Antigua and Barbuda, located in the Caribbean, is a popular destination for tourists, digital nomads, students, and business professionals. Holders of Schengen visas and residents of the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom can stay legally for up to six months, provided they have sufficient funds, a return ticket, and a hotel reservation or rental agreement.
The number of visa-free countries reached 150 in 2024. The updated list is available on the consulate's website. Since October 2019, an agreement with the Russian Federation has simplified the immigration process, allowing Russian citizens to visit for up to 90 days without a visa. Citizens of some other countries can obtain a visa on arrival for a 30-day stay.
Visa Options
Since 2016, visitors to the country have had the option of entering with either paper or electronic visas. Short-term visas are available for stays of up to three months, while long-term visas, valid for one year, can be obtained through the consular department. The application process is straightforward: fill out a form, submit the required documents, and pay a non-refundable fee. Separate entry permits are issued for children. Multiple-entry visas are available for those planning frequent travel, offering 1-2 years validity. The processing time for visas is typically 10 days.
If you wish to extend your stay in the country under the 2014 law, you may submit a standard application directly to the Immigration Department.
To be eligible for an extension, you must provide:
- An airline ticket with an open return date;
- Proof of sufficient funds or a sponsorship letter;
- Valid health insurance;
- A valid reason for the extension, such as employment, study, or business activities.
Based on these criteria, the department can issue long-term residence permits for either 90 days or the duration of a work contract. After four years of residing in the country, expatriates may apply for permanent residency.
Freelancer Visa
Antigua and Barbuda welcome freelancers, remote employees, and business executives who work and manage their operations abroad. In 2020, the country launched the two-year-valid Nomad Digital Residence Visa. This visa is available to digital nomads with an annual income of $50,000 or more, allowing them to move with their families and even bring their pets.
To apply for the Nomad Digital Residence Visa, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A scanned copy of the first page of your passport with at least two years of validity remaining;
- Two recent photos;
- Medical insurance covering the duration of your stay;
- A police clearance certificate from your local police department for applicants aged 18 and over;
- Proof of relationship with dependents, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or adoption papers;
- A document proving self-employment or a contract with a foreign company;
- A declaration of income;
- Payment receipts totaling $50,000 for each year.
Submit your application online. Before completing the online form, ensure all documents are translated into English. Pay the registration fee with a credit card and send the payment receipt to ndrprogrammeanu@ab.gov.ag. Applications are typically processed within two weeks.
Visa costs
Visa fees vary depending on the type of visa, processing urgency, and the number of entries.
Here are the current rates:
- Multiple-entry visa: $200
- Digital Nomad Visa: - $1,500 for individuals, $2,000 to $3,000 for families (two or more people)
- Fees in Eastern Caribbean Dollars (XCD): Application processing - 50 XCD, extension of stay - 150 XCD (75 XCD for CARICOM nationals), work permit - 150 XCD
- A single-entry tourist visa upon arrival costs $100.
- Extending a multiple-entry visa costs $300.
Types of Visas
Antigua and Barbuda offer various visas for both single and multiple entries, depending on the purpose of your visit.
The main types include:
- Student Visas: for those pursuing education at universities or colleges for the duration of their studies.
- Tourist Visas: for visiting friends, sightseeing, and exploring local attractions.
- Business Multiple-entry Visas: for commercial activities, meetings with partners, and participation in conferences and exhibitions.
- Work Visas: for the employment of foreign workers for the length of their contracts.
Student visa
Young people from around the world are eager to join the multicultural student community. They travel to the islands to study at American medical schools or the University of the West Indies, which offers 20 diverse programs. Graduates earn bachelor's and master's degrees upon completion.
Non-immigrant students are issued a residence permit valid for 12 months, with the option for annual renewal based on a letter from their educational institution. To qualify for this temporary status, applicants must provide proof of their parent's financial capability, show intent to return to their home country after completing their studies and undergo a medical examination.
Tourist visa
Single-entry and multiple-entry visas are available for travel within Antigua and Barbuda or for visiting relatives. To simplify the process for tourists, the government now offers the option to obtain an electronic visa online within 7 days, eliminating the need for an in-person visit to a consulate.
Please note that tourist visas issued upon arrival cannot be extended.
Business visa
Antigua and Barbuda's economy, thriving tourism industry, and investment opportunities attract businesspeople and entrepreneurs for professional and commercial activities.
The multiple-entry visa is ideal for frequent business trips, attending conferences, symposia, targeted events, and cultural activities on the islands. It is issued to company representatives for meetings with business partners and based on invitations from organizations, businesspeople, or private individuals. You do not need this visa if you already hold a valid Schengen visa.
Work visa
This type of visa is issued to enter the country to pursue employment. Non-citizens of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) or non-residents of the island, whether employed or self-employed, must obtain a work permit. To obtain this permit, prospective employees must first undergo interviews with potential employers. If the employer decides to proceed positively, they will submit a formal request to the Employment Services of the Ministry of Labour.
Applicants must submit a civil employment contract for services, a written justification, and documentation of their qualifications and experience. Authorities will review these credentials to ensure they meet the required standards and issue a certificate within a few weeks. Once issued, this certificate allows foreigners to register their addresses and enroll in the social security system.
Required Documents
The required documents for different types of visas vary. For a tourist visa, applicants must complete the necessary forms and submit the following:
- certified copies of passport documents in English, with at least six months validity remaining and two blank pages;
- a scan of the birth certificate;
- a detailed travel itinerary;
- a voucher from a tour operator or an invitation letter from a private individual;
- hotel reservation or proof of accommodation;
- a certificate of no criminal record;
- financial guarantees from a bank.
When traveling with children, you must provide original and copies of documents for dependents. For electronic visa applications, you must specify your travel dates and provide an email address where the certificate will be sent for download and printing.
Applicants for a business visa should include an invitation letter from the host organization. Those traveling for work must present a contract with their employer. Expatriates planning to visit this Caribbean microstate should consult the official website for up-to-date information before assembling their application materials.
Recent Changes in Visa Policy for Antigua and Barbuda
In the past 2-3 years, there haven't been significant changes to non-immigrant visa laws in Antigua and Barbuda. However, in late July, the government removed the entry restrictions on Russian nationals imposed in 2022 for political reasons.
The Caribbean continues to be a leading destination for citizenship by investment (CBI) programs. As of August 1, new economic regulations have been enacted, making it more challenging to obtain residency through investment. The memorandum outlines the new financial requirements and rules for international investors seeking residency under these programs.