Preparing to move to St Kitts and Nevis
Imagine, natural beauty, sunny skies, beaches and a welcoming atmosphere. St. Kitts is the larger of the 2 Caribbean islands that comprise the nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. It’s known for its rain forested mountains and beaches of white, gray and black sands. On its southwestern coast is the capital, Basseterre, and its colonial-era Georgian buildings. Anchoring Basseterre is the Circus, a plaza modeled after London’s Piccadilly Circus, complete with Victorian-style clock tower.
St. Kitts is located in the Leeward Islands at the northern end of the Lesser Antilles, approximately 220 miles southeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Together with her sister island, Nevis, they constitute the Federation of St. Christopher and Nevis, an English-speaking member of the British Commonwealth of Nations that continues to recognize the British monarch as the head of state. The country’s internal government is led by a prime minister. The name of the capital, Basseterre, reflects the French heritage of much of St. Kitts’ history. Until recently, St. Kitts and Nevis were primarily agricultural, with sugar cane as the main crop; however, new road construction and economic growth are beginning to bring the islands into the mainstream of the tourism industry, and they are becoming known as pleasant and comfortable vacation destinations.
Travel Documents and Entry/Departure Requirements
Citizens of Canada need only to present proof of citizenship – preferably a passport or birth certificate with the raised seal – in order to enter St. Kitts-Nevis. If the birth certificate is used, it must be accompanied by a government issued photo ID (a drivers licence, for example) showing the same name. Where applicable, documentation of a legal name change (for example, a marriage certificate) must also be presented. Citizens of the United States, however, are required to have passports in order to re-enter that country. As such a valid passport is a required travel document when travelling to the Caribbean.
Other helpful information
Driving in St Kitts and Nevis
St Kitts and Nevis Ferry Schedule
St Kitts Car Rentals
St Kitts Supermarkets & Grocery Stores
St Kitts Long Term Apartment Rentals
St Kitts Taxi, Tours and Shore Excursions
St Kitts & Nevis Student Information
Relocating with Family
Bringing your family and friends to St. Kitts holds the promise for many enjoyable experiences. With its ecotourism in the rain forest, a trip to the crater of Mt. Liamuiga, plentiful snorkeling and diving options, breathtaking scenery, year-round sunshine and friendly people, St. Kitts will help you create wonderful memories together.
The following is the necessary information needed to facilitate your extended stay in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Adult (Non-Student) Requirements
- Valid Passport.
- Application form (provided during New Student Orientation).
- One passport-sized color photograph – shoulders must be covered. No sleeveless shirts or low cut shirts/blouses and no tank tops.
- Original Police Certificate available from your local precinct or county sheriff’s office.
- Copy of marriage certificate, if applicable.
- Original airline/travel itinerary or electronic return ticket number.
- The calculated amount of cash as determined by the officers taking the application (EC$55.00 per month for the first three months, then EC$75.00 thereafter. If the applicant leaves the island at anytime, the fee structure starts over again from EC$55.00).
All documents may be obtained from the Housing Department Office, located in Tegreman Hall 111. This office will submit applications to the Ministry of Homeland Security on your behalf.
Children’s Requirements
- Children aged between 5 and 16 years attending the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine Preparatory School will need a copy of their Immunization Certificate (required by the Ministry of Health) and a passport-sized photo. The cost for a student visa is EC$75.00 annually. The Preparatory School will submit all required information on your behalf.
- Children under the age of five years will have their passports submitted with the parent attending the University for a Visitor Visa to be stamped in the travel document. There is no fee for this service.
Banks in St Kitts
There are several banks in St. Kitts and which one you choose is up to you. Scotiabank has an ATM machine on some campus, and Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) also have an ATM machine near some campus. Scotiabank and RBC are also the only banks that honor Ross University financial aid checks immediately. In order to acquire a new bank account, they have arranged for both banks to be available during One Stop in orientation program during your first week in St. Kitts. Contact the university you will be attending for additional information that will assist you in setting up your account prior to your arrival. Bank of America ATM cards may be used on island at the Scotiabank ATM on campus as an alternate to your banking cash needs.
Please bring Travelers Checks to use for your initial deposit. Cashier’s checks and personal checks are accepted, however they are subject to a 6 week hold before the funds are released. You will also need valid forms of ID: your passport and one government issued photo ID such as a driver’s license will suffice to open your Eastern Caribbean dollar bank account.
Royal Bank of Canada (2 locations)
Corner of Bay Rd. and Fort St.
465-2259Wellington Road (in Value Mart Plaza)
465-2369
M – Th 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Fri. 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Closed Saturday and Sunday
ATM available at both locations AND close to campus.
Cards with the PLUS symbol are also accepted at the ATM.
Scotiabank (2 locations)
Fort Street Branch – 465-4141
Bird Rock Branch – 466-6161
M – Th 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Fri. 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Closed Saturday and Sunday
ATM available at both branches AND on campus.
ATM/Debit card accepted at stores in St. Kitts. Other cards with the CIRRUS or PLUS symbol are also accepted at the ATM.
Other banking options in St. Kitts:
First Caribbean International Bank –
The Circus – Downtown 465-2159
M -Th 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Fri. 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
ATM available
National Bank (2 locations)
Central Street : 465-2204 ATM available
Pelican Mall – Downtown :465-2204 ATM available
Insurance Information
Personal Content Insurance
Please make sure you insure your personal valuables. This might include your PC, cameras, and whatever else you deem to be valuable. If you have insurance at home, check to see if the coverage extends to your residence outside of the country. In the case where you need to purchase this insurance locally.
In order to acquire personal insurance, SNIC the only insurance company that covers personal valuables.
Medical Insurance Coverage
Medical insurance coverage is not optional when attending University in St. Kitts. It is a requirement. Your choice of insurance company must be able to offer coverage outside the United States
We highly recommend that spouses and children who will be accompanying you either subscribe for Insurance policy. It is recommended that significant others and fiancés are medically covered with private medical insurance while on the island.
Things you need to know about your health insurance on Saint Kitts:
- There are no doctors, hospitals, or pharmacies that are contracted with any insurance company. This means that all services must be paid for with cash, check, or credit card.
- A doctor’s office visit requires payment at the end of the visit.
- Laboratory tests, x-rays, etc. must be paid for in advance, whether done in the hospital or at the laboratory located in town.
- Elective hospital admissions require a deposit for a five day stay (usually about 1250EC). The hospital also requires at additonal charges to be paid upon discharge. As in North America, special tests, x-rays, etc are charged separately.
- Your policy has a 250US yearly deductible which means that you should submit all claims for doctors’ visits. After your deductible has been met you will be reimbursed for any additional charges as long as they are covered under your policy.