Government of St Kitts and Nevis to begin issuing the new E (Biometric) Passports

BASSETERRE, December 4, 2012 — In it’s on going efforts to prevent fraud and identity theft consistent with its regional and international commitments, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis will begin issuing the new E (Biometric) Passports with several improved security features.

Effective 30th December, 2011, the Passport Office will issue new E (Biometric) Passports to citizens and residents, who are applying for the documents for the first time, or to those requesting replacements.

Citizens and residents currently using the machine readable passports will continue doing so, once these are not expired, lost and or damaged. They will not, at this time, be required to change to the new E (biometric) Passports; until the old document has expired.

Information on the various fees to be applied through the purchase of stamps for the issuance of the new E Passport can be obtained from the Passport Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Homeland Security, Labour & Social Security, Government Headquarters, Church Street, Basseterre.

Introduction of the new passport has become necessary given the regional and global efforts to improve security. The new document to be issued by the Government of St Kitts and Nevis is more secured and designed with specific imbedded features intended to enhance the integrity of the new E Passport and will facilitate more seamless travel by citizens and residents of the Federation.

Further information and or clarification can be obtained by calling 467 1202 and or 467 1209 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.