Saint Kitts and Nevis entry requirements for China passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Chinese passport holders can visit Saint Kitts and Nevis without a visa for up to 90 days. This visa-free policy has been in place since 2017 and applies to tourism and business visits. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-visaYou need to get this visa approved before you fly – it's not available at the border. Apply before travel | Chinese passport holders must obtain an e-visa for Saint Kitts and Nevis before arrival. Apply online through the official government e-visa portal. The visa is required for entry; there is no visa-on-arrival option for Chinese citizens. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry – if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before you go. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Saint Kitts and Nevis. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's an empty page in your passport for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketIt's wise to have a booked flight out of the country – they often ask to see it. Proof of departure | Although not explicitly stated in the database, immigration officials typically require proof of a return or onward ticket to ensure you will leave Saint Kitts and Nevis before your visa expires. Carry a printed copy or have it accessible on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsHave some proof that you can support yourself during your visit – just in case. Sufficient funds for stay | While not explicitly required in the database, be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as bank statements or credit cards, if asked by immigration. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any online arrival form before you travel. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Saint Kitts and Nevis for Chinese passport holders. | Not required |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Saint Kitts and Nevis. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport doesn't meet the requirement, you won't be allowed to fly.
No visa, but still need proof of onward travel
Even though you don't need a visa, immigration will ask for a return or onward ticket. Have it ready — a screenshot on your phone is fine.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB)
After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports' or 'All Passports'. Have your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will check your passport validity, stamp you in, and usually ask how long you're staying. Answer clearly. The whole process takes 5–15 minutes if you're prepared.
2
Immigration interview
The officer may ask your purpose of visit, where you're staying, and when you plan to leave. Answer honestly and concisely. If you have a return ticket, show it. If asked about funds, a credit card or bank statement on your phone is usually enough. No need to over-explain.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, head to baggage claim. Then proceed through customs (usually a green channel for most tourists). If you have nothing to declare, just walk through.
Download Saint Kitts and Nevis Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Visa extension
Max stayUp to 90 additional days (total 180 days)
ValidityGranted at discretion
CostApprox. EC$200 (US$74)
Apply before your initial 90 days expire; must show proof of funds and onward travel
Work permit
Max stayVaries with contract
ValidityUsually 1 year, renewable
CostVaries (approx. EC$1,000–EC$3,000)
Requires a local job offer and employer sponsorship
Residence permit
Max stayIndefinite
Validity1 year renewable or permanent
CostVaries (approx. EC$5,000+ for application)
For investors, retirees, or those with family ties; requires background checks
retirement visa
Saint Kitts and Nevis Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~$2,000 USD application fee
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income. Requires proof of pension or assets. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Citizenship by Investment Program
Permanent (citizenship)
From $150,000 USD donation
Investors can obtain citizenship through a contribution to the Sustainable Growth Fund or real estate purchase. No physical stay required.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD per year
For those with a job offer from a local employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Arrival card / embarkation taxUsually collected by airlines or at departure | Included in airfare |
| Visa extension (if applying)Apply to the Immigration Department in Basseterre | Approx. EC$200 (US$74) |
| Overstay penaltyFines and possible deportation; avoid overstaying | Varies |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Saint Kitts and Nevis
No transit visa needed
Chinese citizens transiting through Saint Kitts and Nevis (e.g., at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport) do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport or stay overnight, you must obtain a visa or meet visa-free entry requirements.
Transit hubsRobert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB) · Vance W. Amory International Airport (NEV)
Health & vaccines for Saint Kitts and Nevis
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; transmitted by mosquitoes.
Zika virusLow risk
Pregnant women should take precautions against mosquito bites.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Basseterre
Saint Kitts and Nevis Immigration Department
Church Street, Basseterre, Saint Kitts
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa and permit inquiries.
Charlestown
Nevis Immigration Office
Main Street, Charlestown, Nevis
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles immigration matters on Nevis island.
Practical information for CN travellers
Country basics
CapitalBasseterre
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyEastern Caribbean dollar (XCD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 2.7 XCD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-4
vs New York+1h
vs Los Angeles+4h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 60Hz
Plug types
D,GTypes D and G, British-style plugs
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is generally safe to drink in urban areas, but bottled water is recommended elsewhere.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban from re-entry.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you generally don't need a visa. But check with your airline — some require a transit visa even for airside connections. Best to confirm with the carrier before you fly.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. There are no exceptions for this rule.
It's not a formal requirement, but the officer may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. Having a credit card or a bank statement on your phone is usually sufficient. No specific amount is required.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism and business visits only. If you plan to work, study, or engage in any paid activity, you need to apply for the appropriate visa or work permit before you travel.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may face a fine, deportation, and a ban from re-entering Saint Kitts and Nevis for a period of time. Always leave before your allowed stay expires.
No, there is no arrival declaration or online pre-registration required for Chinese passport holders. Just show up with your passport and documents.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.