How to get a visa for Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is a spectacular country formed by 3 islands; Antigua, Barbuda and Redonda. They have an extension of almost 500 square kilometers and belong to the Lesser Antilles archipelago. The islands have a population of about 100,000 inhabitants, and the capital is Saint John, located in Antigua.

Do I need a visa to travel to Antigua and Barbuda?

Yes, depending on the reason for which you travel to the country, you must apply for one or another visa. All visas can be applied for online (e-visa or electronic visa).

Antigua and Barbuda visa types

Antigua and Barbuda has several eVisas or electronic visas, which grant you the permission to travel to the country for different reasons with a simple and fast procedure. The electronic visa is very similar to the visa issued by the consulate of Antigua and Barbuda, the difference is simply that electronic visas can be applied  from home. Here is a list of the existing electronic visas:

• E-Visa Transit. This visa allows us to transit or stopover in the country. The electronic transit visa is a double entry visa, so you only have to process one permit and you will be able to enter the country twice, round trip.
• E-Visa Visitor. This one allows you to entry the country for tourism purposes and trips to see family and friends. There are 2 types of this electronic visa, one is valid for 6 months and allows you one entry, and another one is a multi-entry permit valid for up to 1 year.
• Work e-Visa. The electronic work visa must be applied for by those who wish to travel to the country for work purposes. This visa is valid for 1 year, and it is a multiple entry visa.
• Student e-Visa. The student e-Visa must be applied for by those traveling to Antigua and Barbuda for higher education. The visa is valid for 2 years, and it is a multiple entry visa.
• Dependent e-Visa. This visa must be applied for by family members who have a person already residing in the country and wish to live with them for a justified reason.
• Business Visa. The electronic business visa is valid for 2 years, and it allows multiple entries in the country.
• Resident Permit Application. Any person who has been a legal resident of Antigua and Barbuda for more than four years, or who has been married to a citizen of the country for more than one year, may submit an application for a resident permit to the Immigration Department.

How to apply for a visa for Antigua and Barbuda?

Antigua and Barbuda allows you to apply for entry visas to the country in person (at the embassy or consulate), online or at one of its entry ports.

Who needs a visa for Antigua and Barbuda?

All foreign nationals must apply for a travel permit offered by Antigua and Barbuda in order to enter the country.

What are the requirements to apply for a visa to Antigua and Barbuda?

The specific documents you need in order to process the visa depend on the kind of visa we request. For all of them, you will need:

• A valid passport (for at least 6 months)
• A recent photograph

In addition, other documents that may be requested:

• Proof of funds
• Proof of accommodation
• Travel itinerary
• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificate

These requirements are for electronic visas as well as for traditional visas. If you process the visa upon arrival in the country, you must comply with these requirements:

• To be a holder of a U.S. visa or a Permanent Resident Card, or
• To be a holder of a Canadian Visa or Permanent Resident Card, or
• To be a United Kingdom Visa or Resident Card holder, or a Schengen visa holder.
• That the sole purpose of the trip is tourism or visiting friends or relatives.
• Not to be a resident of Antigua and Barbuda.
• To have a passport valid for at least six months, and a re-entry permit if required by the law of the visitor's country of nationality.
• To be able show economic solvency for maintenance while in Antigua and Barbuda and to have a return ticket.
• Not to have been considered persona non grata by the Government or authorities of Antigua and Barbuda.

Can the Antigua and Barbuda visa be modified once it has been approved?

No, it is not possible to modify our visa once you have received the visa resolution.

How much does the visa to Antigua and Barbuda cost?

The cost of government fees for Antigua and Barbuda visas varies depending on the type:

• Electronic transit visa, $50.
• 6-month e-visitor visa, $100.
• 12-month e-visitor visa, $200.
• 12-month e-work visa, $175.
• 24-month student e-Visa, $350.
• 12-month Dependent e-Visa $150.
• 24-month Business e-Visa, $350.

For the application of any electronic visa we must have a credit card to proceed with the payment.

The government fee for the tourist visa issued upon arrival in the country is $100 per person, including children.

How far in advance should I apply for an Antigua and Barbuda visa?

It is advisable to apply for the Antigua and Barbuda visa at least 15 days in advance.

Can the Antigua and Barbuda visa be extended?

The holder of a visa approved and granted by the Immigration authorities who wishes to stay in Antigua and Barbuda for a period longer than that granted in their permit may apply for an extension. In order to do so, they must personally go to an Immigration office, and show the following documents:

• Passport-size photograph
• Valid passport or travel document
• Airline ticket with current date
• Proof of financial solvency
• Evidence of means of support
• Application fee
• Complete an "extension of stay" application
• Obtain an appointment with the Extension Division of the Immigration Department
• Copy of the vessel's authorization and crew list, if you have entered the country by vessel. And also a letter of employment made by the captain, if the crew arrived by air to join the vessel. 

The processing fee does not guarantee that an extension of stay will be granted. The extension will be for a maximum period of 3 months and an official government receipt will be issued upon approval.

Are vaccines required for travel to Antigua and Barbuda?

Antigua and Barbuda does not require any specific or unusual vaccine. Depending on the traveler's country of origin, you should check with the international vaccination center to see if they recommend any vaccinations.

What is the currency of Antigua and Barbuda?

The official currency of the country is the Caribbean dollar: 1 Caribbean dollar corresponds to 0.37 U.S. dollars or 0.32 euros.

When is the best time to travel to Antigua and Barbuda?

Antigua and Barbuda has a warm tropical climate. You can travel to this paradise at any time of the year, although August to November may be the least suitable months, as they are the rainiest months.

Is it safe to travel to Antigua and Barbuda?

Antigua and Barbuda is a completely safe country to travel to. Although they are very touristy islands, they also are quiet paradises where calm prevails.

Tips for travelling to Antigua and Barbuda

• The electronic visa system allows the application to be processed completely online, without having to move or queues. When the authorities supervise it, the resolution with the approval or denial of the application will arrive to the email provided.
• Once you receive the electronic visa you must print it to present it upon arrival to the country, along with our passport.
• There are daily flights between Antigua and Barbuda.
• The food is diverse and local. You must try all the typical dishes and eat the well-known "black pineapple", which is a sweeter pineapple in flavor and darker in color.
• Antigua and Barbuda boasts more than 365 beaches, one for each day of the year.