Visa Requirements For Antigua And Barbuda: What You Need To Know

Antigua and Barbuda is a tropical paradise with amazing weather and plenty of fun things to do. If you're planning a trip to this Caribbean nation, you'll need to find out if you require a visa. The visa requirements for Antigua and Barbuda depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Most European Union citizens and citizens of certain other countries, such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, do not need a visa for stays of up to six months. However, they must meet certain conditions, such as having a valid passport, proof of accommodation, and financial stability. Citizens from other countries will need to apply for a visa, either through a diplomatic mission or online, depending on their nationality. The visa application process typically involves filling out an application form, providing necessary documents, and paying a fee. It's important to plan ahead and be aware of the specific requirements for your country of origin.

Who needs a visa for Antigua and Barbuda?

Visitors to Antigua and Barbuda from certain countries may not require a visa for entry. However, they must meet specific conditions, including a maximum stay of six months, having a passport valid for at least six months, an onward or return ticket, confirmation of accommodation, and proof of financial means to cover their stay.

Citizens of the following countries can enter without a visa:

• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• United Arab Emirates
• Most European Union countries, including Ireland
• Commonwealth countries, including Nauru and Tuvalu
• Other countries, including the United States of America, China, and Hong Kong

For those who do need a visa, there are several options:

• Tourist Visa-on-Arrival: Available for citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, or the Schengen Area who are visiting for tourism purposes and meet the eligibility criteria. This visa is valid for a stay of up to 30 days and costs US$100 or the equivalent in Eastern Caribbean Currency.
• Electronic Entry Visa (EEV): Available for tourists and business visitors from eligible countries. The EEV allows for multiple entries and stays of up to 90 days within a validity period of 180 days.
• Long-stay visa: For stays longer than three months, visitors can apply for a long-stay visa, valid for one year.
• Residence permit: If you wish to stay in Antigua and Barbuda for more than a year, you must obtain a residence permit from the Chief Immigration Department.

Visa requirements for Antigua and Barbuda

The visa requirements for Antigua and Barbuda vary depending on the nationality of the visitor. Citizens of certain countries, such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Schengen countries, are eligible for a visa on arrival or an electronic visa (e-Visa). On the other hand, citizens of other countries may need to apply for a visa in advance through the e-Visa portal or a diplomatic mission. Here is a comprehensive overview of the visa requirements for Antigua and Barbuda:

Visa-Exempt Countries:

Citizens of specific countries do not require a visa to enter Antigua and Barbuda for tourism or business purposes. These countries include:

• European Union countries
• Commonwealth countries
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Tuvalu
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• Ireland
• Andorra
• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Belarus
• China
• Georgia
• Hong Kong
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Macao
• Moldova
• Nauru
• Uzbekistan
• Cruise ship visitors arriving and departing on the same day
• 'In-transit' passengers travelling within the same day who have proof of their onward journey and do not leave the airport

Visa Requirements for Visa-Exempt Citizens:

Even if citizens from the above-mentioned countries do not need a visa, they must meet the following requirements to enter Antigua and Barbuda:

• Possess a valid passport with a minimum of six months' validity from their date of departure.
• Have a return or onward ticket.
• Provide confirmation of accommodation.
• Produce evidence of their ability to financially support themselves during their stay.
• Not stay longer than six months.

Countries Eligible for Visa on Arrival:

Citizens of the following countries can obtain a visa on arrival in Antigua and Barbuda:

• United States
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• Schengen countries

Visa on Arrival Requirements:

To be eligible for a visa on arrival, citizens of the above countries must fulfil the following conditions:

• Hold a valid visa or permanent resident card from the respective country.
• Have a passport with a minimum of six months' validity and a re-entry permit if required by their country of nationality.
• Possess a return ticket and sufficient funds for their maintenance during their stay.
• Not have residence or occupation in Antigua and Barbuda.
• Not be deemed a prohibited or undesirable person by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.

The visa on arrival is valid for a stay of up to 30 days and is non-extendable. A fee of US$100 or its equivalent in Eastern Caribbean Currency is charged per passenger, including children.

Countries Eligible for e-Visa:

Citizens of all countries that require a visa to enter Antigua and Barbuda can apply for an e-Visa through the official e-Visa portal. The e-Visa is an electronic entry visa that allows tourists or business visitors to enter the country for short periods.

E-Visa Requirements:

To apply for an e-Visa, individuals must provide the following:

• Basic personal information.
• Passport details, including a valid passport with at least six months' validity.
• Travel information, including arrival and departure dates.
• Business information and itinerary (for business visitors).
• Host information (if invited by a host).

General Visa Requirements:

Regardless of the type of visa, all visitors to Antigua and Barbuda must meet certain requirements, including:

• Valid passport: All visitors must possess a valid passport with a minimum of six months' validity from their date of departure.
• Onward or return ticket: Visitors must provide evidence of their return or onward travel.
• Accommodation proof: Visitors must have confirmation of their accommodation arrangements.
• Financial stability: Visitors must demonstrate their ability to financially support themselves during their stay.
• Health insurance: Visitors may be required to provide proof of valid health insurance.
• Civil status documents: Depending on their situation, visitors may need to provide a marriage certificate, birth certificate, proof of cohabitation, or other relevant documents.
• Police record: A police record issued by the visitor's home country may be required to ensure they do not pose a threat to Antigua and Barbuda.
• Travel itinerary: Visitors must provide details of their flight dates, times, and return ticket, as well as the name of the airline.

Long-Stay Visas:

For those planning to stay in Antigua and Barbuda for more than three months, a long-stay visa can be obtained. This type of visa allows individuals to stay in the country for up to one year. If a longer stay is desired, a temporary residence permit can be applied for, which is typically issued for one to three years.

