Key Dates
• 14 April 2026: All newly approved CBI applicants are required to complete biometric enrollment before receiving their passport.
• 31 July 2027: Existing CBI citizens who obtained their passports before April 2026 must complete biometric enrollment. After this date, non-biometric passports will no longer be valid for international travel.
Important: The new rules do not affect citizenship status. They only apply to the passport itself.
What Does Biometric Enrollment Include?
Applicants are required to attend a biometric appointment where the following information is collected:
• Live facial photograph
• Digital fingerprints (for applicants aged 16 and above)
• Digital signature
• Identity verification
The process typically takes 15–30 minutes.
Government Fees
• Main Applicant: USD 2,500
• Dependents (16+): USD 2,000
• Children (Under 16): USD 1,300
Global Enrollment Centres
To simplify the process for international investors, applicants are not required to travel to St. Kitts & Nevis. Biometric appointments can be booked through an Authorized Agent at approved enrollment centres in several international locations, including London, Washington D.C., Dubai, and Ottawa, with additional centres expected to expand globally.
Why This Matters?
The introduction of biometric passports is designed to strengthen identity security, reduce fraud, and preserve the international reputation of the St. Kitts & Nevis passport. By complying with ICAO international standards, the government aims to safeguard the passport's visa-free travel privileges and maintain confidence among global partners.
As Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew stated:
"We are making an unequivocal statement to the international community: our passport is among the most secure, rigorously governed, and respected in the world."
For current CBI passport holders, completing biometric enrollment well before the 2027 deadline is recommended to avoid delays and ensure uninterrupted travel.
