Kitts and Nevis to open first African biometric collection centre in Lagos

Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis: The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Unit has announced that a new biometric collection centre in Lagos, Nigeria will open during the week commencing Monday (13 July), with confirmation to follow once the location is operational.

The Lagos centre becomes the first enrolment location on the African continent under the National Biometric Enrolment and Passport Modernisation Programme, significantly expanding access for citizens across the region who previously faced international travel to complete enrolment.

The Ministry of National Security, Citizenship and Immigration, in partnership with the Citizenship Unit, launched the programme on 14 April 2026.

The initiative brings the Federation’s travel documents into full alignment with global best practice in identity verification and border security, adopting the same standard already in use across the European Union, the United States and the United Kingdom.

As the birthplace of citizenship by investment, St. Kitts and Nevis continues to lead the industry in modernisation.

The Lagos opening forms part of a wider global expansion that includes a newly live centre in the Washington DC area and forthcoming locations in Jeddah, Iraq and Singapore.

The rollout reflects the Government’s commitment to accessibility, with collection centres opening worldwide, and to data protection, with all biometric information held in encrypted systems under full Government control.

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 travel during the transition period, after which only biometric-enabled passports will be accepted.

Enrolment takes between 15 and 30 minutes at officially designated locations only, booked and paid for exclusively through the official Government of St. Kitts and Nevis Biometric Enrolment Platform.

Enrolment through any other platform or third-party provider is strictly prohibited.

All biometric data is stored in compliance with international data protection standards and International Civil Aviation Organisation requirements.

What citizens in the region should do now:Appoint an Authorised Agent, who will share a personalised registration link and unique Authorised Agent Code.

Register on the official platform using your Certificate of Registration number.

Book your appointment at the Lagos centre once confirmed operational.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.

Kitts and Nevis to open first African biometric collection centre in Lagos