Saint Kitts and Nevis bars entry for travelers from 12 Ebola risk countries

Saint Kitts and Nevis bars entry from 12 Ebola risk countries

Saint Kitts and Nevis began refusing entry to travelers arriving from a dozen African countries flagged for Ebola risk, the Ministry of National Security confirmed May 26. Border officials turned away 17 Nigerian nationals who arrived on regional flights, citing health advice tied to current Ebola transmission concerns.

A formal travel advisory issued May 27 names the high-risk countries as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Central African Republic, Angola, Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia and Nigeria. Travelers arriving from any of these states "may be denied entry into the Federation," the advisory states, describing the move as a temporary measure with no end date set.

The U.S. State Department still rates Saint Kitts and Nevis at Level 1 and hasn't added Ebola-specific entry guidance to its country page.

Who gets stopped at the border

The policy keys on recent travel history, not nationality or purpose of visit. Tourists, expats, returning residents and digital nomads routing through any listed country in the weeks before arrival can be refused at the airport or seaport, even with valid visas and onward tickets.

The advisory text contains no explicit carve-out for citizens or residents re-entering from high-risk states. Travelers arriving directly from North America, Europe or other regions without recent time in the 12 named countries remain under standard immigration rules.

The government hasn't published a testing protocol, quarantine procedure or appeals process for those denied entry.

What to do before flying

All air and sea passengers must still complete the electronic travel authorization (eTA) through the ED form before departure. The fee is $8.50, scheduled to rise to $17 on Sept. 1, 2025. The KN Travel Form accepts the same submission.

Mobile professionals with recent African itineraries should:

• Avoid layovers or stays in the 12 listed countries before traveling to Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Carry passport stamps, boarding passes and itineraries that document the past 30 days
• Confirm onward travel, accommodation and proof of funds, which border officers continue to check

COVID-19 vaccination and testing are no longer required for entry.

Read our full Saint Kitts and Nevis guide for the complete picture.