Antigua and Barbuda:Visa Requirements

Antigua and BarbudaLearn the visa requirements for this country. Last check:Last update:

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Antigua and Barbuda Visa Requirements Map

Antigua and Barbuda: Visa Requirements

Visa requirements may change. Always verify the latest information through official government sources.

Visa-Free Entry Requirements

  • The traveler must present a valid passport or another acceptable travel document. The validity of the travel document must continue until a date later than the date specified on the return ticket. Visa-free visitors may be asked for a return or onward ticket, accommodation confirmation, and evidence of sufficient financial means to cover their stay in Antigua and Barbuda.
  • The purpose of visit must be holiday or short-term business activity. The visitor stay permit that may be granted upon entry is up to a maximum of six months. The exact permitted duration is determined by the immigration officer at the border.
  • International travelers must complete the official online visitor entry and exit form before travel and have the generated QR code ready for entry procedures. In the form, the adult traveler must first add themselves. Only their spouse and dependent children under 18 years of age may be added to the same form. Other adults must complete their own forms separately.
  • Visitors who are normally subject to a visa but arrive by cruise ship in the morning and depart the same evening are not required to obtain a visa.
  • Under the border health measures announced to be in effect on 27 May 2026, visa exemption does not apply to persons traveling from any country in Africa. These persons are subject to visa application and related health-security screening.
  • The exact number of blank pages required in the passport for visa-free entry, whether the passport must be machine-readable or biometric, travel health insurance, a fixed minimum financial sufficiency amount, and specific vaccination certificate requirements are not definitively specified in the central official source.

E-Visa Application Requirements

  • The e-visa application must be made through the official online application system. The applicant must upload their personal information, travel information, and requested supporting documents to the system, check the application, and pay the processing fee online.
  • At least the following documents must be submitted:
  • Biographical information page of a passport or travel document valid for at least six months from the intended date of entry into Antigua and Barbuda. Valid transit permit or re-entry permit if required for the next country for which the traveler has a ticket. A recent color passport photo with a white background, dimensions 45 × 35 millimeters, not altered or digitally edited. Ticket, flight reservation, or travel agency reservation confirmation showing the journey to and from Antigua and Barbuda. Accommodation evidence covering the entire duration of stay or an invitation letter prepared by a sponsor. Bank account statements from the previous two months showing financial means to cover the travel. Current police record or police character certificate in the nature of a criminal record. Birth certificate. Passport record or residence permit showing legal immigration status in another country.
  • Those traveling for study purposes must submit a school acceptance letter and information showing where they will stay during the education period. Those traveling for business purposes must submit a letter issued by the employer explaining the purpose of travel.
  • Documents must be scanned in full color from the original documents using a scanner. Scanned copies from photocopies are not accepted. Images must be checked for readability and completeness before uploading.
  • The immigration unit may request additional documents during the review of the application. Failure to send the requested additional documents to the e-visa unit by email within 90 days will result in the application being rejected.
  • In visa applications from African countries, the applicant must explain their travel history for the previous 45 days. Persons who have recently been in countries or regions affected by Ebola or other serious viral outbreaks may not be issued an entry visa.
  • Payment can be made by Mastercard or Visa card. The card does not have to belong to the applicant; however, it must have 3D Secure feature and be enabled for international transactions. The application fee is non-refundable and varies by visa type. The fixed amount of the e-visa fee is not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • It is recommended that the application be submitted at least seven business days before the intended departure date. The normal processing time is seven business days. The review period may be extended up to 15 days, and in exceptional cases up to 30 days. An expedited processing option may be available for an additional fee.
  • The validity period of the e-visa varies depending on the requested visa type. Multiple-entry visas may be issued for periods of 12 or 24 months at the discretion of the issuing officer. A single standard visa validity period applicable to every applicant is not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • The e-visa can be verified electronically in the border control system. However, it is recommended that the traveler carry the approval certificate digitally on a phone or tablet, or as a printed copy, in case of system failures. The issuance of an e-visa does not guarantee the right to enter the country; the immigration officer at the border has the authority to deny entry.
  • The exact number of blank pages required in the passport, the file format and maximum file size of the photo, minimum bank balance, travel health insurance and minimum coverage, document translation, notarization, apostille, biometric data, or application interview requirements are not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • The mandatory content of the sponsor's invitation letter, the identity and financial sufficiency documents to be submitted by the sponsor, and the requirements for a parental consent form for minors are not detailed in the central official source. The immigration unit may request additional documents depending on the specifics of the file.

