The Antigua and Barbuda passport is your key to unlocking a picturesque Caribbean island surrounded by crystal-clear waters. With enhanced global mobility, access to a tax-friendly environment, and the option to obtain citizenship by investment, Antigua and Barbuda is a hot topic on the minds of investors, families, digital nomads, and retirees. In this article, we’ll discuss the Antigua and Barbuda passport, how to apply for one, and the benefits of citizenship, so keep reading to find out more.
What You Should Know About the Antigua and Barbuda Passport
The Antigua and Barbuda passport is an official identity document issued to citizens of the nation by the Antigua and Barbuda government. The passport identifies you as a citizen of the nation and enables you to travel internationally.
Caribbean Community privileges
The nation of Antigua and Barbuda belongs to the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). As such, its citizens do not require a passport to enter countries that are part of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), such as Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Antigua and Barbuda is also a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and its passports share the design standards common across CARICOM passports, such as bearing the CARICOM logo on the front cover, along with the country’s name and coat of arms. Passports are issued to citizens in line with the Immigration and Passport Act, 2014.
Global ranking
On our Global Passport Index, the Antigua and Barbuda passport ranks 59th out of 199 countries. The Index assesses the following factors: Enhanced mobility (i.e., travel benefits afforded to the holder), the economy as an option for investment and business opportunities, and the quality of life in the country. With regards to the latter aspect, Antigua and Barbuda scores well in terms of sustainable development, freedom, environmental performance, and happiness.
Passport types
The Antigua and Barbuda Passport Office produces four types of passports: Adult passports, minor passports, diplomatic passports, and official passports.
Adult passports: Issued to a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda who is over the age of 16, these passports are valid for ten years.
Minor passports: Issued to citizens of Antigua and Barbuda who are children, meaning they are under the age of 16. These passports are valid for five years.
Diplomatic passports: Issued to individuals who are authorized to represent Antigua and Barbuda in a diplomatic capacity. This includes Ministers of Government.
Official passports: Issued to government officials who represent the interests of Antigua and Barbuda outside of the country’s borders.
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Benefits of the Antigua and Barbuda Passport
There are several exceptional benefits that come with being a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda and owning a Caribbean passport. So, let’s take a look at some key advantages:
Visa-free travel
As an Antigua and Barbuda passport holder, you can enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a wide range of countries and territories, making international travel more convenient and hassle-free. This includes access to countries in the Schengen Area, Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and many other sought-after destinations.
Citizenship by investment
As part of the broader Caribbean Citizenship by Investment initiatives, Antigua and Barbuda’s program stands out for its efficiency and benefits, making it an excellent option for investors seeking second citizenship in the Caribbean region.
The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program enables individuals and their eligible family members to obtain citizenship by making a qualifying investment in the country. This program provides a streamlined path to acquiring an Antigua and Barbuda passport (taking just three to four months to process), offering opportunities for global mobility and economic security.
Economic opportunities
With an Antigua and Barbuda passport, you gain access to a business-friendly environment, favorable tax policies, and investment opportunities in the Caribbean. This can be particularly advantageous for entrepreneurs, investors, and those looking to diversify their assets. The nation’s real estate market continues to develop and grow, providing further opportunities to invest in luxury villas, resorts, development projects, apartments, and more tourist accommodations that can yield profitable returns.
Educational benefits
Antigua and Barbuda passport holders may access world-class educational institutions and scholarships for their children, both locally and in countries where their passport provides visa-free access. This opens doors to excellent educational opportunities for the entire family. Furthermore, if you and your family donate to the University of the West Indies Fund as part of your citizenship by investment application, one applicant is entitled to a one-year tuition-only scholarship to the University of the West Indies.
Quality of life
Beyond the practical benefits, an Antigua and Barbuda passport provides access to a high quality of life in what is undoubtedly a Caribbean paradise. The islands offer stunning beaches, a tropical climate, and a welcoming community, making it an ideal location for a second home or a peaceful retirement destination.
Long-term visa opportunity
Antigua and Barbuda passport holders are eligible to apply for a long-term tourist visa to the United States. The B-1/B-2 Visa is valid for ten years and enables you to spend up to 180 days in the country during the year. The B-1 Visa is for business trips, allowing participation in sports competitions and the accompaniment of a foreign employer, while the B-2 Visa is for tourist and recreational trips during which you can visit family and friends and receive medical treatment.
