Author: Alex

New ferry service launches in St. Kitts – Makana Ferry

Basseterre, St. Kitts (25 October 2022): From 31 October 2022, Makana Ferry will add St. Kitts to its diverse list of affordable ferry destinations. “Makana,” a Hawaiian term denoting a gift or reward, affords exciting new travel opportunities to the island.

The M/V Makana is a 72’ Sabre catamaran fast ferry carrying 150 passengers across two decks: a central lower patio, an upper deck with a covered business class area, and an open sun deck area. The vessel is fully air-conditioned with a bar service area and two (2) heads for passenger convenience. This inter-island ferry service welcomes voyages from St. Eustatius (Statia), St. Maarten, and Saba, respectively.

Makana Ferry services provide ample opportunity for persons seeking soul-stirring and unforgettable travel experiences. Adventurists can partake in St. Kitts’ diverse offerings, such as ziplining through the rain forests, hiking to the illustrious Mount Liamigua, diving to discover the island’s underwater treasures, or even immersing in relaxing catamaran sailing and snorkeling opportunities. Additionally, revelers can experience the exciting nightlife of St. Kitts by barhopping at “The Strip,” famously dubbed the premier Caribbean nightlife destination. 

Makana adding St. Kitts to its ferry destinations allows travelers to experience the island’s colourful Sugar Mas Carnival, held in December – January, and the vibrant St. Kitts Music Festival, held annually in June, as well as many more on-island events. The destination’s unique and authentic history can also be explored at the World Heritage Site “Brimstone Hill,” where rich storytelling awaits.

For over 30 years, Makana has provided ferry services between Anguilla and St. Maarten and cargo shipping services between Anguilla, St. Maarten, Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Kitts.
Don’t miss the opportunity to venture deeper into St. Kitts through Makana Ferry services!

Visit Makana Ferry’s website here: https://makanaferryservice.com

New travel requirements for entry into St. Kitts and Nevis for travelers arriving by air  

Basseterre, St. Kitts (March 29, 2022) – Effective Friday, April 1, 2022, all international visitors arriving by Air may show proof of either a negative COVID-19 antigen test or a negative RT-PCR test to enter the Federation. Antigen tests must be taken within the 24 hours prior to arrival; RT-PCR tests must be taken within the 72 hours prior to arrival. This is a revision of the previous requirement, which only allowed for RT-PCR tests.

“The Federation is primed to continue welcoming visitors through the spring and summer months. We are fully open for visitors, and we are pleased to share revised entry protocols that make air travel to the destination easier for our international guests,” said Lindsay F.P. Grant, Minister of Tourism, Transport and Ports. “We are confident that these amended entry requirements will aid in the rebound of our air arrivals, and the ongoing recovery of our tourism industry and related economies.”

“Spring and summer are ideal times to experience our destination and easing our entry processes means more seamless arrivals for our guests,” added Ellison “Tommy” Thompson, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. “We look forward to travellers immersing themselves in our quintessential Caribbean experiences this season, whether they’re seeking a relaxing escape, the adrenaline of the outdoors, exceptional cuisine, live music, or a destination rich in history.”

Only fully vaccinated visitors may visit St. Kitts and Nevis. Exceptions are in place for children under 18 as well as citizens, residents and returning nationals of the Federation. Children ages 11 and under who are accompanying their fully vaccinated parents or guardians take the vaccination status of their parents. Unvaccinated children ages 12-17 must test upon arrival and vacation in place with all family members while awaiting test results.

For all the Travel Protocols and Requirements remaining in place for the Federation of St. Kitts & Nevis, including the submission of negative test results, please visit: https://www.stkittstourism.kn/travel-requirements.

