As one of the best countries located in the Caribbean Islands, St Kitts and Nevis becomes a matter of question regarding safety. Although the country offers a scenic landscape, people who want to visit or live there repeatedly ask themselves this question: Is St Kitts safe or not?
With a safety index of 59.98, the country is the safest among other Caribbean countries. Now, let’s look deeper into how safe it is with this article.
What You Will Discover in This Article
Overview of St Kitts and Nevis
St Kitts and Nevis, also known as the dual-island nation, is between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It was one of the first Caribbean islands colonized by the British and the French in the 1600s till September 19, 1983.
Its picturesque landscape, with its charming forests, mountains, and serene coastal life, makes it unique for travellers who wish to witness its natural beauty and rich cultural traditions. Now, it is a sovereign nation and a member of the Commonwealth.
The Capital, Basseterre, is located in the south-western part of the country. As the largest city, it is surrounded by mountains. The city is low-lying, as its name translates to English. Besides, the official language is English, but locals can speak Creole. Considering these, is Basseterre, St. Kitts, safe? In most parts, it is a safe place to travel or live with a steady police presence,
So, do you need a passport for St. Kitts? Depending on your home country, you may need a valid passport and even a visa to enter St. Kitts and Nevis. While most nationalities, such as the UK, USA, and EU, can visit the country visa-free for short stays, the St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program offers lifetime citizenship. It also gives St Kitts and Nevis passports that allow visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries.
St. Kitts passport requirements are quite simple for the CBI program. You have to donate to government funds or government-approved real estate and pass the due diligence checks through interviews and necessary documents. Then, you will receive your citizenship status within 4 to 6 months.
Things You Can Do in St Kitts and Nevis
In the country, you can also join the activities and travel as much as you can:
- St Kitts Railway: You can enjoy the tropical scenery.
- National Museum of St Kitts: You can witness the remnants from the Pre-Colombian era to the 12th century.
- Fairview Great House, St Kitts: It is a French plantation house, showing traces from the colonial past of the country.
- Old Road Town: It is a historic coastal area in St. Kitts known as the island’s first colonial settlement.
- Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site in St. Kitts, it offers panoramic views and insight into colonial history.
- Mount Liamuiga: A dormant volcano and the highest peak in St. Kitts, it is popular for hiking.
- The Island of Nevis: The smaller of the two islands in the country, Nevis is known for its tranquil beaches, historic charm, and natural beauty.
Apart from these, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, zip-lining, beach hopping, deep-sea fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are the other popular activities in the country.
Is St Kitts Safe to Visit among Caribbean Nations?
With a relaxed pace of life and historical culture, St Kitts and Nevis are one of the top travel destinations in the Eastern Caribbean. However, travelers often ask what to expect when visiting as solo female or male travelers, LGBTQ+ individuals, or families with children. Now, let’s look at some of the important things you should know.
Solo Travellers
While travelling, you must always use common-sense precautions, whether you are a man, woman, or LGBTQ+ individual. For a solo female traveller, the country is safe in general. People are friendly and helpful. However, you might still face petty theft. Thereby, you must be cautious while travelling.
For LGBTQ+ travellers, it is essential to know that St Kitts and Nevis decriminalized same-sex sexual activity in 2022. This inclusivity is a positive step if you consider it. However, locals may still be conservative, especially outside of tourist areas.
Although St Kitts and Nevis have the lowest crime rates in the Caribbean, with a 45.83 level of crime derived from Numbeo, you need to be cautious when it comes to travelling to a country that you do not know much about.
You can follow up on some tricks stated below:
- Do not walk at night as a solo traveller. Even if you do, make sure there are still people out there.
- Lock your hostel door. Ensure that it cannot be opened easily.
- Do not carry a large amount of cash or fancy jewellery, or leave valuables, as pickpockets can happen.
- Try to be close to expat communities, as they will help you to overcome any problems you might face.
