Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 25, 2022 (SKNIS): The return of the St. Kitts Music Festival (SKMF) this summer is part of a strategy by the Ministry of Tourism and the St. Kitts Tourism Authority to maximise capacity on incoming aircraft and to boost stay-over visitors.
Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Lindsay Grant, summed up the goal of the strategy as “getting heads in our beds”, as promotional activities seek to capitalize on the “pent up demand” for travel by persons living in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
At a press conference on February 23, 2022, at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, Minister Grant said that every effort is being made to create a welcoming and secured environment when the event is held in June 2022.
“I am pleased to announce that the Ministry of Tourism and the St. Kitts Music Festival Committee, the [National] COVID-19 Task Force and the Ministry of Health are working together for a safe hosting of the St. Kitts Music Festival for the period June 23 to 25,” he said.
Health authorities successfully contained four waves of community spread of the virus since 2020. They also developed robust protocols for effectively hosting international events with the 2021 Caribbean Premier League T20 tournament last September being a model of success. The best practices and updated guidelines will be used in designing the plan for the festival.
Minister Grant indicated that the local economy is on the rebound after the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the SKMF fits perfectly into this plan.
“The objective of the festival since its inception is to generate business during the slow period of the year with the usual decrease in our summer cruise traffic added to the hiatus of our seasonal flights, this event is key to maintaining and rebuilding momentum,” he stated.
The SKMF returns this year after being cancelled in 2020 and 2021 as a result of the global health emergency.
]]>Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 24, 2022 (SKNIS): Tourism officials in St. Kitts and Nevis are poised to capitalize on the growing demand for travel that has gripped persons in key tourism markets such as the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
This was according to the Honourable Lindsay Grant, Minister of Tourism, during a press conference on Wednesday, February 23, at the St. Kitts Marriott Ballroom.
“Together, we have once again overcome another obstacle on our rebuilding journey. As we move forward, it is our goal to capitalize on the pent-up demand for travel and the easing of restrictions in our source markets,” said Minister Grant.
Minister Grant touched on Canada’s easing of restrictions where the country lowered its risk level for international travel from four to three and lowered the entry requirements for Canada for its citizens and residents.
“This will undoubtedly result in a renewed desire to travel by this key source market. We will not see a return of the Air Canada flight this spring due to operational issues, but this does not equate to no Canadian arrivals, as 60 percent of our Canadian visitors travel via the United States as the Air Canada flight is a seasonal flight, a season that only has two months remaining,” he said.
The tourism minister updated the general public on a series of meetings that occurred last week when the team at the St. Kitts Tourism Authority travelled to Routes Americas and held discussions with the Federation’s key airline partners.
“During these meetings, they were able to gain insight into some of the challenges faced by the airline industry and the opportunities for growth for the next winter season,” he said. “Some of the challenges reported by the airlines included a shortage of pilots due to increased sick leave, a downward adjustment in duty hours limiting the number of hours a pilot can fly in one week. While in other cases they reported shortages of aircraft. Despite the challenges faced by our key carriers, we are still able to maintain airlift during the summer.”
Equally important, Minister Grant outlined the airlift schedule for April to September 2022. From Miami, American Airlines will operate its daily flight from April 09 to August 13 with two flights on Saturdays. From Charlotte, the seasonal flight will end on April 02 and then resume on June 04 through to August 13, 2022. Additionally, American Airlines from JFK International will end on April 02.
Delta Airlines’ Saturday flight from Atlanta will continue through to September 03, while United Airlines’ Saturday flight from Newark, New Jersey will continue until the end of April “providing a much-needed Easter airlift to our largest source market in the United States.” British Airways will continue flying into St. Kitts on Thursdays and Sundays through to March 24. The flight will then change its schedule to Wednesdays and Saturdays from March 30 through to October 22, 2022.
“I want to highlight the fact that when we resumed our flights, during the summer of last year we were down to three flights from Miami per week. For this summer, we have been able to keep our daily Miami flight with a double flight on Saturdays,” said Minister Grant. “For those carriers who go on normal late summer, early fall hiatus, the team also discussed the potential of an early restart in November and discussed the potential of growth in other markets for summer 2023 and beyond. With the small setbacks we suffered in January, the team and I are even more focused on generating demand for St. Kitts. I want to assure you that every effort is being made to maximize the capacity on our aircrafts and get heads in beds. However, we cannot do it alone. We need the partnership of all stakeholders,” he added.