Below are the travel requirements for fully vaccinated visitors as of April 1, 2022:

  • All visitors 18 and older must be fully vaccinated. A visitor is considered fully vaccinated when two weeks have passed since receiving their second dose of a two dose vaccine series (Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/Oxford, Sinopharm or Sinovac), or two weeks after they have received a single dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson). Mixing of approved vaccines for St. Kitts and Nevis is accepted.
    • Unvaccinated children ages 12-17 will need to take a COVID-19 test (paid for by visitor) upon arrival; the entire family will need to vacation in place until receipt of negative COVID-19 test.
    • Children ages 11 and under take the vaccination status of their parents.
  • Submit negative COVID-19 test results; visitors may choose between:
    • RT-PCR negative test results from a CLIA/CDC/UKAS approved lab accredited with ISO/IEO 17025 standard, taken 72 hours prior to travel
    • Negative antigen test results from a CLIA/CDC/UKAS approved lab accredited with ISO/IEO 17025 standard, taken 24 hours prior to travel.
    • Travelers should note that no self-samples or home test will be considered valid.
  • Fill out the embarkation form and all other supporting documentation.
  • Fully vaccinated visitors will be required to submit a copy of their official vaccination record card including dates when doses were administered.
  • All incoming visitors must have a hard copy of their negative RT-PCR or antigen test results, and vaccination record card.
  • Forms must be submitted no later than 24 hours prior to travel: visit here to access form, upload test results and vaccination record card.
  • Health Screening Questions:
    • If the visitor’s application has not been flagged by Health Officials, visitors will be automatically processed and directed to Immigration.
    • In the event a visitor’s application is flagged, they will undergo health screening questions and if they exhibit any covid symptoms, the visitor will be required to take a COVID-19 test on site at the visitor’s expense.
  • Antigen tests are available for outbound air visitors whose countries of origin accept approved rapid testing upon return from international destinations. RT-PCR testing is also available. The Federation has removed the exit testing requirement for visitors whose countries of origin do not require return testing.

About St. Kitts & Nevis

Located in the northern Leeward islands where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean is the captivating twin-island Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. Discover a distinctive array of wellness pursuits, resort relaxation, astonishing natural beauty and a dash of history on one of the most unspoilt and relaxing islands in the Caribbean.

Boasting quintessential Caribbean charm, St. Kitts and Nevis offers authentic, one-of-a-kind cultural attractions, such as the UNESCO recognized Brimstone Hill Fortress Park and The Sugar Train, the Caribbean’s only scenic passenger railway in St. Kitts to the birthplace of America’s founding father Alexander Hamilton in Nevis, bringing the historic past of the first European outpost in the Caribbean to life.

Experience the island-wide dramatic natural beauty that exemplifies the best the Caribbean has to offer. Become immersed in nature with a hike up Mt. Liamuiga, a dormant volcano carpeted with lush rainforest in St. Kitts, or Nevis Peak in Nevis, then take to the water for kayaking, scuba diving, speed boating, yachting, or a scenic catamaran sail along the coast. When it’s time to unwind, soak in the Caribbean sun on one of the many secluded beaches.

Although full of “hidden gems”, St. Kitts & Nevis provides the more traditional vacation pastimes, including shopping, dining, golf, fine dining, gaming and more.

St. Kitts & Nevis is a secret treasure just waiting to be discovered. Learn more at www.stkittstourism.kn and www.nevisisland.com.

New rental property Acqua Marina – 2 Bedroom apartment for rent in St. Kitts

Come experience the wonderful space that is Acqua Marina. The apartment has an enormous amount of space both inside and outside.

This is a wonderful apartment for anyone looking for a place with plenty of space to work or grow, a yard to play in and is pet friendly. There’s even a pool!

Visit the listing for more information about this property: http://www.remax-stkitts.com/properties/Acqua-Marina—2-bedroom-apartment-for-rent/322

British Airway Resumes flights to St. Kitts and Nevis

Basseterre, St. Kitts (August 18, 2021) –  St. Kitts & Nevis welcomes fully vaccinated international air travelers from the UK effective September 1, 2021.  The travel restriction for UK international travelers ends on August 31, 2021.   British Airways has announced the resumption of service from Gatwick to the Federation on Sunday, October 3, 2021.  Please note the flight schedule for British Airways below: The flight will operate two consecutive Sundays, October 3rd and October 10th, providing once a week service for those two weeks. Twice-weekly service on Saturdays and Wednesdays commences on Saturday, October 16th. The vaccination rate in St. Kitts and Nevis continues its upward momentum, with 72.8% of the adult population having received one dose of the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine and 61.4% of the adult population fully vaccinated. On August 11, 2021, the Federation received the first of three tranches of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, making a second vaccine option available to the Federation’s Citizens and Residents and providing the ability to soon offer the vaccine to children and teenagers between the ages of 12 – 17. 

