment and Passport Modernization Programme. The transition affects all citizens who obtained citizenship through the Citizenship Programme, including spouses, dependants and children.
Existing passports issued through the Citizenship Programme before April 14, 2026, will remain valid for international travel during the transition period. However, after July 31, 2027, they will no longer be accepted for international travel.
This change affects the validity of the passport as a travel document—it does not affect the holder’s citizenship status. Citizens are strongly encouraged to complete the process well before the deadline, as appointment availability may become limited closer to July 2027.
⚠ Disclaimer
Immigration laws and procedural requirements change frequently. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Before making any decisions, please consult a qualified professional or reach out to the High Net Worth Immigration team for a free, up-to-date consultation.
Existing citizens must work with an Authorized Agent, who will provide access to the official Government biometric platform and guide them through the process.
The applicant must personally create and submit the biometric application. An agent cannot complete it on the applicant’s behalf because the registration includes personal identity verification and live photographs.
Using the registration link provided by the Authorized Agent, the applicant must:
The applicant’s name and date of birth should match the passport exactly. Once submitted, the application may be locked against further editing.
After submitting the application, the applicant selects an available biometric collection centre, appointment date and time through the official platform.
Payment is made online through the Government platform using a credit or debit card. A card-processing charge may apply.
After payment, the appointment is submitted for confirmation by the Authorized Agent and the relevant administrative authority. The applicant receives confirmation by email and can monitor the appointment through the online portal.
Every person included in the appointment must attend in person. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Applicants should arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time. The appointment normally takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes per person.
The following biometric information is collected:
For babies and children under six, the current guidance states that only a facial image will be collected. Age-appropriate biometric requirements apply to all children.
Applicants should bring:
The existing passport is presented for identification at the biometric appointment and is not surrendered at this stage.
Appointment preparation
For the live photograph, applicants should:
For fingerprint collection, applicants should ensure that their hands are clean and dry. Hand cream or lotion should not be applied on the day of the appointment, and excessive use of hand sanitizer immediately beforehand should be avoided.
Mobile phones and recording devices may not be permitted inside the collection area.
After successful biometric enrolment, the applicant can proceed with the passport replacement process.
The biometric enrolment fee includes the first upgraded biometric passport for existing citizens. Standard passport fees will apply to future renewals after the upgraded passport expires.
The passport application generally requires:
Additional documentation may be required depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the source of payment.
The current guidance indicates an estimated processing time of approximately three weeks from submission, although processing times are not guaranteed.
Need Assistance with Your Biometric Enrolment?
High Net Worth Immigration is available to guide existing citizens through the registration, biometric appointment and passport replacement process.
The standard all-inclusive government fees are:
These fees cover identity verification, biometric capture and the first upgraded biometric passport.
🎉 Early Bird 10% Fee Reduction
Citizens who make a new appointment booking and complete biometric enrolment between July 20 and December 31, 2026, are eligible for a 10% reduction in the government biometric fees. This would reduce the fees to:
The reduction does not apply retroactively, and standard fees are expected to resume on January 1, 2027.
Professional assistance, banking due diligence, document certification, courier and other administrative charges are separate from the government biometric fees and should be confirmed before proceeding.
According to the latest Citizenship Unit information, appointments are currently available or being introduced at the following locations:
The Government may add, remove or change locations. Applicants should rely on the collection centres displayed in the official booking platform when scheduling their appointments.
Mobile biometric collection may also be available in selected jurisdictions, subject to the Government’s schedule and approval.
Family members may enrol at different locations or at different times, but separate applications and appointments may be required.
If family members are submitted together as one family appointment, everyone included must attend together at the selected location and time.
If appointments are submitted separately, each one may be treated as an independent appointment. In that situation, the first adult fee of USD 2,500 may apply to each separate booking.
Applicants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
After July 31, 2027, a non-biometric passport issued through the Citizenship Programme before April 14, 2026, will no longer be accepted for international travel.
The person will remain a citizen of Saint Kitts and Nevis but will need to complete biometric enrolment and obtain the upgraded passport before travelling.
Missing the deadline may also make it more difficult to secure a convenient appointment because the Government may prioritize other groups after the transition period.
No. The biometric enrolment charge is intended to be a one-time fee. Adults will not be required to complete full enrolment again each time their passport is renewed.
Biometric validation may form part of future passport renewals, but no separate biometric enrolment fee is expected. Standard passport renewal charges will apply when the upgraded passport expires.
Vicky Katsarova is an internationally recognized advisor in residency and citizenship by investment, with more than 15 years of experience helping investors, entrepreneurs, and families secure strategic residency and citizenship solutions.
Since founding High Net Worth Immigration in 2010, she has advised clients across more than 20 jurisdictions, helping them enhance global mobility, protect family wealth, diversify geopolitical risk, and unlock international opportunities through carefully selected investment migration programs.
Having lived in Bulgaria, the UAE, and Canada, Vicky combines professional expertise with personal international experience. Her boutique advisory is built on discretion, integrity, and long-term client relationships, delivering tailored solutions aligned with each client’s unique objectives.
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