BASSETERRE, KN / ACCESS Newswire / July 15, 2026 / The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Unit has confirmed that its biometric collection centre in the Washington DC area is now live on the official Government of St. Kitts and Nevis Biometric Enrolment Platform and open for appointment bookings.
The centre becomes the third North American location under the National Biometric Enrolment and Passport Modernisation Programme, joining Ottawa and Toronto, and gives US-based citizens direct access to enrolment without international travel.
The Ministry of National Security, Citizenship and Immigration, in partnership with the Citizenship Unit, launched the programme on 14 April 2026 to bring the Federation's travel documents into full alignment with global best practice in identity verification and border security.
The programme adopts the same biometric standard already in use across the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom.
The Government has built the programme around two core principles: accessibility, with collection centres opening worldwide, and data protection, with all biometric information held under full Government control.
The Washington DC opening reflects that commitment, placing enrolment within reach of one of the largest communities of Citizenship Programme citizens.
All citizens who obtained citizenship through the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Programme, including dependants and children, must complete biometric enrolment by 31 July 2027.
Passports issued before 14 April 2026 remain valid for international travel during the transition period, after which only biometric-enabled passports will be accepted for travel.
Enrolment takes between 15 and 30 minutes. Standard biometric data is collected, comprising fingerprints, a digital facial image and a digital signature.
All data is stored in encrypted systems, in compliance with international data protection standards and International Civil Aviation Organisation requirements, with access strictly limited to authorised personnel for legitimate identity verification and border security purposes.
Appointments, including payment, must be completed exclusively through the official Government platform. Enrolment through any other platform or third-party provider is strictly prohibited.
What US-based citizens should do now:
Appoint an Authorised Agent, who will share a personalised registration link and unique Authorised Agent Code.
Register on the official Government of St. Kitts and Nevis Biometric Enrolment Platform using your Certificate of Registration number.
Select the Washington DC area centre, book a date and time, and complete payment through the official platform.
Attend your appointment with your current passport for identification. It will not be surrendered.
Complete enrolment well ahead of the 31 July 2027 deadline.
For further information, contact biometrics@sknciu.com
Media Details
St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Unit
Email address: admin@skn-igs.com
Website: https://www.skn-igs.gov.kn/
Phone number: +1 (869) 466-3658
SOURCE: St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Unit
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