Saint Kitts and Nevis emerge as relatively secure destinations when it comes to safety in the Caribbean. Moreover, cruise ships make regular stops there.
Despite its small size of 104 square miles (269.4 square kilometers), the country boasts crater lakes, hiking paths, beaches, wildlife, and even a volcano.
Both the US and Canadian governments advise taking standard precautions while visiting t this country.
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LATEST NEWS from Saint Kitts and Nevis:
April 21, 2024: 18-year-old man from the Dominican Republic shot dead in St. Kitts
On April 18, loopnews.com reported a homicide of a young man in John Street, Newtown. A Dominican Republic national was found dead with multiple gunshots. Local police launched an investigation into this tragic event.
St. Kitts and Nevis Deputy Prime Minister Dr Geoffrey Hanley released a statement about this murder on his Facebook: “We are known to be a loving and supportive community. This is not what we represent as a people and I am disheartened at the news of such deadly violence.”
“We will continue to work together with the security forces to make our streets safe. I extend my heartfelt sympathies to the families and friends who are grieving the loss of their loved ones.” he continued.
This murder is the 10th in Saint Kitts and Nevis in 2024, which raises concerns about the crime on the island.
February 29 – National student congress starts discussion on how to decrease crime and violence
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Youth Empowerment, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, said that hosting the Congress is “an indication that the Ministry of Youth Empowerment is very serious about our young people, and their voices [do] matter,” Dr. Hanley said.
The forum was a component of the government’s plan to tackle criminal activity as well as issues related to public health. The student leaders made numerous recommendations, such as setting up support centers to deal with bullying in schools, giving at-risk youth more access to education and employment opportunities, growing community policing initiatives, bolstering closed-circuit television surveillance, and more.
The forum continues today.
Official Travel Advisories
U.S. Travel Advisory
As of April 21, 2024, there have been no additional changes to the official U.S. travel advisory issued on July 17, 2023.
The U.S. State Department only requires citizens to exercise normal precautions (Level 1 Advisory) when visiting the islands. This means the U.S. government considers it a safe destination for American travelers.
Canada Travel Advisory
Canada issued a brief update of its Travel Advisory for St. Kitts and Nevis on April 15, 2024. Travelers are encouraged to check the updated section: The Health section – travel health information.
The Canadian government informs citizens that there is petty crime, like pickpocketing and purse snatching. There are also violent crimes, like sexual assault and armed robbery.
Continue reading to learn about safety tips you can fallow when visiting the islands.
Areas to Avoid
Due to the growing tourism industry, more and more violent crimes have been recorded in the region.
The local government advises avoiding walking in sparsely populated areas, especially at night.
Pay special attention when walking around Basseterre and Sandy Point Town.
Common Scams
Saint Kitts and Nevis do not have as many street scams as you can see in other Caribbean countries. It does not mean they do not exist. They do, but they are, let’s call them, more sophisticated.
On these islands, scammers have been employing various methods such as phishing emails, card hacking, relationship scams, direct social media outreach, and business-related schemes to deceive victims.
According to local media, these scams typically involve emails falsely claiming that the recipient is entitled to a substantial sum of money, often under the guise of lottery winnings. Victims are instructed to send money to cover taxes and fees before receiving their supposed windfall.
Additionally, some individuals are lured into fraudulent romantic relationships under false pretenses, where they are financially exploited instead of experiencing genuine companionship.
Safety Tips for Saint Kitts and Nevis
While most visits to Saint Kitts and Nevis are typically uneventful, it’s essential to exercise caution at all times during your travels. Here are some key precautions to keep in mind:
- Ensure that you use only licensed taxis for transportation.
- Store valuables and travel documents securely in a safe at your accommodation.
- Avoid isolated areas, including beaches, especially after dark.
- Exercise caution when attending late-night street parties or during the festival season.
- Refrain from carrying large sums of cash.
- LGBTQ+ travelers should refrain from displaying physical affection in public areas, as laws that decriminalize it are quite new.
- Remain vigilant when walking alone, particularly in less crowded areas off the main roads.