Saint Kitts and Nevis has made biometric enrolment mandatory for every citizen who obtained nationality through the Citizenship‑by‑Investment (CBI) programme. All eligible adults, dependents and children must complete the enrolment and receive the new biometric passport by 31 July 2027; otherwise their existing passport will no longer be accepted for international travel after 1 August 2027.
Programme overview
- Launched on 14 April 2026 by the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis in partnership with the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU).
- Introduces fingerprint, facial‑image and digital‑signature data to strengthen passport security and meet international standards.
- Applies to all CBI‑issued passports, regardless of the printed expiry date. The requirement does not affect citizenship status, only the validity of the travel document.
Mandatory deadline
- 31 July 2027 – final date for biometric enrolment.
- From 1 August 2027, any passport issued before the programme launch that has not been upgraded will be rejected for international travel.
New biometric collection centres (autumn 2026)
The enrolment network has been expanded beyond the Caribbean to reduce travel for overseas citizens. Available locations include:
| Region | Cities |
|---|---|
| Middle East | Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah |
| Europe | London (including a VIP service at the Royal Exchange) |
| Asia | Hong Kong, Singapore |
| North America | Toronto, Ottawa, Washington D.C. area |
| Africa | Lagos (Nigeria) |
| Other | Istanbul, Saint Kitts and Nevis |
Appointments may also be arranged through designated embassies, high commissions and approved service providers. Availability varies; applicants should check the official government booking platform for current slots.
What happens during enrolment
- Appointment length: 15–30 minutes.
- Required biometric data:
- Fingerprints
- Digital facial image
- Digital signature
- Since 1 September 2026, enrolment is linked directly to passport production, allowing immediate processing of the new document after the biometric capture.
- Data are encrypted and managed under applicable security and data‑protection standards.
Fees and discount
Government‑charged fees (excluding any authorised‑agent costs) are:
| Applicant type | Standard fee | Discounted fee (20 July – 31 December 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Main adult (16 + years) | US $2,500 | US $2,250 (10 % off) |
| Second adult | US $2,000 | US $1,800 |
| Child (under 16) | US $1,300 | US $1,170 |
The 10 % reduction ends on 31 December 2026; full fees resume on 1 January 2027.
Key dates at a glance
- 14 April 2026 – Programme launch.
- 1 September 2026 – Biometric enrolment integrated with passport production.
- 31 December 2026 – End of 10 % fee‑reduction period.
- 31 July 2027 – Final deadline for biometric enrolment.
- 1 August 2027 – Pre‑launch passports become invalid for travel if enrolment not completed.
Practical steps for CBI passport holders
- Book early – appointment slots can fill quickly, especially for families needing multiple enrolments.
- Verify documentation – ensure passports, identity documents and any required supporting papers are ready for the appointment.
- Include all eligible family members – children and dependents must enrol separately.
- Confirm fees – check whether the authorised agent you use adds any extra charges.
- Monitor official sources – appointment availability and any procedural updates are posted by the Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Unit (official biometrics page).
Completing the biometric enrolment before the July 2027 deadline secures a valid travel document and avoids disruption to international travel for all CBI‑derived citizens of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Source article: apexcapital.one
