St. Kitts and Nevis first Caribbean nation recognized by IATA for eBorder system

The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has announced that its eBorder system is now officially recognized on the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) World Tracker as In Force for both Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) compliance — making the Federation the first Caribbean nation to achieve this dual status.

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The recognition confirms that St. Kitts and Nevis’s sovereign API-PNR system is fully operational, with airlines having begun transmitting API data as early as May 2025. In August 2025, Sunrise Airways became the first Caribbean carrier to submit PNR data under the new system.

“St Kitts and Nevis is proud to be recognised on IATA’s tracker as fully operational for both API and PNR,” said Chief Immigration Officer Sheldon Jeffers. “This reflects our commitment to providing border agencies with the tools needed to make informed, real-time decisions that enhance security and facilitation alike.”

The eBorder programme integrates enhanced border security with smoother passenger processing. Through pre-arrival screening, it supports faster and more efficient entry procedures, reducing wait times for legitimate travellers and improving the overall arrival experience.

“With its listing as In Force, St. Kitts and Nevis has reached the highest operational category on IATA’s World Tracker — a status that reflects not just legislative readiness, but live airline participation in both API and PNR submissions,” explained Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Glenroy Blanchette. “It also underscores St. Kitts and Nevis’s ability to modernise border management through internationally aligned best practices while safeguarding both national security and traveller facilitation.”

The announcement follows the September 2 milestone when Acting Chief Immigration Officer Jeffers confirmed that St. Kitts and Nevis had become the first country in CARICOM and the wider Caribbean to officially receive PNR data from international carriers.

The Government said the achievement highlights its ongoing commitment to building a safe, prosperous, and sustainable island state by embracing innovation, strengthening international partnerships, and enhancing both citizen security and visitor experience.