The Ministry of Health has approved mixing vaccines that have two doses.  The Federation is accepting all vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO):  Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/Oxford, Sinopharm, Sinovac and Johnson + Johnson. A fully vaccinated traveler is an individual who has received their one dose or two doses for the two dose regimen and is 14 days post their last shot. 

As announced on May 29, 2021 only fully vaccinated travelers will be allowed entry to the Federation. Exemptions are in place for Citizens and Residents of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis and children under the age of 18 coming from international destinations. Non-vaccinated children under 18 traveling with fully vaccinated parents are welcome. Non-vaccinated children under 18 traveling with fully vaccinated parents will observe the same period of Vacation in Place as their parents.  All Travel Protocols and Requirements remaining in place for the Federation of St. Kitts & Nevis. Please see  https://www.stkittstourism.kn/travel-requirements. Travel Restrictions for Brazil, India and South Africa remain in place, with persons from the aforementioned destinations denied entry into the Federation at this time. The previously announced travel requirements for non-vaccinated travelers are null and void.  Below are the travel requirements for fully vaccinated travelers: A traveler is considered fully vaccinated when two weeks have passed since receiving their second dose of a two dose vaccine series of Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna,  AstraZeneca/Oxford, Sinopharm or Sinovac,  or two weeks after they have received a single dose vaccine (Johnson + Johnson).

Proof of vaccination is a scanned copy of the traveler’s official COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card. Upon submission of their vaccination card and completion of their travel authorization form, once verified, international travelers will receive authorization of their vaccination card and a KN number. 

Traveler must complete the Travel Authorization Form on the national website (www.knatravelform.kn), including uploading your proof of vaccination and proof of booking at a Travel Approve hotel.

Upon submission of a completed KNA travel form, the traveler must upload their official COVID-19 RT-PCR negative test result from a CLIA/CDC/UKAS approved lab accredited with ISO/IEC 17025 standard taken 72 hours prior to travel. There are no exceptions to the 72-hour timeframe.

Upon submission of the copy of their official vaccination card and copy of their COVID -19 RT-PCR test negative result, the traveler’s information will be reviewed and they will receive the approval letter to enter the Federation (letter as pictured below).

New listing! Manor by the Sea Penthouse condo for Sale – Citizenship by Investment Approved!

Penthouse condo for sale in St. Kitts

This penthouse Manor by the Sea condo is truly unique in the entire development for several reasons. The building is just tucked away from the rest of the property but high enough to have incredible, unobstructed views of the surrounding area, including the rest on Manor by the Sea, Calypso Bay, Potato Bay and the Caribbean Sea. Further to that, this penthouse condo also has its own private patio and private roof top terrace. Because of this, it’s almost guaranteed to experience the most magical sunsets. The space is perfect for hosting events as well as the terrace is the full roof top, basically doubling the living space of the condo.

Click the link for more information on this great listing!

St. Kitts comes out of lockdown and announces new, lightened, travel and quarantine restrictions

On June 11 2021 the government announced a 2 week curfew/lockdown – a light version of the full lockdown that was later imposed on June 26.

St. Kitts has now exited the lockdown and the government has announced the reopening of the country with new, lighter, travel restrictions to compete with other islands in the Caribbean.

Shortened quarantine period

The St. Kitts government has announced that quarantine periods for fully vaccinated returning nationals and residents have been shortened to 3 days with a negative PCR test before their arrival into St. Kitts.

A second test is administered on the 4th day and with a negative PCR result they can be released from quarantine.

The original mask rules are still in effect.

St. Kitts still in curfew

Though the country is now open for business and to the public, a general curfew is still in effect. Curfew begins at 9pm and ends the following day at 5am.

For more information visit http://www.stkittstourism.kn/travel-requirements

St. Kitts & Nevis Implements Restriction of Movement – Borders Still Open To International Travelers

Basseterre, St. Kitts (June 14, 2021) – On Friday, June 11, 2021, The Prime Minister of St. Kitts & Nevis Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris announced a period of restriction of movement. The period and guidelines for the restriction of movement are listed below.