]]>Below is the cruise schedule for February 2022 as of Sunday 30th January 2022.
Hard copies of the cruise schedule are available at the front desk of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority.
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In a recent communication with multiple sun destinations following the emergence of the Omicron variant, representatives of Air Canada Vacations sent the following statement regarding a service suspension to St. Kitts that I share with you below:
The Travel Industry has once again been faced with unforeseeable circumstances and further exasperating this; the Canadian Federal government has reinstated its advisory against non-essential international travel for Canadians.
With this said, Air Canada/Air Canada Vacations have made the decision to cease flying to St. Kitts with the last north-bound scheduled for January 30, 2022.
Air Canada will be working to cancel flights in order of departure dates and appreciates our patience and cooperation.
I want to extend my sincere gratitude to our tourism stakeholders and residents for your incredible efforts in our recovery to date. We remain optimistic for a return to service as soon as possible with our valued partners at Air Canada.
]]>The Explorer of The Seas will NOT make its scheduled call at Port Zante on Saturday 25th December 2021.
Please note the following revised cruise schedule for Saturday 25th December 2021 :
Saturday 25th December 2021:
Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 21, 2021 (SKNIS): The Government of the Republic of Ireland has downgraded advice on travel to Saint Kitts and Nevis from “Avoid non-essential travel” to “High degree of caution” in a recent Travel Alert on its country website.
The move, which took effect from 17th December 2021 advises Irish nationals desirous of travelling to Saint Kitts and Nevis, to undertake proper research and carefully consider the necessity of their travel at this time. They are also being asked to be aware of possible limitations to consular services and ensure travel insurance coverage before they travel.
Saint Kitts and Nevis on the other hand, continues to uphold its May 29, 2021 decision that only fully vaccinated arrivals will be allowed entry into the Federation, with exemptions being in place for citizens and residents and children under the age of 18 coming from international destinations. Non-vaccinated children under 18 travelling with fully vaccinated parents are welcomed but must observe the same protocols associated with “Vacation in Place” as their parents.
]]>Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 13, 2021 — The MSC Seaview made its inaugural call to St. Kitts today, December 11th, 2021, at 8 am, making it one of the first cruise vessels to arrive under the ease of new travel restrictions, allowing cruise passengers to explore the destination freely. To commemorate the inaugural arrival the Ministry of Tourism and the St. Kitts Tourism Authority hosted a plaque exchange ceremony on Port Zante.
“We are extremely privileged to welcome the captain, crew, and passengers of the MSC Seaview for the very first time to St. Kitts, during a significant milestone of the phased restart of the cruise sector,” said Lindsay F.P. Grant, Minister of Tourism, Transport, and Ports. “Passengers are no longer limited to Port Zante or travel approved experiences, but can now FREELY enjoy all that the destination has to offer including the historical town of Basseterre.”
Minister Grant further noted that the ease in restrictions was a testament to the hard work of tourism officials, the COVID-19 Task Force, tourism stakeholders and the general public for committing to an all of society approach that has worked in keeping both locals and cruise passengers safe.
This is our fifth inaugural call since the official start of the season on 1st November 2021:
MSC Seaview is the second ship of the MSC’s Seaside class ships, the vessels are known as “the next generation of smart ships” because they feature the latest technology available including smartphone apps to access cabins and technology to allow geo-location for children. MSC Seaview offers first class facilities for all ages, world-class dining with incredible views, and luxurious and comfortable accommodation for all ages and family sizes.
]]>Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 10, 2021 — Effective Saturday, December 11th, 2021, fully vaccinated international travelers, nationals, and locals arriving by Air into the Federation are no longer required to test upon arrival or Vacation in Place (quarantine) for 24-hours while awaiting test results. Fully Vaccinated cruise passengers upon arrival at Port Zante, Charlestown, or South Friars are now allowed to fully integrate (Free Flow) into the Federation.
Only vaccinated travelers may visit St. Kitts and Nevis. Effective December 11, 2021, all children 12 and older must also be fully vaccinated in order to travel to St. Kitts and Nevis. Exemptions are in place for Citizens and Residents of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis and also for children 11 and under who are accompanying their fully vaccinated parents or guardians. All travelers must submit negative test results from an RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel.
