BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, has hailed the passage of the Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name (Amendment) Bill, describing as a “foundational component” in the country’s transformation towards a secure, efficient, and technologically advanced border management system.
The Bill, passed in the National Assembly on Thursday, strengthens the legal and operational framework necessary for the implementation of the St. Kitts-Nevis’ Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system, which is set to launch in June this year.
Prime Minister Drew described the legislation as “our bold stride into the future of secure, seamless, and smart border management,” underscoring his government’s commitment to protecting national security while enhancing the travel experience for legitimate visitors.
The amendments are designed to enable real-time, multi-layered screening of travelers through the simultaneous submission of passenger data to both the local competent authority and the Trinidad-based Caribbean Community (CARICOM) IMPACS, and align St. Kitts-Nevis with global standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the World Customs Organization (WCO).
In addition, the legislative changes support the operational readiness of the national eTA platform, which is the digital system that pre-screens travelers before arrival.
The authorities here say this will also improve data quality, timeliness, and reliability to allow predictive analytics and fast-track immigration processing, ensuring legal accountability for all commercial carriers, preventing exemptions under technical or commercial grounds.
“The successful implementation of our eTA system depends entirely on the quality, timeliness, and reliability of Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) data,” said Prime Minister Drew.
“These amendments ensure that the infrastructure and legal standards governing API/PNR collection and sharing are robust, automated, and integrated with the eTA platform.”
The government said that the eTA platform will allow travelers from visa-exempt countries to apply online before arrival, undergo biometric and AI-driven risk assessments, and receive a secure Digital Travel Credential (DTC). Upon arrival, travelers will move swiftly through biometric corridors, eliminating the need for paper forms or long immigration lines.
“Just like in the Seychelles, where the eTA platform has led to increased tourism, detection of drug smugglers, and faster airport processing times, St. Kitts-Nevis is set to lead the Caribbean in secure, smart travel,” said Prime Minister Drew.
“The implementation of the eTA is a border management upgrade and a national development milestone, ensuring that our borders remain safe, open, and globally competitive.”
Prime Minister Drew reiterated that the implementation of the eTA and the supporting legislation is more than a technological upgrade, noting it is a national development milestone that will safeguard the Federation’s borders while driving innovation, tourism growth, and international competitiveness.
