Saint Kitts and Nevis has become the first country of the Caribbean Community or CARICOM region and the wider Caribbean to begin officially receiving Passenger Name Record (PNR) data from international carriers, in a major step forward for border security and travel intelligence.

This new capability enhances the nation’s border management tools by providing detailed insights into passenger itineraries. When used alongside existing Advance Passenger Information (API) systems, PNR data enables authorities to assess risks before arrival, identify unusual travel behavior, and improve coordination among government agencies, while simultaneously respecting data privacy and international legal standards.

Acting Chief Immigration Officer, Mr. Sheldon Jeffers, highlighted the move as part of a broader strategy to modernize immigration systems through digital innovation and interagency cooperation. He commented: “We continue to lead, not by size, but by foresight, integrity, and action.”

The initiative supports global frameworks such as International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex 9 and UN Security Council Resolution 2396, which call for the responsible use of passenger data in counterterrorism and transnational crime prevention.