Exploring Antigua And Barbuda: Understanding Visa-Free Stay Limits

Antigua and Barbuda is a Caribbean destination comprising three islands, with a big British influence and still part of the United Kingdom's Commonwealth. If you are a citizen of a country that does not require a visa for entry, you can stay for up to six months, provided you have a return ticket, confirmation of accommodation, and evidence of your ability to maintain yourself financially. If you are interested in staying longer, you can apply for a residence permit, which is typically granted for three years.

Visitors to Antigua and Barbuda can stay for up to six months without a visa

To stay for longer than six months, visitors will need to apply for a visa. There are multiple-entry visas available, which may be issued for multiple entries over a period of twelve or twenty-four months at the discretion of the visa-issuing officer.

To be granted a visa-exempt stay or a visa, visitors must meet several requirements. They must have a valid passport and an onward or return ticket. They must also be able to confirm their accommodation and produce evidence of their ability to financially support themselves during their stay.

A Resident Permit allows non-nationals to stay for one to three years

A Resident Permit allows non-nationals to stay in Antigua and Barbuda for one to three years. The duration of the permit depends on the purpose of the visit. For instance, if the reason for the stay is a temporary student permit, the permit can be granted for a shorter period, but not exceeding three years.

A Resident Permit can be granted to a person who has lawfully resided in Antigua and Barbuda for four years without interruption. However, there are other classifications of persons who can be granted a Resident Permit, such as:

• A student after one year of attending a tertiary educational institution
• A person of independent means after residing in Antigua and Barbuda for two years
• A government employee
• An entrepreneur or investor who has acquired two years of work permits in Antigua and Barbuda
• A person after one year of marriage to a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda

The Resident Permit Card is the official proof of a non-national's status as a resident in Antigua and Barbuda. This card is required for re-entry into the state via a commercial carrier (by sea or air).

A student resident permit is always temporary

Antigua and Barbuda is a Caribbean island that attracts tourists with its beautiful beaches, resorts, weekly markets, scenic views, and adventure activities. The island is a former British colony, which is why the main language is English.

If you are a student interested in staying in Antigua and Barbuda for an extended period, you will need to apply for a student resident permit. This type of permit is always temporary and is usually granted for one year at a time. However, it can be extended for up to three years if your studies will be completed within that time frame. To be eligible for a student resident permit, you must provide the required documentation, including an acceptance letter from the school and proof of financial support. It is important to note that students are not permitted to work while holding this status.

After one year of attending a tertiary educational institution in Antigua and Barbuda, students can apply for a normal resident permit. This type of permit is not temporary and allows the holder to reside in the country for up to three years. To be eligible for a normal resident permit, you must have lived in Antigua and Barbuda for four years without interruption and meet the requirements set for granting the permit. The application process for a normal resident permit is similar to that of a student resident permit, with additional requirements such as a police certificate of character and a health certificate.

It is important to note that resident permits can be revoked if the holder engages in certain activities, such as subversive political activity or providing false information on their application. Additionally, the permit is no longer valid if the holder moves away from Antigua and Barbuda permanently or resides outside the country continuously for six months or more.

A Resident Permit can be revoked if the holder is convicted of a serious criminal offence

Antigua and Barbuda's Resident Permit is granted for three years, unless the applicant specifically applies for a shorter period. The applicant must have resided in Antigua and Barbuda for four years without interruption and meet the requirements set for the granting of a Resident Permit.

> "...convicted of an offence against the laws of Antigua and Barbuda, including a serious offence reasonably believed to be facilitating the commission of any serious offence in Antigua and Barbuda."

Other grounds for revoking a Resident Permit include providing false information or concealing material facts in the application, engaging in subversive political activity or promoting racism, and residing outside of Antigua and Barbuda for six months or more.

A person can apply for a normal resident permit if they have lived in Antigua and Barbuda for four uninterrupted years

Antigua and Barbuda is a popular Caribbean destination for travellers. If you are considering a longer stay in the country, there are some requirements you must meet to apply for a normal resident permit.

Firstly, it is important to note that a resident permit is granted for three years unless specified for a shorter period. To be eligible for a normal resident permit, you must have lived in Antigua and Barbuda for four uninterrupted years. This means that you must have resided in the country for at least half of the validity period of your previous residence permit.

During your stay in Antigua and Barbuda, if you are on a student resident permit and your grounds for residency change, you may be eligible to apply for a normal resident permit. For example, if you get married or fulfil the four-year residency requirement, you can apply for this change.

To apply for a normal resident permit, you must meet specific requirements. These include having a valid work permit when applying, ensuring that there are no breaks of more than six months between periods of lawful continuous residency, and demonstrating your intention to permanently reside in the country. Additionally, you must reside in Antigua and Barbuda for at least half of the time your residence permit is valid.

When applying for a normal resident permit, you must submit your application to the Immigration Department. The Chief Immigration Officer will then decide whether to grant the permit. It is important to note that your resident permit can be revoked if certain conditions are not met, such as engaging in subversive political activity or providing false information in your application.

Frequently asked questions