Dec 16 2014

Security Measures Require Reissuance of Some Passports

St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Kitts and Nevis will no longer recognize a foreign passport issued between January 2012 and July 2014 if it does not list a birthplace or does not reflect the holder's current name, according to an announcement by the Ministry of Homeland Security of St. Kitts and Nevis. Foreign nationals whose passports do not meet these requirements must obtain new passports at a passport office or a government-authorized service center by January 31, 2015.

This measure was implemented to safeguard against any attempts to use passports for fraudulent purposes.

Passports are expected to be reissued within five to ten business days from the date of application, and will be mailed to applicants. Only those cancelled passports containing valid visas to permit entry into third countries will be returned.

Those who fail to have their passports re-issued may have their passports deactivated and cancelled.

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals

Foreign nationals in St. Kitts and Nevis that are subject to the new requirement will have to submit valid government identification, evidence of a name change and a marriage certificate, if applicable, and a “Reissue of E-Passport” form when they apply for reissued passports at a visa application center.

Fragomen worked closely with Pinnacle International Inc. (Basseterre) to prepare this alert. This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to lar@fragomen.com.