Global Visa Requirements for Antigua and Barbuda Passport Holders
Perhaps the leading, most valuable benefit of the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship is the long list of Antigua and Barbuda passport visa free countries. Citizens enjoy unrestricted entry to over 150 countries, offering an ease of global exploration not afforded to many.
| Country | Antigua and Barbuda |
|---|---|
 Albania | visa free (90 days) |
 Algeria | visa required |
 Andorra | visa free (90 days) |
 Angola | visa free (30 days) |
 Argentina | visa required |
 Armenia | visa on arrival |
 Australia | e-visa |
 Austria | visa free (90 days) |
 Azerbaijan | visa required |
 Bahamas | visa free (240 days) |
 Bahrain | e-visa |
 Bangladesh | visa on arrival |
 Barbados | visa free |
 Belarus | visa free (30 days) |
 Belgium | visa free (90 days) |
 Belize | visa free |
 Benin | e-visa |
 Bhutan | e-visa |
 Bolivia | visa on arrival |
 Bosnia and Herzegovina | visa free (90 days) |
 Botswana | visa free (90 days) |
 Brazil | visa free (90 days) |
 Brunei | visa required |
 Bulgaria | visa free (90 days) |
 Burkina Faso | e-visa |
 Burundi | visa on arrival |
 Cambodia | visa on arrival |
 Cameroon | e-visa |
 Canada | visa required |
 Cabo Verde | visa on arrival |
 Central African Republic | visa required |
 Chad | visa required |
 Chile | visa free (90 days) |
 China | visa required |
 Colombia | visa free (90 days) |
 Comoros | visa on arrival |
 Congo | visa required |
| DR Congo | e-visa |
 Costa Rica | visa free (30 days) |
| Ivory Coast | e-visa |
 Croatia | visa free (90 days) |
 Cuba | visa free (30 days) |
 Cyprus | visa free (90 days) |
 Czech Republic | visa free (90 days) |
 Denmark | visa free (90 days) |
 Djibouti | e-visa |
 Dominica | visa free |
 Dominican Republic | visa free |
 Ecuador | visa free (90 days) |
 Egypt | visa on arrival |
 El Salvador | visa free (90 days) |
 Equatorial Guinea | e-visa |
 Eritrea | visa required |
 Estonia | visa free (90 days) |
| Swaziland | visa free (30 days) |
 Ethiopia | e-visa |
 Fiji | visa free (120 days) |
 Finland | visa free (90 days) |
 France | visa free (90 days) |
 Gabon | e-visa |
 Gambia | visa free (90 days) |
 Georgia | visa free (360 days) |
 Germany | visa free (90 days) |
 Ghana | visa required |
 Greece | visa free (90 days) |
 Grenada | visa free |
 Guatemala | visa free (90 days) |
 Guinea | e-visa |
 Guinea-Bissau | visa on arrival |
 Guyana | visa free (180 days) |
 Haiti | visa free (90 days) |
 Honduras | visa free (90 days) |
 Hong Kong | visa free (90 days) |
 Hungary | visa free (90 days) |
 Iceland | visa free (90 days) |
 India | e-visa |
 Indonesia | visa required |
 Iran | e-visa |
 Iraq | visa required |
 Ireland | visa free (90 days) |
 Israel | visa required |
 Italy | visa free (90 days) |
 Jamaica | visa free |
 Japan | visa required |
 Jordan | visa on arrival |
 Kazakhstan | e-visa |
 Kenya | e-visa |
 Kiribati | visa free (90 days) |
 Kosovo | visa free (90 days) |
 Kuwait | visa required |
 Kyrgyzstan | e-visa |
 Lao | visa on arrival |
 Latvia | visa free (90 days) |
 Lebanon | visa on arrival |
 Lesotho | visa free (90 days) |
 Liberia | visa required |
 Libya | visa required |
 Liechtenstein | visa free (90 days) |
 Lithuania | visa free (90 days) |
 Luxembourg | visa free (90 days) |
 Macao | visa on arrival |
 Madagascar | visa on arrival |
 Malawi | visa free (90 days) |
 Malaysia | visa free (30 days) |
 Maldives | visa on arrival |
 Mali | visa required |
 Malta | visa free (90 days) |
 Marshall Islands | visa required |
 Mauritania | visa on arrival |
 Mauritius | visa free (90 days) |
 Mexico | visa required |
 Micronesia | visa free (30 days) |
 Moldova | visa free (90 days) |
 Monaco | visa free (90 days) |
 Mongolia | e-visa |
 Montenegro | visa free (90 days) |
 Morocco | visa required |
 Mozambique | visa on arrival |
 Myanmar | visa required |
 Namibia | visa required |
 Nauru | visa required |
 Nepal | visa on arrival |
 Netherlands | visa free (90 days) |
 New Zealand | visa required |
 Nicaragua | visa free (90 days) |
 Niger | visa required |
| Nigeria | e-visa |
 North Korea | visa required |
 North Macedonia | visa free (90 days) |
 Norway | visa free (90 days) |
 Oman | e-visa |
 Pakistan | e-visa |
 Palau | visa on arrival |
 Palestine | visa free |
 Panama | visa free (90 days) |
 Papua New Guinea | e-visa |
 Paraguay | visa required |
 Peru | visa free (180 days) |
 Philippines | visa free (30 days) |
 Poland | visa free (90 days) |
 Portugal | visa free (90 days) |
 Qatar | visa on arrival |
 Romania | visa free (90 days) |
 Russia | visa free (90 days) |
