Caribbean countries are moving to digital controls. Find out how the ETA in St. Kitts and Nevis and the e-ED Card in Antigua and Barbuda work, who needs them and what is the procedure

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Caribbean countries are actively implementing digital technologies to modernize border control systems and facilitate travel. One of the first such innovations was the electronic travel authorization (ETA) system in St. Kitts and Nevis, introduced on May 26, 2025. This digital approval allows visa-free travelers to be pre-screened, simplifies border crossings and increases security.

In parallel, Antigua and Barbuda introduced a mandatory electronic migration card, the e-ED Card, which speeds up border control and provides an additional layer of security.

In this article, we will look at how the ETA in St. Kitts and Nevis and the e-ED Card in Antigua and Barbuda work, who must apply for them, and what tourists should know.

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St. Kitts and Nevis Digital ETA: A New Phase for Visa-Free Travel

From May 26, 2025, all travelers traveling to St. Kitts and Nevis on a visa-free basis will be required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The move marks a significant digital leap forward in the island nation’s border security and tourism technology.

St. Kitts and Nevis is the first Caribbean country to introduce a digital authorization for visa-free visitors.

What is the St. Kitts and Nevis ETA?

The ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a digital approval for travelers exempt from the visa requirement. The system:

- Allows for pre-screening;

- Simplifies border crossing procedures;

- Increases security and control.

Who needs an ETA before traveling to St. Kitts and Nevis?

ETA is required for citizens of visa-free countries who plan a short-term stay. Depending on the citizenship, the duration of the permitted stay varies:

- Up to 90 days of stay: USA, UK, Canada, Australia, India, EU countries, Japan, South Korea, UAE, Nigeria and others.

- Up to 30 days of stay: Belarus, China, Indonesia, Macau.

- Up to 27 days of stay: Cuba.

A full list of countries is available on the official website: www.knatravelform.kn

Who is exempt from ETA?

The following categories of travelers are exempt from obtaining an ETA:

1. Citizens and residents of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

2. Citizens of member states of the Caribbean Community and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States.

3. Children under 2 years of age.

4. Transit passengers.

5. Diplomats on official business.

6. Air/ship crew, military personnel.

Important! However, exempted travelers must still complete the Immigration and Customs Enforcement ED form via the St Kitts and Nevis e-Border app or the official website.

How to apply for an ETA in St Kitts and Nevis?

Step 1 – Visit the portal: www.knatravelform.kn or install the St Kitts and Nevis e-Border app on iOS or Android.

Step 2 – Fill out the form: Provide accurate personal and travel details.

Step 3 – Upload documents: as specified in the form, confirming the purpose of the trip.

Step 4 – Pay the fee: online using a credit card.

Step 5 – Receive confirmation: the authorization will be sent to your email.

When to apply for an ETA for St. Kitts and Nevis and how long is it valid?

- ETA validity

Your e-visa will be valid for 90 days or until the expiry date of your passport, whichever comes first.

- When to apply for an ETA for St. Kitts and Nevis?

You can apply up to 90 days before your intended travel date.

How much does an ETA for St. Kitts and Nevis cost?

Is there a fee for obtaining an e-travel authorization for St. Kitts and Nevis?

- Starting price: $8.50 (until August 31, 2025).

- Standard rate: $17 (from September 1, 2025).

Biometric control at St. Kitts and Nevis Airport

From June 2, 2025, a biometric corridor with facial recognition will be operational at Robert L. Bradshaw Airport. Travelers with an ETA will be able to go through the checkpoints without contact, which will save time and increase security.

The ETA in Saint Kitts and Nevis is a modern tool that allows for pre-screening of travelers, reducing time at the border and increasing the level of security in the country. At the same time, the system provides for exemptions for certain categories of persons, which maintains flexibility for different types of travelers. Those who apply for a visa to enter (for example, citizens of Uzbekistan or Kyrgyzstan) do not need an ETA.

Antigua and Barbuda Mandatory Digital Passport Control via e-ED Card

From April 2025, all travelers arriving in and departing from Antigua and Barbuda will be required to complete an electronic form, the e-ED Card, an analogue of a digital migration card. The new system is available on the ArriveAntigua.com portal and is intended to speed up border crossings and increase security.

- Who is the e-ED Card for in Antigua and Barbuda?

All foreign tourists, citizens, residents and holders of passports obtained under the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, including representatives of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Cuba. No exceptions.

- How does the e-ED Card work in Antigua and Barbuda?

1. The form must be completed at least 24 hours before arrival.

2. You must indicate your passport details, itinerary, place of residence and upload a passport photo.

3. After confirmation, the applicant receives a QR code that is presented at the border.

- Passport requirements for travelers with an e-ED Card to Antigua and Barbuda?

1. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.

2. CBI passport holders undergo the same checks as everyone else.

3. Paper migration cards are no longer accepted, the absence of an e-ED form may result in a refusal of entry.

The e-card does not replace a passport - it is an additional tool for collecting data and speeding up border control. Thus, both documents are required: the passport - to confirm identity and the right to enter, the e-ED - to simplify the migration control procedure.

The system is already mandatory for air passengers and will soon be extended to seaports, private yachts and cruise ships.

Digitalization of migration control systems in the Caribbean is a modern trend that makes travel safer and more convenient. The ETA system in St. Kitts and Nevis allows travelers from visa-free countries to easily apply for entry permits online, and biometric control at the local airport increases the speed and accuracy of checks. In turn, Antigua and Barbuda successfully implemented the electronic migration card e-ED Card, which has become mandatory for all tourists and residents. These innovations demonstrate the region’s desire to innovate and improve tourism services.

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Reminder! From 2025, Mozambique ETA has become mandatory for visa-free travelers from 29 countries. We have already told you how to apply for an electronic permit, what documents are required, how much does a visa to Mozambique cost, and what is worth seeing in the country.

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