St Kitts begins issuing epassports

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Homeland Security says the biometric passports are more secure and will facilitate seamless travel.

BASSETERRE, St Kitts, Friday January 6, 2012 – Authorities have begun issuing a new passport that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Homeland Security said will help prevent fraud and identity theft.

The E (Biometric) passport, which boasts improved security features, became available yesterday for first-time applicants and those requesting replacements.

The ministry said it was necessary to introduce the new passport in light of 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,” the ministry stated.

“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.”

The price of the 32-page document ranges from EC$150 (US$55) and EC$250 (US$92), while different fees would apply for those seeking to replace the epassports.

The Ministry said separate fees would apply for applicants who obtain citizenship by investment. Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)