 Rwanda | visa on arrival |
 Saint Kitts and Nevis | visa free |
 Saint Lucia | visa free |
 Samoa | visa on arrival |
 San Marino | visa free (90 days) |
 Sao Tome and Principe | e-visa |
 Saudi Arabia | visa required |
 Senegal | visa required |
| Serbia | visa free (90 days) |
 Seychelles | visa free (90 days) |
 Sierra Leone | visa on arrival |
 Singapore | visa free (30 days) |
 Slovakia | visa free (90 days) |
 Slovenia | visa free (90 days) |
 Solomon Islands | visa on arrival |
 Somalia | visa on arrival |
 South Africa | visa free (30 days) |
 South Korea | e-visa |
 South Sudan | e-visa |
 Spain | visa free (90 days) |
 Sri Lanka | e-visa |
 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | visa free |
 Sudan | visa required |
 Suriname | visa free (180 days) |
 Sweden | visa free (90 days) |
 Switzerland | visa free (90 days) |
 Syria | visa required |
 Taiwan | visa required |
 Tajikistan | e-visa |
 Tanzania | visa free (90 days) |
 Thailand | e-visa |
 Timor-Leste | visa on arrival |
 Togo | visa on arrival |
 Tonga | visa required |
 Trinidad and Tobago | visa free |
 Tunisia | visa free (90 days) |
 Turkmenistan | visa required |
 Tuvalu | visa on arrival |
 Turkey | visa on arrival |
 Uganda | visa free (90 days) |
 Ukraine | visa free (90 days) |
 United Arab Emirates | visa required |
 United Kingdom | visa free (180 days) |
 United States | visa required |
 Uruguay | visa required |
 Uzbekistan | visa free (30 days) |
 Vanuatu | visa free (30 days) |
 Vatican | visa free (90 days) |
 Venezuela | visa free (90 days) |
 Vietnam | e-visa |
 Yemen | visa required |
 Zambia | visa free (90 days) |
 Zimbabwe | visa free (90 days) |
 Afghanistan | visa required |
Take a look at our Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Ultimate Guide by local experts
How to Obtain Your Passport
To obtain an Antigua and Barbuda passport, you need to be a citizen. There are several ways to obtain citizenship, namely by birth, registration, naturalization, and investment.
Birth
BirthYou can obtain Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by birthright in the following cases:
- You were born within Antigua and Barbuda
- You were born abroad to at least one parent or grandparent who is/was an Antiguan citizen
- You were born aboard to parents working in service of the government or under the authority of the government
Registration
RegistrationThis applies to anyone with familial or historic affiliations with Antigua and Barbuda, such as being the spouse of a citizen or having been legally adopted by a citizen of the country.
Naturalization
To become a naturalized citizen, you must meet certain requirements, such as having resided in Antigua and Barbuda in the 12 months prior to submitting your application, having good character, and intending to be a resident of the country.
Investment
InvestmentThe Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program allows foreign investors and their family members to obtain citizenship in exchange for a qualifying investment in the country’s economy.
You must meet the program’s requirements in order to be eligible to apply.
Document requirements
Document requirementsThe following documents are required to make an application for an Antiguan and Barbudan passport:
- Completed application form
- Birth certificate, adoption certificate (if applicable), or Antiguan Citizenship Certificate
- Proof of name change (if applicable, e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, deep poll, court order)
- Official police report (in the case of a stolen, lost, or damaged passport)
- Two identical passport-sized photographs (one must be certified by the same official who certifies the application)
- Prescribed fees in the form of stamps
Important note: If your application is to replace a passport that has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you will receive a Memorandum Form once you have submitted your application.
You must complete the form and take it to the Immigration Department, where an Immigration Officer will conduct an interview and complete a Witness Statement Form.
These documents (Memorandum Form and Witness Statement Form) will be submitted to the Passport Office following an investigation, which takes an average of three months.
Application process
Application processTo obtain your passport, you must:
- Obtain an application form online or at the Passport Office
- Take your completed form to a certifying official who will certify the document
- Submit your application at the Passport Office and present proof of citizenship to a Passport Officer.