Commencing on Saturday June 12, 2021 to Saturday June 26, 2021:  

  • Movement is restricted from 6:00 p.m. of each day until 5:00 a.m. the following day.
  • International borders remain open for travel by commercial air and sea vessels.
  • During this period of restriction of movement, visitors vacationing in place are being asked to verify with their hotels prior to arrival the respective activities they can do on property.
  • For those persons staying 7 – 14 days, no tours or attraction sites will be operated. 

During this time, we are asking international travelers vacationing in place to be aware that only essential business will be able to operate. This includes airports and seaports, “Travel Approved” hotels or quarantine facilities, approved taxi operators, approved ferry operators, bakeries, supermarkets, pharmacies, private medical facilities, banks and other businesses where employees can practice social distancing and hygiene protocols. Restaurants can operate only for delivery and takeout, with the exception of restaurants in “Vacation in Place” Travel Approved hotels catering to their in-house guests.

As announced on May 29, 2021 only fully vaccinated travelers will be allowed entry to the Federation. Exemptions are in place for Citizens and Residents of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis and children under the age of 18 coming from international destinations. All Travel Protocols and Requirements remaining in place for the Federation of St. Kitts & Nevis. Please see  https://www.stkittstourism.kn/travel-requirements

With the summer family travel season underway, please note the travel requirements for non-vaccinated children under 18:

  • Non-vaccinated children under 18 traveling with fully vaccinated parents are welcome.
  • If the family is staying 9 days or less, the current Vacation in Place guidelines apply.
  • If the family is staying 10 days or more, the parents and the child will have to Vacation in Place until day 14 when the child and adults will be tested.
  • Vaccinated parents traveling with a non-vaccinated child will not be allowed to integrate into the Federation until after the child is tested on day 14 and the test results come back negative.

The previously announced travel requirements for non-vaccinated travelers are null and void.  Below are the travel requirements for fully vaccinated travelers:

  1. A traveler is considered fully vaccinated when two weeks have passed since receiving their second dose of a two dose vaccine series (Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna or AstraZeneca/Oxford) or two weeks after they have received a single dose vaccine (Johnson + Johnson).
  2. Proof of vaccination is a scanned copy of the traveler’s official COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card. Upon submission of their vaccination card and completion of their travel authorization form, once verified, international travelers will receive authorization of their vaccination card and a KN number.
  3. Traveler must complete the Travel Authorization Form on the national website (www.knatravelform.kn), including uploading your proof of vaccination and proof of booking at a Travel Approve hotel.
  4. Upon submission of a completed KNA travel form the traveler must upload their official COVID-19 RT-PCR negative test result from a CLIA/CDC/UKAS approved lab accredited with ISO/IEC 17025 standard taken 72 hours prior to travel. There are no exceptions to the 72-hour timeframe.  
  5. Upon submission of the copy of their official vaccination card and copy of their COVID -19 RT-PCR test negative result, the traveler’s information will be reviewed and they will receive the approval letter to enter the Federation (letter as pictured below).
  6. For their trip, the traveler should bring a copy of their COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card and their negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test. Please note, acceptable COVID-19 RT-PCR tests must be taken by nasopharyngeal sample. Self-samples, rapid tests, or home tests will be considered invalid.
  7. International travelers will undergo a health screening at the airport which includes a temperature check and a health questionnaire. Upon arrival, if a fully vaccinated traveler is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 during the health screening, they can be required to undergo a RT- PCR test at the airport at their own cost (150 USD).
  8. Fully vaccinated international travelers arriving by air will be asked to Vacation in Place at a “Travel Approved” hotel for nine (9) days.
  9. All fully vaccinated international travelers arriving by air are free to move throughout the “Travel Approved” hotel, interact with other guests and partake in hotel activities only.
  10. Fully vaccinated international travelers arriving by air and staying beyond 9 days are required to be tested on day 9 (USD 150 visitors’ cost) of their stay and once their test is negative, they may integrate into the Federation, but will need to follow the restricted movement protocols June 12 – June 26.
  11. Effective May 1, 2021, fully vaccinated international travelers arriving by air are not required to submit an exit RT-PCR test. If a pre-departure test is still required for the country of destination, the RT-PCR test will be taken 72 hours prior to departure. Example: If a person is staying 7 days, their pre-departure test will be on day 4; if a person is staying 14 days, their pre-departure test will be taken on day 11.
  12. Travel Approved hotels for international travelers are: Four Seasons
    • Golden Rock Inn 
    • Marriott Beach Club
    • Montpelier Plantation & Beach 
    • Paradise Beach
    • Park Hyatt
    • Royal St. Kitts Hotel