How to apply for an Antigua and Barbuda visa

To apply for an Antigua and Barbuda visa, you must first check if you need one. Citizens of some countries do not require a visa for entry into Antigua and Barbuda for holidays or business. If you are a citizen of one of these countries, you can stay for up to six months, provided you have:

• A return or onward ticket.
• Confirmation of accommodation.
• A valid passport.
• Evidence of your ability to maintain yourself financially during your stay.

If you do require a visa, you can apply for an e-Visa or a Visa on Arrival.

E-Visa

To apply for an e-Visa, you must complete the following steps:

• Go to the Electronic Visa Process page on the official government website.
• Fill in the visa application form. If you require a multiple-entry visa, check the appropriate box on the form.
• Submit the following documents:

• Bio page of a valid passport or travel document with a valid transit or re-entry permit for any country you are ticketed for. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in Antigua and Barbuda.
• A recent colour passport photograph (45mm x 35mm) with a white background that has not been altered or edited.
• Evidence of your proposed journey into and out of Antigua and Barbuda, such as a ticket or confirmation of your booking from a travel agent.
• Proof of accommodation for the length of your stay or a letter of invitation from your sponsor. If you are a student, you must provide an acceptance letter from your school and details of your accommodation during your studies. If you are travelling for business, you must provide a letter from your employer stating the purpose of your trip.
• Proof of funds to finance your trip, such as bank statements for the previous two months.
• A recent police record (discretion may be taken by the visa-issuing office).
• Immigration status in your passport or residency permit.

• Ensure that all documentation is clearly scanned using a scanner only. Preview scan all documentation, then crop each image and scan again.
• Submit all documentation in full colour and from the original documents only. Photocopies are not acceptable and will be rejected.

Visa on Arrival

A Visa on Arrival is granted to passengers who require a visa to enter Antigua and Barbuda and meet the following conditions:

• Hold a valid visa or permanent resident card for the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, or a Schengen country.
• Are visiting Antigua and Barbuda for tourism or to casually visit friends or relatives, and have no other purpose or activity.
• Do not have a residence or occupation in Antigua and Barbuda.
• Hold a passport with a minimum of six months' validity and a re-entry permit if required by your country of nationality.
• Are a person of assured financial standing with a return ticket and sufficient funds for your stay.
• Have not been deemed persona non grata by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.
• Are not considered a prohibited immigrant or an undesirable person and are not on any restrictive lists.

A Visa on Arrival is valid for a stay of up to 30 days and cannot be extended or converted. However, it may be cancelled or extended with the approval of the Chief Immigration Officer in certain circumstances, such as medical emergencies. The fee for a Visa on Arrival is US$100.00 or the equivalent Eastern Caribbean Currency per passenger.

Visa on arrival in Antigua and Barbuda

Citizens of many countries do not need a visa to enter Antigua and Barbuda. However, for those who do, there is the option of a Visa on Arrival. This is a Tourist Visa-on-Arrival, granted to passengers requiring a visa to enter Antigua and Barbuda, subject to the following conditions:

• The visitor must be a holder of a valid United States Visa or permanent Resident Card, a Canadian Visa or permanent Resident Card, a United Kingdom Visa or Resident Card, or a Schengen Visa or Resident Card.
• The sole objective of the visit must be tourism or casual visits to meet friends or relatives, and no other purpose or activity.
• The visitor must not have a residence or occupation in Antigua and Barbuda.
• The visitor must hold a passport with a minimum of six months' validity and a re-entry permit if required by the law of their country of nationality.
• The visitor must be a person of assured financial standing with a return ticket and sufficient funds for their maintenance while in Antigua and Barbuda.
• The visitor must not have been deemed a person-non-grata by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, or be considered a prohibited immigrant or undesirable person.
• The visitor must not be the subject of a blacklist or any warning circular or other restrictive list.

The Tourist Visa-on-Arrival is granted on arrival and is valid for a stay of up to 30 days. It is non-extendable and non-convertible, although there are exceptions in the case of illness. A fee of US$100.00 or the equivalent Eastern Caribbean Currency per passenger (including children) is charged for the Tourist Visa-on-Arrival.

An alternative to the Visa on Arrival is the eVisa, which can be obtained electronically.

Visa fees and duration

The fees and duration of your visa will depend on the type of visa you are applying for. The visa type will also determine the length of your stay in Antigua and Barbuda.

Tourist Visa

The Tourist Visa-on-Arrival costs US$100 or the Eastern Caribbean Currency equivalent per passenger (including children). This visa is valid for 30 days and is non-extendable and non-convertible.

Short-Stay Visa

The Short-Stay Visa allows visitors to stay in Antigua and Barbuda for 90 days. The fee for this visa is not provided.

Long-Stay Visa

The Long-Stay Visa allows visitors to stay in the country for one year (365 days). The fee for this visa is not provided.

Work Visa

The Work Visa is a multiple-entry visa for those looking to migrate for employment. The fee for this visa is not provided.

Student Visa

The Student Visa is a multiple-entry visa. The fee for this visa is not provided.

Business Visa

The Business Visa is a multiple-entry visa. The fee for this visa is not provided.

Family Visa

The Family Visa is a multiple-entry visa. The fee for this visa is not provided.

Electronic Entry Visa (EEV)

The Electronic Entry Visa (EEV) is valid for 180 days and allows tourists to stay for up to 90 days. The fee for this visa is not provided.

Transit Visa

The Transit Visa is a double-entry visa. The fee for this visa is not provided.

Multiple-Entry Visa

The Multiple-Entry Visa is available for 12 or 24 months. The fee for this visa is not provided.

Frequently asked questions