St. Kitts - Location Guide & Travel Tips 
Location
St. Kitts & Nevis are located in the northern part of the Leeward Islands in the eastern Caribbean, 19 degrees north of the equator, separated by a channel two miles wide. They are relatively close to a cluster of several other islands including Saba & St. Eustatius to the northwest, St. Barthélemy to the north, Antigua & Barbuda to the east, and Montserrat to the south.
Geography
The islands are of volcanic origin, with large central peaks covered in jungle, and numerous rivers descending from the mountains. The slopes leading to these peaks are steep and mostly uninhabited, with the vast majority of the population on both islands living close to the sea where the terrain flattens out. St. Kitts is 23 miles long and 5 miles across at its widest, encompassing an area of 68 square miles. Population is 31,880 and the capital is Basseterre. In the center, at 3,792 feet, is the island's point of highest elevation - the spectacular, cloud-fringed peak of Mount Liamuiga (pronounced Lee-a-mweega), a dormant volcano covered by dense tropical forest. Nevis, the smaller island, lies to the south and is approximately 7 miles in diameter, covering a total of 36 square miles. There too, the ground rises upward toward the clouds with lush green forests and brilliant tropical flowers. The capital of Nevis is Charlestown with about 1500 of the islands 7,220 residents living there.
Climate
The average temperature is 79 degrees, and annual rainfall averages 55 inches. Low humidity and constant northeast trade winds keep the islands cool and comfortable year-round.
Dress
Light summer clothing may be worn all year. Dress is conservative but informal, even at elegant hotels and plantation inns, though you may want to dress up a bit for a nice dinner. Nudity is not permitted at any beach. Swim wear or scant clothing should never be worn in towns or villages.
Language
The official language is English.
Time Zone
Atlantic Standard Time year-round. Four hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-4). Daylight Saving Time is not observed.
Currency
Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD$) which is fixed to the US dollar at the exchange rate of $1.00 USD = $2.70 XCD. U.S. currency is accepted by most stores and businesses and change is given in E.C. currency. U.S. coins are not accepted. Travelers checks and major credit cards are accepted most places as well. There are several banks on St. Kitts and all have 24-hour ATM service.
Telecommunications
Cable & Wireless serves 25,000 telephone lines in St. Kitts & Nevis. Direct Dialing, Leased Circuits, Internet, Class Services, Voice Mail, Caller ID and other features are currently offered. Most hotels offer USA Direct Calling service. ISDN and DSL services are also available. Internet services are available at all of the hotels, as well as from an Internet Cafe in the city.
Electricity
The domestic market is served by a 230 volt single phase supply. However, a 117 volt supply is available in most hotels.
Water
St. Kitts water is of good quality, being collected from direct precipitation, mountain springs and wells, and chemically treated for purification. Locally bottled water is also available.
Health Care
Modern services are available and there are specialists in most fields of medicine. A brand new state-of-the-art hospital was opened in 2003, and emergency 911 services are available.
Government
Officially called the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis (or the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis), it is the smallest nation in the Western Hemisphere. Historically the British dependency of Anguilla was also a part of this union, which was then known collectively as Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla. Former colonies of the United Kingdom, Saint Kitts and Nevis along with Anguilla, became an associated state with full internal autonomy in 1967. In 1971 Anguilla rebelled and their island was allowed to separate from the others. St. Kitts and Nevis became independent in 1983. In 1998, Nevis voted on a referendum to separate from St. Kitts, but the vote fell short of the required two-thirds majority.
An independent nation within the British Commonwealth, the country is democratically ruled. Queen Elizabeth II is head of state, represented in St. Kitts and Nevis by a Governor-General, who acts on advice from the Prime Minister and cabinet. The legislature, known as the National Assembly, is comprised of fourteen members - eleven elected representatives (three from the island of Nevis), and three appointed by the Governor-General. The three appointed members are known as Senators, with two being appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister, and one on the advice of the leader of the opposition. Though they are referred to as Senators, they do not form a separate house of parliament, as in some other countries.
Passports & Immigration
U.S. and Canadian citizens need only to present proof of citizenship – preferably a passport or birth certificate with the raised seal – in order to enter St. Kitts-Nevis. Birth certificate must be accompanied by a government issued photo ID (such as a drivers license) showing the same name. Where applicable, documentation of a legal name change (for example, a marriage certificate) must also be presented. Additionally, proof of sufficient funds and a return or onward passage might be required. Citizens of some countries may need a visa for entry, and should contact the nearest tourist office for entry requirements.
Entry Requirements for the United States change effective December 31, 2006 -- All air & sea travelers, including U.S. citizens, to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda must have a valid passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality, to enter the United States.
Departure Tax
There is a departure tax of $60 XCD (about $22 USD) payable by cash or credit card, at the airport.
Service Charges & Tax
A 10% service charge is normally included in hotel bills, and room tax is 7%.
Tipping & Gratuities
In restaurants, leave 10%-15%. Note that some restaurants and hotels may automatically add a 10% gratuity. Tipping taxi drivers is not customary.
Disclaimer
We attempt to ensure the accuracy of all information provided, however we are not responsible for the content provided herein. For the most current information, please visit the St. Kitts Tourism Authority website, or contact them at:
St. Kitts Tourism Authority
Pelican Mall, Bay Road, P.O. Box 132, Basseterre, St. Kitts, W.I.
Tel: 869-465-4040 Fax: 869-465-8794USA, contact:
St. Kitts Tourism Authority
414 East 75th Street, Suite 5, New York, NY 10021
Tel: 212-535-1234 Toll free: 800-582-6208 Fax: 212-734-6511UK, contact:
St. Kitts Tourism Authority
10 Kensington Court, London W8 5DL
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7376 0881 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7937 6742Canada, contact:
St. Kitts Tourism Authority
133 Richmond Street, West, Suite 311, Toronto, ON, M5H 2L3
Tel: 416-368-6707 Fax: 416-368-3934