The Passport Officer may request additional information as needed. The application process takes an average of three weeks to conclude, but you can obtain emergency processing at an additional cost and receive your passport within three to five business days.
Antigua and Barbuda Passport by Investment
As mentioned above, the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program allows foreign investors to obtain citizenship in exchange for making a qualifying investment in the country’s economy.
There are four investment routes to choose from and investors have the option of including eligible family members in their applications. The investment options are as follows:
- A minimum non-refundable contribution of $230,000 to the National Development Fund (NDF)
- A minimum investment of $300,000 in a pre-approved real estate project. The investment can be a single property, a joint investment, or shares in high-end tourist accommodations. The investment must be maintained for at least five years.
- A minimum investment of $1.5 million to establish a business in Antigua and Barbuda. If you choose to invest in a joint venture, you must contribute $400,000 towards a venture totaling at least $5 million.
- A minimum donation of $260,000 to the University of the West Indies Fund (UWI). This is the most cost-effective option for families of six or more members and entitles one applicant to a one-year, tuition-only scholarship to the university.
In addition to the minimum qualifying investment, you will need to pay processing fees, due diligence fees, and passport fees.
Application process
The application process to obtain a passport by investment is slightly different, as the application must be submitted by an Authorized Agent on behalf of the applicant. The application can be completed fully remotely and takes between two and three months to complete. The steps are outlined below:
- Choose your investment route
- Contact an Authorized Agent, such as Global Citizen Solutions, and complete the necessary forms they provide.
- The Agents will submit your application to the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU)
- The CIU will process your application and send confirmation of approval
- Make your investment and send proof to the CIU
- Take the Oath of Allegiance, become a citizen, and receive your passport.
Important note: A benefit of choosing the passport by investment route is that the main applicant can include additional family members at any point following the conclusions of the application process, for an additional fee.
Get in touch with a Citizenship by Investment Specialist
Our team of industry-leading experts will help you with everything from filing your immigration application to providing professional legal and tax advice. We are wholly committed to your success.
Joe Rice
Head of Caribbean Unit
Why work with Global Citizen Solutions?
- Global approach by local experts. We are corporate members of the Investment Migration Council, with local expertise in all five Caribbean citizenship programs.
- 100 percent approval rate. We have never had a case rejected and will offer you an initial free-of-charge due diligence assessment before signing any contract.
- Independent service and full transparency. We will present to you all the investment options available, and all expenses will be discussed in advance, with no hidden fees.
- An all-encompassing solution. A multidisciplinary team of immigration lawyers, investment specialists, and tax experts will take into consideration all your and your family's mobility, tax, and lifestyle needs.
- Confidential service and secure data management. All private data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
Get in touch with a Caribbean Citizenship by Investment specialist
Frequently Asked Questions about the Antigua and Barbuda Passport
Yes, the Antigua and Barbuda passport is considered good as it offers its holders many benefits. These include visa-free travel to over 140 countries and access to a favorable tax environment.
The passport is also relatively affordable to obtain, thanks to the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program.
The CBI program allows investors and their family members to obtain citizenship in exchange for a qualifying minimum investment starting at $230,000.
The Antigua passport is considered powerful because it offers a number advantages to Antigua citizens.
The passport ranks 59th out of 199 on our Global Passport Index, based on enhanced mobility, economic investment, and quality of life. Antigua passport holders can travel visa-free to over 140 countries, including Hong Kong, the UK, Russia, and Singapore, and enjoy various tax benefits.
You can obtain an Antiguan passport by birth, naturalization, marriage, or investment. The country’s citizenship by investment program is a popular route among foreign investors looking to obtain an Antigua passport for themselves and their family members.
The minimum investment starts at $230,000, and the application process can be completed within three to four months.
Yes, Antiguan citizens do not require a visa to travel to the UK. Antigua and Barbuda passport holders enjoy visa-free access to more than 140 countries, including the Schengen Zone, Hong Kong, Russia, and more.
Antigua and Barbuda citizens are allowed to enter and stay in the UK for up to 180 days during a year.
During this period, you can partake in activities as permitted by the rules of a Standard Visa, such as tourism, medical treatment, meetings with business partners, visiting family members or friends, or even volunteering for up to 30 days with a registered charity.
To study and work in the UK, however, Antiguan citizens need to obtain the necessary visas.
The cost of obtaining an Antigua and Barbuda passport will depend on your reason and route. For example, a passport renewal will cost $1,000 for an adult and $500 for a child below the age of 18.
If you are applying for a passport by investment, however, the cost will vary depending on your chosen investment route and the number of dependents included in your application.
The minimum investment amount starts at $230,000, and additional fees include a processing fee, due diligence fee, and passport fee.