International travelers who would like to stay at private rental home or condo must stay at a property that has been pre-approved as a quarantine housing at their own cost, including security. Please submit request to info@stkittstourism.kn.

St. Kitts Water Services Advises Of Severe Dry Season

In St. Kitts, our Public Water Supply is 100% dependent on rainfall. According to information from our Meteorological Services, so far for 2021 (Jan-April) we have received a total of approximately 6 inches of Rainfall. In 2020 for the same period, we received a total of 12 inches; the long term (climatological) average for this period is 15 inches. We have therefore received half of the rainfall we received last year and a third of what is typical or normal.

This translates to a Severe Dry Season or Drought. The Water Services Department has been doing our best to cope with this lack of rainfall. We are now asking all citizens/residents to do their part to conserve what little water we have:

Starting immediately:

(1) Check your premises for any leaks and have them repaired immediately.

(2) Report any suspected leaks to the Water Services Department (467-1005/467-1447) or 664-9119

(3) Persons caught watering grass/lawn will be disconnected from the Public Supply.

(4) Avoid the use of hoses to wash vehicles and buildings; use a bucket

(5) Certain non-domestic users of water will be limited

(6) Please monitor your usage of water and be as conservative as practicable.

The co-operation of all is greatly appreciated. We regret any inconvenience which may be due to the periodic interruption in supply as a result of low storage in our reservoirs.

For more information regarding the Water Services Department, contact the Communications Officer, Che-Raina Warner at 467-1464.

St. Kitts Government Continues Water Rationing

The St. Kitts government has announced yesterday that they will continue with their water rationing. According to the government, this season has had a significant reduction in rainfall which has forced their hand.

The St. Kitts Ministry of Public Infrastructure announced interruptions of water service commencing at 9pm each day and will resume at 5.30am the following morning. The water will not be turned off during weekends.

Depending on your location, you may lose water at different times throughout the night due to the majority of the water system in St. Kitts being gravity based.

The simplest way to help is to reduce your usage in water, here are some tips how:

  • Fill the wash basin with water instead of letting the tap continuously run
  • Use a dishwasher rather (a full dishwasher will actually use less water than washing dishes by hand with a running tap)
  • Take shorter showers
  • Report or fix leaky taps
  • Toilets can be major water waster. A running or leaky toilet can waste about 200 gallons of water per day, that’s 6000 gallons per month
  • Avoid using sprinklers during the day but rather use them early in the morning or in the evening
  • Wash your vehicle with a bucket of water rather than a running hose

If any of our tenants have a leaky or running toilet or leaky faucet, please create a ticket in the portal and we’ll fix the issue as soon as possible.

The government of St. Kitts has apps and a relatively large social media presence to notify the public of issues, here are some important links:

There are also apps for ios and android for monitoring services like electricity and even an app for the portal.

Water is life, especially on a small island like ours. We’re all responsible for the conservation of this precious commodity.

Great new sale’s listing for Manor by the Sea condo, St. Kitts

Patio at Manor by the Sea ground floor condo with a view

New listing up and available for viewing. Great price on a fully furnished citizenship approved condo at Manor by the Sea. Either as an investment opportunity or just a cozy place to hide out from the craziness that’s happening in the rest of the world.

This ground floor 3 bedroom 3 bathroom condo is a great potential earner as Manor by the Sea is very popular with long term tenants in St. Kitts. Fully furnished and ready to go, this condo is perfect as an investment property or for someone to get away from the toils and troubles of the outside world.