Visa on Arrival Requirements

  • The traveler who will benefit from a tourist visa on arrival must have a valid third-country visa or permanent residence document accepted by Antigua and Barbuda. Accepted documents include a valid United States visa or permanent residence card, Canada visa or permanent residence card, United Kingdom visa or residence document, and a Schengen visa. This visa or residence document must be valid for at least six months.
  • The traveler's passport must be valid for at least six months. If a re-entry permit is required under the legislation of the traveler's country of citizenship, this document must also be submitted.
  • The main purpose of travel must be a temporary visit such as tourism, visiting friends or relatives. The tourist visa on arrival cannot be used for the purpose of work, settlement, or practicing a profession in Antigua and Barbuda.
  • The traveler must have a return ticket, accommodation information, and sufficient financial means to cover the stay. The person must not be considered a prohibited immigrant, undesirable person, or a person not admissible to the country by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.
  • The tourist visa on arrival is single-entry and is issued for a stay of up to a maximum of 30 days. It cannot be converted to another status or extended under normal circumstances. An exceptional extension may be granted with the approval of the Chief Immigration Officer in medical situations such as the traveler becoming seriously ill or accompanying an ill traveler.
  • The visa on arrival fee is 100 US dollars or its equivalent in Eastern Caribbean dollars per traveler, including children. The accepted payment method is not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • International travelers must complete the official online entry and exit form before travel and have the QR code ready during entry procedures.
  • The requirements for photo, application form, blank passport page, the period that bank account statements must cover, minimum financial amount, travel health insurance, vaccination certificate, and consent form for minors are not definitively specified in the central official source. The border officer may request additional documents during the entry inspection.

Transit Visa Requirements

  • Passengers transferring on the same day who are normally subject to an entry visa may transit without a transit visa provided they can prove their onward flight or journey and do not leave the controlled transit area of the airport. This exemption applies to same-day transit journeys of up to a maximum of 24 hours.
  • For passengers who need to leave the controlled transit area or who require a transit visa to be issued, the Antigua and Barbuda Immigration Department may issue transit visas of up to a maximum of 24 hours. The passenger must present a valid passport or travel document and a ticket or reservation showing the onward journey.
  • There is no comprehensive central document checklist for transit visa applications regarding required photo, accommodation document, proof of financial sufficiency, application fee, payment method, processing time, single or double entry conditions, and the system through which the application should be made. This information is not definitively specified in the central official source.
Population
94,626(2026 est.)
Official language
English
Government type
Parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Continent
North America
Capital
St. John's
Currency
East Caribbean dollar
Area
440 km²
Phone code
+1268

Antigua and Barbuda: Key Destinations

St. John's is the capital and primary gateway to Antigua and Barbuda. Most international visitors arrive at V.C. Bird International Airport, located near St. John's. The city serves as the main hub for exploring the islands.

Antigua is known for its historic Nelson's Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and numerous white-sand beaches. Barbuda offers serene pink sand beaches and the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, a haven for birdwatchers. The islands also feature vibrant sailing culture and local festivals.

Travelers typically fly into Antigua and then use ferries or small aircraft to reach Barbuda. Many visitors base themselves on Antigua's coast for beach resorts and day trips to English Harbour. Island hopping to nearby destinations like Montserrat or Guadeloupe is also common.