Saint Kitts Citizenship: Visa Waiver with Turkey Suspended

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official statement on its website, published in the Official Gazette after President Erdoğan signed it, pursuant to Decision No. 9782.

The statement states that Saint Kitts citizenship holders will require a visa to enter the country, and that the decision will take effect on May 1, 2025.

The statement states: “Saint Kitts and Nevis citizens holding diplomatic, official, or service passports are exempt from visa requirements for entry to Turkey for stays up to 90 days. Ordinary passport holders will be required to obtain a visa for entry to Turkey.”

The statement notes that this measure only applies to ordinary passport holders from Saint Kitts and Nevis. Anyone holding a diplomatic, official, or service passport will continue to be able to enter Turkey without a visa, as was the case previously.

The two countries concluded a mutual visa waiver agreement in 2012, pursuant to a Cabinet decision dated June 25, 2012, which was ratified by the Turkish Presidency of the Council of Ministers. This agreement was allowing holders of all categories of Saint Kitts and Nevis passports to enter Turkey without a visa.

Despite the new decision, Saint Kitts citizenship holders can still obtain a visa to enter Turkey, a simple procedure, as is the case for Dominica citizenship holders. Furthermore, these changes are belong to the foreign policies of both countries and are subject to change and updating at any time.

Diplomatic Relations between Turkey and St. Kitts and Nevis

Thanks to its open policies toward Latin America and the Caribbean, Turkey maintains good relations with Saint Kitts and Nevis, and these relations have witnessed a marked rapprochement in recent years through meetings at the foreign ministerial level. For its part, Turkey maintains an honorary consulate in Basseterre, the capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Beside, Turkey has launched numerous cooperation and technical projects with Saint Kitts through its Agency (TIKA). Given Saint Kitts’ small size, Turkey often engages with regional organizations to which Saint Kitts belongs, including the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Latin American and Caribbean Community (LAC), and others.

Besides Saint Kitts citizenship, what about other Caribbean?

Regarding Caribbean passports, it is worth noting that Saint Kitts is not the only country to have lifted its visa waiver for Turkey. Dominica, which previously enjoyed visa-free entry to Turkey, underwent a similar measure in 2024. Holders of Dominica passport are required to obtain a visa to enter Saint Kitts and Nevis.

On the other hand, ordinary passport holders from Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, and Grenada can still enter Turkey with a three-month e-visa, while holders of official passports from these countries are exempt from visa requirements to enter Turkey.

Saint Kitts Citizenship by Investment for Turkish Investors

Despite the recent changes and Turkey’s reinstatement of visa requirements, Saint Kitts citizenship and its powerful passport remain a strong attraction for investors from around the world, particularly Turkish investors and citizens.

The appeal of the Saint Kitts Citizenship by Investment Program stems from its powerful passport, which allows investors visa-free entry to approximately 150 countries, including the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Canada, Russia, Singapore, and all Schengen countries.

The Saint Kitts Citizenship by Investment Program was established in 1984 and is the oldest citizenship program. Since then, St. Kitts and Nevis has continually developed its program, making it one of the best citizenship by investment programs ever.

How can you obtain Saint Kitts citizenship?

The Saint Kitts Citizenship Unit offers two options for applying for a Saint Kitts and Nevis passport. The first is a one-time contribution to the St. Kitts Government, the amount of which depends on the number of applicants. This contribution is payable after the government has written approval of your application.

The second option is a residential investment, which can be made through participation in a government-approved real estate project or the purchase of a private property. The St. Kitts Government approves the resale of the property after five years. This means that the investment in the property will be recovered. However, you will still have to pay some administrative and government fees.

Besides visa-free, Saint Kitts citizenship other benefits

▣ A St. Kitts passport is valid for 10 years and can be extended without having to visit St. Kitts.

▣ There is no need to revoke your first citizenship if your home country accepts dual citizenship.

▣ Saint Kitts citizenship can be obtained in a record time of approximately nine months.

▣ Saint Kitts does not share your citizenship information with any other country.

▣ There is no need to reside at any time to obtain citizenship. Your new passport will be issued during your stay in Turkey, but you may be required to visit Saint Kitts once for routine interview procedures.

▣ Your children, spouse, parents, and grandparents are eligible to apply for citizenship with you.

▣ Saint Kitts is known for its stunning Caribbean beauty and its safe and politically stable environment.

▣ Income earned outside of St. Kitts, including Turkey, is completely tax-free. St. Kitts also does not impose capital gains, inheritance, or gift taxes.

▣ Duty-free trade within the Caribbean.

▣ The opportunity to reside in the Schengen Area and the United Kingdom for six months per year, obtain a US visitor visa valid for ten years, and enter more than 150 countries without the need for a visa from any embassy.

For those interested in the Saint Kitts Citizenship, please contact Global Citizen Consultants, the St. Kitts Government-Authorized Agent for the Saint Kitts Citizenship by Investment Program.