Question 1

How does non enrolment affect my citizenship?

Accepted Answer

Your citizenship status is permanent and fully unaffected by this programme. Citizenship cannot be revoked or suspended for non-compliance with biometric enrolment.

This initiative relates exclusively to passport documentation, not citizenship status.

Question 2

When is the biometric enrolment deadline?

Accepted Answer

31 July 2027

Question 3

What is the National Biometric Enrolment and Passport Modernisation Programme?

Accepted Answer

The National Biometric Enrolment and Passport Modernisation Programme is a landmark initiative launched by the Ministry of National Security, Citizenship and Immigration, in partnership with the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit.

It brings St. Kitts and Nevis travel documents into full alignment with the highest international standards in biometric identity verification and border security.
The programme reflects a global shift toward biometric-enabled travel documents, now standard across leading jurisdictions including the European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

It is designed to strengthen the credibility and security of the St. Kitts and Nevis passport, protect citizens, and affirm the Federation's position as a leader in responsible citizenship governance.

Question 4

Why is this programme being introduced now?

Accepted Answer

International expectations around passport security and identity verification have risen significantly in recent years.

Biometric passports are now the global standard, and St. Kitts and Nevis is aligning with that standard to ensure its passport continues to be recognised and respected internationally.

The programme also reflects the Federation's broader commitment to governance reform, evidenced by milestones including the recent rescission by the US Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) of its longstanding advisory, a recognition of the significant strengthening of the Federation's governance and compliance frameworks.

Question 5

How do I enrol in the biometrics programme?

Accepted Answer

The entire process, including payment, must be completed exclusively through the official government platform.

Any third-party offering such services is not authorised and should be reported.

Question 6

Do I get my passport automatically when I complete the process?

Accepted Answer

No. However the biometric and passport production systems are being integrated into a single, seamless process, with full operational availability confirmed from 1 September 2026. From this date, citizens who complete biometric enrolment will move directly into passport production without the need for separate processing steps.Citizens with urgent travel requirements prior to 1 September 2026 should follow standard passport processing guidelines, which remain in effect in the interim.Once biometric enrolment is complete, we as authorised agents will return to the portal and upload all supporting documents. Documents must be notarised before upload.The portal will automatically notify applicants of application status, including when the passport is ready for collection, and the reason for any rejection.We will then notify you on how to surrender your old passport in exchange for your new one.

Question 7

Do I have to surrender my old passport at my biometric appointment?

Accepted Answer

No. Passports must be presented for identification purposes only.Once biometric enrolment is complete, we as authorised agents will return to the portal and upload all supporting documents. Documents must be notarised before upload.The portal will automatically notify applicants of application status, including when the passport is ready for collection, and the reason for any rejection.We will then notify you on how to surrender your old passport in exchange for your new one.

Question 8

How will passports be delivered?

Accepted Answer

We will continue to manage delivery. Each handover will be accompanied by a signed letter from the Ministry of National Security, addressed personally to the citizen, confirming that the passport was issued by the Government of St Kitts and Nevis. The Passport Office will issue this letter directly and applicants will also receive an automated email via the portal with a copy of the letter attached, ensuring you hold official, traceable confirmation from the Government itself. You can expect to pay a small additional fee to cover courier expenses and administrative cost for our assistance.

Question 9

Do I need to attend in person?

Accepted Answer

All individuals listed in this appointment must attend in person at the selected biometric collection centre.

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
Late arrival may result in cancellation and require rescheduling.

Question 10

What should I bring to my enrolment appointment?

Accepted Answer

Each applicant must present the following original documents at the appointment: a valid passport, the appointment confirmation, a Certificate of Citizenship (if available), and any additional passports, where applicable.

Where relevant, applicants should also bring supporting documentation such as marriage or name change certificates, guardian documentation for minors, and any other documents related to their application.

Failure to present complete documentation may require your appointment to be rescheduled.

The use of mobile phones or other recording devices during the procedure is strictly prohibited

Question 11

How do I prepare for biometric capture?

Accepted Answer

During your appointment, fingerprints, a live facial image, and a digital signature will be collected.
To ensure successful capture:
• Do not apply hand cream, oil, or lotion before your appointment
• Ensure hands are clean and dry
• Inform the officer of any injuries or skin conditions
• Wear dark or neutral clothing
• Do not wear glasses, hats, or head coverings (unless medically required)
• Maintain a neutral facial expression during the photograph
• Provide your signature consistently with your passport

The use of mobile phones or other recording devices during the procedure is strictly prohibited

Question 12

What is the procedure for biometric appointment bookings if adult dependants included in the application do not reside in the same country as the main applicant?

Accepted Answer

Where applications are submitted jointly as part of a single family application, all
included applicants are required to attend the biometric appointment together at the selected date, time and venue. Where applications are submitted separately, each applicant may proceed independently, and separate appointment processes shall apply.

It is further standard policy for biometric enrolment that all applicants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at the time of biometric collection.

Question 13

What is the policy for children turning 16 soon? If a child is 15 at enrolment (paying $1,300), do they need to re-enrol and pay the adult validation/processing fee when they turn 16?

Accepted Answer

No. The biometric enrolment fee is a one-time fee. The validation process will not take place until the child’s passport expires after a five-year period and does not incur additional charges. They will only pay standard fees associated with passport renewal.

