Is St. Kitts Safe? Things to Know When Traveling to the Island

Many travelers have asked, “Is St Kitts safe?” Knowing the island is generally considered a safe travel destination will ease concerns, but petty crimes like pickpocketing or car break-ins can occur. Official travel safety websites recommend taking standard precautions, such as leaving valuables in a hotel safe, avoiding isolated areas at night, and using licensed taxes.

According to the US Department of State’s examination, St Kitts and Nevis is classified as Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions, implying that St Kitts is generally considered a destination for tourists to visit in Caribbean. This guide provides everything you should know about St Kitts and Nevis safety and crime.

• Overview of safety in St Kitts
• St Kitts crime comparison with other Caribbean islands
• Safety in St Kitts for Americans
• St Kitts vaccine considerations
• Tourist safety tips in St Kitts

St Kitts. Safety Overview

St Kitts is one of the Caribbean’s safest islands, ranking highly for its low crime and high safety level.

Whether solo female travelers, same-sex couples, or families with children, the provides a safe environment for everyone through progressive local laws, including the decriminalization of homosexuality in 2022.

St Kitts and Nevis citizens are known for their hospitality. They often greet tourists and Americans living in St Kitts and Nevis warmly and offer respectful, helpful advice when approached.

As part of the Eastern Caribbean, St Kitts is vulnerable to hurricanes during the rainy season from June to November. Visitors are advised to stay updated on weather conditions and be prepared with emergency plans.

Crime and safety comparison with other Caribbean nations

The Numbeo crime index evaluates crime rates and safety, where a high crime index indicates significant crime levels, and a high safety index reflects strong safety conditions.

Data Source: Numbeo

Facts about crime in St Kitts and Nevis

• Homicide rate: According to Deputy Commissioner Henry of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF), homicides in St Kitts and Nevis dropped from 31 in 2023 to 28 in 2024.
• Types of crimes: Property crimes, sexual offenses, and illegal firearms possession are the prevailing crimes in St Kitts and Nevis.
• Crime-solving record: St Kitts and Nevis record a 57 percent crime detection rate for homicides, with 16 out of 28 cases being solved, according to the the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force.
• Sexual offences: There were 72 reported sexual offenses cases in St Kitts in 2024, a slight increase on the 68 reported in 2023.

Since Mr James Sutton took office as Commissioner of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force in February 2023, the nation has recorded a decline in overall crime and homicides, along with a rise in case solving.

Discover the full list of St Kitts and Nevis visa-free countries available to citizens through the CBI program.

Is St Kitts safe for Americans?

Travel advisories from travel.state.gov and cia.gov typically classify St Kitts and Nevis as a safe travel destination for US citizens. Travel advisories are categorized into four levels:

1. Exercise normal precautions
2. Exercise increased caution
3. Reconsider travel
4. Do not travel

The US government considers St Kitts and Nevis a safe destination, with a travel advisory level of ‘exercise normal precautions.’ The US State Department advises Americans to exercise normal precautions, which includes obtaining travel insurance and maintaining general safety measures, such as staying alert, choosing licensed taxis, and steering clear of areas known for crime or drug activity.

According to a retirement guide for US citizens by Global Citizens Solutions, authored by Laura Madrid of the Global Intelligence Unit, the United States ranked 131st out of 163 nations in the 2023 Global Peace Index. Though St Kitts wasn’t featured in the index, it’s known as one of the safest countries in the Caribbean, and it is consistently praised for its low crime rate, friendly communities, and commitment to public security. Many high-net-worth individuals choose to obtain St Kitts and Nevis dual citizenship due to the island’s safety and tax advantages.

Driving in St Kitts

Public transportation is limited in St Kitts and Nevis, and most US visitors opt for private transfers or local taxis. If you are renting a car, you should know that in St Kitts, you drive on the left side of the road. UK and European citizens generally have insurance included in the cost of the car rental. US and Canadian citizens usually need additional insurance as it’s not included in their rental agreement.

US drivers should also learn the local driving habits, road signs, and traffic laws to minimize the risk of accidents and encounters with local authorities. Americans need to apply for an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to drive legally in St Kitts and Nevis during their stay.

US drivers should be aware of the risks of driving in small Caribbean islands and cities, such as encountering wildlife, narrow or poorly maintained roads, especially in rural areas, and limited lighting at night. Drivers should keep car doors locked at all times, including while driving.

St Kitts Vaccine Considerations

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for visiting St Kitts and Nevis:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Typhoid
• Rabies
• Meningitis
• Polio
• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella (MMR)
• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)
• Chickenpox
• Shingles

While the yellow fever vaccine isn’t required for entry into St Kitts, travelers arriving from a yellow fever risk area within the past six weeks must provide a vaccination certificate obtained at least ten days prior to arrival.

St Kitts Safety at Night

St Kitts is generally safe for walking at night, but as with any place, it’s always good to be aware and cautious, especially after dark or when attending crowded events. It’s best to stick to well-lit and populated areas to avoid contact with dangerous people or attacks. Night safety in St Kitts is high in the best cities to live in St Kitts, like Basseterre, Charlestown, and Sandy Point Town, which are safe due to their strong police presence at night and facilities for night-time activities.

Personal Safety Tips for Tourists in St Kitts

Most places in St Kitts are generally safe, but like most countries, be smart about your movements. Keep your hotel room secure and leave valuables inside a safe. Avoid placing yourself in compromising positions, such as deserted streets at night or neighborhoods outside areas frequented by tourists.

With a population of just under 50,000, St Kitts and Nevis’s communities are tight-knit, and most people know each other, meaning tourists venturing outside hotels in St Kitts will stand out and attract more attention. St Kittitians are welcoming; connecting with the local community can enhance your safety and overall experience.

Licensed taxis in St Kitts and Nevis are regulated to ensure drivers are vetted and their vehicles meet safety standards.,  reducing the risk of scams or unsafe situations. You can identify licensed taxes in St Kitts and Nevis with the prefixes “T” and “TA” on a yellow license place.