Extreme Weather Conditions and Natural Disasters
St Kitts and Nevis offer you a sublime view with tropical weather. The climate is surrounded by warm weather throughout the year, ranging from 24°C to 31°C, along with high humidity rates, wet and dry seasons.
The wet season occupies the land from May to November. During this season, you might witness high humidity rates, seasonal rainfalls, and thunderstorms. On the contrary, the dry season is from December to April. The weather is mostly sunny, with less humidity in the air.
You might also come across hurricanes. They happen mostly from June to November. Typically, the strong ones hit the country in mid-August and late September. For example, Hurricane Irma in 2017 was classified as the first Category 5 hurricane, which damaged many people’s livelihoods.
During the hot seasons, there might be a risk of wildfires, too. Although wildfire hazard is classified as too low, some specific conditions might start a fire. If you become the cause of it, you might get heavy fines or up to 10 years in prison.
Medium-level earthquakes can happen in this Caribbean land. So, you need to be aware of this situation and be prepared in case of an earthquake. Besides, there is an active volcano, Mount Liamuiga. Therefore, it is important to know that there’s a slight chance of volcanic eruptions too.
Water Safety
Water is the essence of life. Thereby, wherever you go, it matters a lot to survive. Considering this, you might ask yourself this question: Is St. Kitts’ water safe to drink? Although it is safe to drink tap water in St Kitts and Nevis, you can prefer to drink bottled water if you have a sensitive stomach.
Transportation
If you are planning to visit St Kitts and Nevis via air travel, you can prefer Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport as it is the largest and main airport in the country. Besides, 13 airports have direct flights to St Kitts in total. If your home country is not among them, you may need to take a few flights to get there.
Transportation after Arrival
Once you arrive, if you are planning to travel around the city, there are regular ferry services between Basseterre (St Kitts) and Charlestown (Nevis), which take about 45 minutes. A taxi service is also available for quicker transfers. Note that you must prefer a licensed taxi service for your safety. You can understand this with the yellow plate ‘T’ or ‘TA’.
Public transportation is limited, but minibuses operate on set routes and are an affordable way to explore the islands. These are mostly used by locals and may not follow strict schedules.
If you prefer flexibility, car rentals are available on both islands. Note that driving is on the left side of the road, and a temporary local driver’s permit and additional insurance are required.
In popular areas like Frigate Bay, it is easy to get around on foot or by bicycle. However, some attractions may be spread out or located on hilly terrain. So, transportation is still recommended for longer distances.
The country is a regular stop for Caribbean cruise ships, with a well-developed cruise port in Basseterre. The port area is walkable and filled with shops, restaurants, and tour operators offering island excursions.
Travel Insurance
If you’re visiting the country for a limited time, prioritizing your health is essential. Therefore, obtaining travel medical insurance is strongly recommended.
There are two main hospitals: Joseph N. France General Hospital in Basseterre (St. Kitts) and Alexandra Hospital in Charlestown (Nevis). Medical treatment can be expensive, so ensure your insurance is accepted by local healthcare providers.
Vaccinations
Before your arrival, you are recommended to get these vaccinations according to the CDC and WHO:
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
- Flu (influenza)
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
- Polio
- Shingles
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Measles
- Rabies
- Typhoid
- Yellow Fever (Only required when you travel from high-risk areas)
Swimming Safety
Although the sea is safe for swimming, not all beaches have soft currents. There might be some strong ones. Therefore, you must check if there is a lifeguard and follow the warning signs.
Best Time to Travel to St Kitts
Now that we have answered: Is St. Kitts safe for tourists?, it is time to decide on when to go. The best time to travel to or visit St Kitts and Nevis depends on your expectations and preferences.
If you like hot weather, you can prefer the visit the country during dry seasons, starting from December to April. This period offers sunny days, warm temperatures, and ideal conditions for beach activities and sightseeing. However, it is also the peak tourist season. Therefore, expect higher prices and more crowded areas.
On the other hand, from May to November, you can experience the beauty of the off-season with fewer visitors and affordable prices. However, this season hosts hurricanes and rain showers. Therefore, you must be prepared for it.
Is St Kitts and Nevis Safe to Live?
Known for its serene atmosphere, St Kitts and Nevis stands out as one of the safest Caribbean countries. Expats are welcomed well in many parts of the country, creating a sense of belonging to a community.
Of course, this does not mean that you can give up exercising caution. There are still some petty crimes, pickpocketing or purse snatching, happening mostly in St Kitts tourism areas. Similarly, you might experience violent crimes, sexual assault, or spiked food and beverages.
Crime Rates in St Kitts
According to the data from Numbeo, the crime rates are 45.83, and the safety index is 59.98. Therefore, it can be inferred that the rates are quite moderate and comparable to many travel destinations.
Most incidents are related to petty crimes such as pickpocketing or theft, particularly in busy tourist areas. Violent crime is rare, especially in places frequented by visitors.
By following basic safety measures, such as avoiding isolated areas at night and keeping valuables secure, you can enjoy a safe and pleasant life.
Safety at Night in St Kitts
If you would like to settle in St Kitts and Nevis, you might also wonder whether it is safe at night or not. Well, St. Kitts is generally safe when walking at night. However, you must still be careful while walking alone.
Areas such as Basseterre, Frigate Bay, Charlestown, and Newcastle tend to have higher night-time safety due to better lighting, active nightlife, and a stronger police presence.
It is also recommended to stick to familiar routes, avoid poorly lit or secluded streets, and consider using licensed taxis if you are out late. Taking these basic precautions can help ensure a safe and comfortable experience at night.
What to Avoid in St. Kitts? Exercise Normal Precautions
When visiting or living in St Kitts and Nevis, it’s important to take standard travel precautions:
- Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas.
- Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded places.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing fancy jewelry.
- Make sure the car doors are locked.
- Use registered taxis or transportation recommended by your hotel.
- Stay informed about local news and follow advice from local authorities or your accommodation.
- Trust your instincts and seek help if something feels off.
Safest Places to Live in St Kitts
Some of the safest and most popular areas to live in St Kitts include Frigate Bay, Christophe Harbour, and parts of Basseterre. These areas offer a combination of residential comfort, community presence, and access to amenities.
Frigate Bay is especially favored by expats and long-term visitors for its security, beaches, and active social scene. Christophe Harbour is a more exclusive area, known for its private developments and high-end lifestyle.
These locations typically have a visible security presence and a strong sense of community. Therefore, they become ideal for those seeking peace of mind.
Is St Kitts Safe for Americans?
Yes, St Kitts is generally safe for American travelers and residents. The country has a friendly relationship with the United States, and many Americans visit or live on the islands without issues.
As with any destination, you must be aware of your surroundings and take basic safety precautions. Tourist areas, resorts, and expat communities are usually very safe. In case of emergency, the US Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados, is the closest diplomatic mission for Americans in St Kitts and Nevis.
FAQs on Safety in Saint Kitts and Nevis
Why can’t you wear camouflage clothing in St Kitts?
Wearing camouflage is illegal for civilians in St Kitts and Nevis. It is reserved exclusively for military personnel.
What’s the racial makeup of St Kitts and Nevis?
The majority of the population is of African descent, with small minorities of European, Indian, and mixed heritage.
Is St Kitts friendly?
Yes, locals are generally welcoming and friendly, especially in tourist areas.
Is it safe to walk around St. Kitts?
Yes, it is generally safe to walk around during the day in populated areas. Basic precautions are advised at night or in isolated spots.
Are mosquitos bad in St Kitts?
Mosquitoes can be present in St Kitts, mostly from May to November. While not typically overwhelming, you should use repellent and take precautions, as mosquitoes can carry diseases like dengue, Zika, or chikungunya.