Question 14

Am I required to surrender my current St. Kitts-Nevis passport in order for new ones to be granted?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Citizens must surrender their old passports to the passport office via their agent before new passports can be issued. Old passports will be returned with visas intact, where applicable.

Question 15

What should I wear to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Clothing• Wear dark coloured attire• Avoid white, cream, or very light colours• Avoid patterned or camouflage clothing• Uniforms are not permitted, except for approved religious attireHeadwear• Head coverings are not permitted, except for religious purposes• Permitted religious head coverings must be dark in colour (preferably black ornavy) and must not obscure facial features or cast shadowsEyewear• Glasses must be removed• Tinted or reflective lenses are not permittedPlease avoid excessive make-up that may cause glare or alterappearance.

Question 16

What is the process for children?

Accepted Answer

All citizens, irrespective of age must complete the biometric enrolment process. Forcitizens under 6, including babies, only a facial photograph will be captured.

Question 17

Can members of the same family attend separately?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Family members do not need to attend together – each can book and attend their own appointment, provided a separate application is created for each person. Minors must always be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at the appointment.

Question 18

How long the process might take to get the new 2026 Biometric passport?

Accepted Answer

The authorities have mentioned a wait time of 4-6 weeks.

Question 19

I have valid visas that I need to retain. Will my old passport be returned?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we will return the passport after it has been cancelled

Question 20

What should I select for "Application Reason"?

Accepted Answer

Select "New passport type" if you are applying for your first 2026 biometric passport

Question 21

What should I select for "pick up location"?

Accepted Answer

Select "Basseterre".

Question 22

Could payment of the biometric fees (via the portal) be paid through Bank Wire (SWIFT)?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, the authorities are unable to accommodate that request.However, they can provide multiple payment links with the total cost divided into smaller amounts across each payment link. This allows the overall balance to be paid in separate transactions rather than as a single payment.

Question 23

When should I surrender my existing passport?

Accepted Answer

You will receive an email via the portal notifying you on when the old passport must be surrendered. The passport will be surrendered to our office address: Johnson & AssociatesUnit 9Sands ComplexBasseterreSaint Kitts

Question 24

How do I correct an error in the information I submitted on the portal?

Accepted Answer

If there's an error on a portal application, it can be fixed in one of two ways:In person at the biometric enrolment appointment (you must bring your supporting documents), orBy email to biometrics@sknciu.com.Escalate these cases to the support team instead.An edit option on the portal is being explored. Further updates will be provided shortly.

The National Biometric Enrolment & Passport Modernisation Programme

Biometric enrolment deadline

Appointment length

Our Role

Who does this apply to?

Biometric data captured

Fees

The list of approved collection centres include:

Learn More

Frequently asked questions

How does non enrolment affect my citizenship?

When is the biometric enrolment deadline?

What is the National Biometric Enrolment and Passport Modernisation Programme?

Why is this programme being introduced now?

How do I enrol in the biometrics programme?

Do I get my passport automatically when I complete the process?

Do I have to surrender my old passport at my biometric appointment?

How will passports be delivered?

Do I need to attend in person?

What should I bring to my enrolment appointment?

How do I prepare for biometric capture?

What is the procedure for biometric appointment bookings if adult dependants included in the application do not reside in the same country as the main applicant?

What is the policy for children turning 16 soon? If a child is 15 at enrolment (paying $1,300), do they need to re-enrol and pay the adult validation/processing fee when they turn 16?

Am I required to surrender my current St. Kitts-Nevis passport in order for new ones to be granted?

What should I wear to my appointment?

What is the process for children?

Can members of the same family attend separately?

How long the process might take to get the new 2026 Biometric passport?

I have valid visas that I need to retain. Will my old passport be returned?

What should I select for "Application Reason"?

What should I select for "pick up location"?

Could payment of the biometric fees (via the portal) be paid through Bank Wire (SWIFT)?

When should I surrender my existing passport?

How do I correct an error in the information I submitted on the portal?

The National Biometric Enrolment & Passport Modernisation Programme

Biometric enrolment deadline

Appointment length

Our Role

Who does this apply to?

Biometric data captured

Fees

​The list of approved collection centres include:

Learn More

Frequently asked questions

How does non enrolment affect my citizenship?

When is the biometric enrolment deadline?

What is the National Biometric Enrolment and Passport Modernisation Programme?

Why is this programme being introduced now?

How do I enrol in the biometrics programme?

Do I get my passport automatically when I complete the process?

Do I have to surrender my old passport at my biometric appointment?

How will passports be delivered?

Do I need to attend in person?

What should I bring to my enrolment appointment?

How do I prepare for biometric capture?

What is the procedure for biometric appointment bookings if adult dependants included in the application do not reside in the same country as the main applicant?

What is the policy for children turning 16 soon? If a child is 15 at enrolment (paying $1,300), do they need to re-enrol and pay the adult validation/processing fee when they turn 16?

Am I required to surrender my current St. Kitts-Nevis passport in order for new ones to be granted?

What should I wear to my appointment?

What is the process for children?

Can members of the same family attend separately?

How long the process might take to get the new 2026 Biometric passport?

I have valid visas that I need to retain. Will my old passport be returned?

What should I select for "Application Reason"?

What should I select for "pick up location"?

Could payment of the biometric fees (via the portal) be paid through Bank Wire (SWIFT)?

When should I surrender my existing passport?

How do I correct an error in the information I submitted on the portal?

The list of approved collection centres include: