On Thursday, September 21, 2017 Russian foreign minister H.E. Serguey Lavrov and St. Kitts &
Nevis foreign minister the Honourable Mark Brantley signed a formal agreement to allow both
Russians and St. Kittian and Nevisians to travel between the two countries visa-free for up to 90
days.
The agreement makes Russia number 12 on the list of countries St. Kitts & Nevis has recently
signed similar agreements with.
While at first glance, it may seem like an unlikely partnership, Russian nationals actually
account for a large portion St. Kitts & Nevis’ booming citizenship by investment industry. Along
with Chinese investors, Russian investors account for roughly half of passports issued through
the program.
Through the citizenship by investment program alone, St. Kitts & Nevis has reduced its debt
from 164 per cent of GDP in 2010 to 104 per cent by the end of 2013. And by 2014, the
citizenship by investment program accounted for at least 25 per cent of the tiny Caribbean
island’s total GDP.
In addition to Russia, holders of a St. Kitts & Nevis passport can also enjoy visa-free access to
over 125 other countries around the world.