“The end of our Vacation in Place protocol for Air Travelers and Free Flow for Cruise passengers are major achievements in our phased approach to tourism recovery in the Covid 19 Pandemic,” said Lindsay F.P. Grant, Minister of Tourism, Transport and Ports. “We will maintain all tourism protocols through Travel Approved Certification for both air and cruise passengers. All stakeholders must be vaccinated to operate Travel Approved taxi/tours, attractions, excursions, restaurants, bars, or provide vendor services such as hair braiding. We are confident that our continued focus on a phased reopening will enable a meaningful rebound of the industry.”
Travelers must continue to show proof of vaccination to visit attractions or book tour experiences. Excursions must be scheduled through the concierge desk at Travel Approved Hotels or Resorts, and must utilize Travel Approved Taxis.
The following attractions are now accessible with proof of vaccination:
“The evolution of our protocols and the end of our Vacation in Place quarantine will make St. Kitts and Nevis even more competitive for travelers planning trips for 2022,” said Racquel Brown, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. “With seamless integration into the Federation, travelers can enjoy our quintessential Caribbean that engages the senses.”
This change comes on the heels of other significant announcements. International travelers can now plan overnight stays at multiple hotels, or book a twin island getaway between St. Kitts and Nevis. Fully vaccinated Nationals and Residents are also able to book hotel stays for staycation experiences, and can enter the Port Zante site while cruise ships are in port. Individuals must show a photo ID alongside a photocopy or original vaccination card in order to enter retail stores, bars, restaurants and casino.
All Travel Protocols and Requirements remaining in place for the Federation of St. Kitts & Nevis, including the submission of negative test results from an RT PCR test 72 hours prior to arrival. Please see https://www.stkittstourism.kn/
Below are the travel requirements for fully vaccinated travelers as of December 11, 2021:
International travelers who would like to stay at a 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.
]]>“Effective Wednesday 20th October 2021, the Federal Cabinet of St. Kitts and Nevis approved the recommendation of the National COVID-19 Task Force to have South Africa and India removed from the travel advisory. However, please note that Brazil remains on a travel advisory for St. Kitts and Nevis. So, therefore, persons travelling from South Africa and India will no longer have any challenges entering into St. Kitts and Nevis,” said Mr. Samuel.
The move to remove these countries from the travel advisory list comes after acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Cameron Wilkinson stated that incoming travellers pose little to no threat of an increase of domestic COVID-19 cases. Mr. Samuel further said that outbound passengers will be permitted to use either the PCR-Test or the Antigen Test.
“Today we received information that outbound passengers, who are passengers leaving the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, can now use either the PCR-Test or the Antigen Test keeping in mind the requirements of the ongoing destination. So, if your destination does not require a test that means that you do not have to test; if your destination requires a Rapid Test or an Antigen Test then you are allowed to leave the country with such testing results. This is good news and my understanding is that the CEO of the Tourism Authority will be notifying the various hotels in due course officially,” Mr. Samuel said.
The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has been applauded for the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ‘Life First’ strategy adopted has ensured that a wide cross-section of stakeholders has been involved in the consultation process as to the way forward living and working amidst the ongoing global pandemic.
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Among the adult population, 77.4% have received one dose of the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine, with 70.3% of the adult population fully vaccinated; among children and teen agers between the ages of 12 – 17, 10.9% of have received their first dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine with 6.8% having received two doses. (Statistics as of October 19, 2021).
Effective October 7, 2021, “Vacation in Place” was reduced to 24 hours, with the required RT PCR arrivals test taken onsite at “Travel Approved” hotels and accommodations. Test results will be made available during the 24-hour “Vacation in Place.” Those travelers with a negative test result may fully integrate into the Federation after the 24-hour period has elapsed and enjoy the myriad experiences St. Kitts & Nevis offers including, dining in restaurants, experiencing the vibe at one of the local beach bars on “The Strip,” visiting our unique and one-of-kind attractions, sailing the clear waters, hiking the volcano, shopping our local craft markets or just chilling at one of our beaches.
As announced on May 29, 2021 only fully vaccinated travelers will be allowed entry to the Federation.
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, 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.
