Antigua and Barbuda tourist visa rules

The Immigration Department's exemption list has three parts: EU countries, Commonwealth countries, and other countries such as Albania, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Switzerland, Türkiye, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. Citizens of China and Cuba are exempt only if the trip does not exceed 30 days. Citizens of visa-exempt countries visiting on holiday or business may stay as long as their business takes, provided the stay is no longer than six months and they have an onward or return ticket, confirmation of accommodation, evidence of their ability to maintain themselves and a valid passport.

Passengers arriving by sea present themselves to an immigration officer at Immigration Headquarters as if entering for the first time, with a ticket to their country of origin or another country that will accept them and evidence of means for the stay. Crew members whose employment ends must show the same.

Apply at least one week before the entry permit expires, in person (children with their parents or guardians), after booking an appointment with the Extension Division. Bring the completed extension form, a sponsorship form, a passport valid six months from the application, a passport photo, a return ticket, evidence of means of support and proof of medical insurance. An extension lasts up to three months, and under the 2014 Act the maximum extension for a visitor is 90 days.

The current fee table lists XCD 150 for non-CARICOM nationals for up to three months plus a non-refundable XCD 50 processing fee. The fee does not guarantee approval. A first refusal means departing on the next available flight; a later refusal can be appealed to the Immigration Appeals Tribunal.

An extension application includes a sponsorship form. A sponsor is a citizen or resident who accepts legal and financial responsibility for the visitor, must show the means to support them and must ensure they leave when the permitted stay ends. A household normally sponsors one visitor, or two if its income allows. Sponsored visitors must live at the sponsor's address, and an unreported change of address can lead to cancellation of the permit. A visitor cannot switch sponsors and must leave if the sponsor withdraws, which the sponsor does by filing a report with the Enforcement Unit. Visitors who hold a work permit do not need a sponsor to extend.

Visitors are not permitted to engage in any occupation or to accept paid or unpaid employment. Non-citizens generally need a work permit from the Labour Department to work; a work permit holder remains a bona fide visitor in immigration terms.