The previously announced travel requirements for non-vaccinated travelers are null and void. Below are the travel requirements for fully vaccinated travelers:
a) 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.
b) 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 Approved hotel.
c) 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.
d) 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).
e) 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.
f) 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).
g) Fully vaccinated international travelers arriving by air will be asked to “Vacation in Place” at a “Travel Approved” hotel for 24 hours.
h) During the “Vacation in Place” period, all fully vaccinated international travelers arriving by air are free to move throughout the “Travel Approved” hotel, interact with other guests and partake in all hotel activities.
i) The required RT-PCR arrivals test will be taken onsite at “Travel Approved” hotels and accommodations and must be administered by a Ministry of Health approved health professional (traveler’s cost UDS 150). Reservations are to be made solely through the hotel concierge. Tests conducted by independent local labs or health professionals offering RT – PCR testing services will not be accepted. Those travelers with a negative test result may fully integrate into the Federation after the 24-hour period has elapsed.
j) Travel Approved hotels for international travelers are:
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
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (21st October, 2021): St. Kitts & Nevis announced yesterday, October 20, 2021, that the Antigen test would be offered to outgoing air travellers whose countries accept approved rapid testing upon return from international destinations. The Federation has removed the exit testing requirement for travelers whose countries of origin do not require return testing.
The exit tests will be taken at the visitors’ “Travel Approved” hotel or accommodation solely by a Ministry of Health approved health professional 48 – 72 hours prior to departure, with samples tested in a certified local lab. Scheduling of the test must be through the hotel concierge at the respective “Travel Approved” hotels; travelers staying in villas, condos, and/or private homes are advised to contact the COVID-19 taskforce hotline 311 or Covid19taskforce@gov.kn to schedule their test. Please note the tests are at the traveler’s cost with costs ranging between USD 50.00 and USD 55.00.
Approved labs at this time are: The Joseph N. France Laboratory; Next Gen Laboratory; Avalon Laboratory and Quality Diagnostics.
For entry into entry into the Federation of St. Kitts & Nevis, all Travel Protocols and Requirements remain in place, including the submission of negative test results from an RT PCR test 72 hours prior to arrival. For full information, please see https://www.stkittstourism.kn/
Visitors are reminded to regularly check the St. Kitts Tourism Authority (www.stkittstourism.kn) and Nevis Tourism Authority (www.nevisisland.com) websites for updates and information.
]]>Basseterre, St. Kitts (July 29, 2021) – St. Kitts & Nevis has further extended the travel advisory for travelers arriving from the U.K., Brazil, India and South Africa as of July 19, 2021 until August 31, 2021. Persons from the aforementioned destinations are advised not to travel to St. Kitts & Nevis at this time. Entry into the Federation will be denied. Citizens and Residents of St. Kitts & Nevis who are arriving from any of these countries must process their travel request through the online platform www.knatravelform.kn. Those who have been fully vaccinated for two weeks or more prior to their arrival will be required to quarantine for four (4) days upon arrival and await a negative RT-PCR Test taken on day four (4), before they can be released from quarantine. Those Citizens and Residents who have not been fully vaccinated for two weeks prior to their arrival will be required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
The decision to extend the advisory is based on the advice of the Ministry of Health and enacted by the Government of St. Kitts & Nevis through the National Covid-19 Task Force in the interest of protecting its borders and the health of its citizens. The Government is extending the advisory in response to Covid-19 variants that have originated in the UK, Brazil, South Africa and India. Of particular concern at this time is the Delta variant. The Federation of St. Kitts & Nevis will continue to monitor the developing situation and will provide updates accordingly.
Travelers should regularly check the St. Kitts Tourism Authority (https://www.stkittstourism.kn) and Nevis Tourism Authority (https://nevisisland.com) websites for updates and information.
]]>Silver/Seaborne Airlines:
British Airways
The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis wishes to again remind citizens and residents to restrict travel to China until the World Health Organisation (WHO) gives the all clear in relation to the Novel Coronavirus now being referred to as COVID-19. Citizens and residents were first notified of this travel advisory on February 1, 2020, following the WHO declaration on January 30th, 2020 that the outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. A second notification of the maintenance of the travel advisory was issued on February 20, 2020.
The novel corona virus has, as at 16:17 GMT on March 9, 2020 caused a total of 3,893 deaths and 111,817 infections, with most of these still occurring in mainland China, the country where the outbreak of the illness occurred. Over the past week, the infection has spread considerably to a number of other countries – including several Caribbean territories. However, Italy has become Europe’s epicenter by recording the highest rates of infections and deaths throughout the continent.
In light of the global spread of COVID-19, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis – on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 – amended its travel advisory to include the following countries: China, Italy, Iran, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Japan. This advisory was widely published by the St. Kitts Tourism Authority/ Ministry of Tourism on March 5, 2020.
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