Passport of Antigua and Barbuda and Visa-Free Travel Opportunities
The passport of Antigua and Barbuda opens not only a tropical paradise to its holders but also access to more than 140 countries with visa-free or simplified entry, including the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Schengen Area countries. Participation in the government investment program allows not only to secure freedom of movement for yourself and your family but also to benefit from an optimal tax system and a safe jurisdiction. Minimum investments start from $100,000, with flexible conditions and the possibility to include family members, making this program one of the most accessible and popular worldwide.
Our legal team supports clients at every stage: from selecting the investment option to obtaining the passport. We guarantee confidentiality, a personalized approach, and compliance with all international compliance standards.
Visa-Free Destinations with the Passport of Antigua and Barbuda
Citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda is a powerful tool for global mobility, providing visa-free access or simplified visa procedures to 150+ countries worldwide. As of July 2025, the passport ranks 27th in the Henley Passport Index and Global Passport Index rankings.
Specifically, passport holders can visit the entire Schengen Area and the United Kingdom visa-free: up to 90 days in the Schengen zone and up to 180 days per year in the UK. Additionally, there is an agreement between Antigua and Barbuda and the USA for issuing a 10-year B-1/B-2 visa, allowing stays in the US up to 180 days per year.
Moreover, the island passport grants visa-free access or visa-on-arrival to popular Asian destinations such as Singapore (30 days), South Korea (90 days), and China (30 days following the 2024 agreement). Among regional advantages, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) passport facilitates entry to neighboring island states and some OECD jurisdictions.
Travel Features with the Passport of Antigua and Barbuda
Several countries allow Antigua and Barbuda citizens visa-free entry but require electronic authorization (eTA), e-visa, or visa on arrival. These formats are easy to use: applications can be submitted online within minutes or processed at the airport without lengthy bureaucratic procedures.
For example, traveling to India or Kenya requires Antigua and Barbuda citizens to obtain an e-visa — usually taking 2–5 business days with a minimal document package. For destinations like the Maldives, Cambodia, or Madagascar, a visa on arrival is available, obtained directly at the airport by filling out a short form and paying a fee. These mechanisms are very convenient and allow travel planning with minimal preparation.
Regarding Europe, holders of the Antigua and Barbuda passport have visa-free access to the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Entry to the UK is also allowed visa-free for up to 180 days per year. However, it is important to remember: if there are doubts about the purpose of the trip or previous immigration violations, entry may be denied even with formally allowed visa-free access.
For the USA and Canada, Antigua citizens require visas. In the case of the USA, this may be a long-term B-1/B-2 visa valid for up to 10 years, but obtaining it still requires a consular interview and meeting migration requirements. Entry to these countries without a visa is not possible despite the generally high ranking of the Caribbean passport.
Finally, it should be noted that visa-free status does not equal the right to reside or work. The Antigua passport allows free entry into most countries in Europe and Asia but does not grant automatic rights for legal stay beyond 3 months, obtaining residence permits, employment, or access to public services. Separate permits, residence permits, or visas of the appropriate type must be obtained for these purposes.
Advantages of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship
The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship program is rightly considered one of the most attractive in the Caribbean region. This passport provides not only broad opportunities for visa-free travel but also a range of additional benefits highly valued by investors, entrepreneurs, and affluent families.
Flexible Tax Residency
One of the main advantages is the favorable tax system. Antigua has no taxes on worldwide income, capital gains, inheritance, or gifts. This makes the jurisdiction especially convenient for international entrepreneurs, investors, and families with global assets. Citizens can maintain their tax neutrality and optimize ownership structures without the risk of double taxation.
Family Citizenship with Wide Coverage
The program allows including not only the main applicant and spouse but also children up to 30 years old, parents over 55, as well as brothers and sisters. This makes the offer especially attractive for those wanting to secure safety and mobility for the entire family. The possibility to include multiple generations in one application is a unique feature of Caribbean programs, and Antigua shows maximum flexibility here.
Fast Processing — from 4 to 6 Months
The standard citizenship processing time ranges from 4 to 6 months. This is one of the shortest periods worldwide for obtaining a second passport legally. The process is fully remote. Presence in Antigua is not required at either the application or passport issuance stages. All documents can be submitted through an authorized agent, and interviews or biometrics are not mandatory.
Convenience for Global Entrepreneurs
Antigua citizenship is ideal for business people. It does not require mandatory residency, and the passport itself offers mobility for deal-making, conference visits, and international business activities. Moreover, the country does not share its citizens’ information under the Common Reporting Standard (CRS), providing an additional level of confidentiality.
Prestige and Neutral Image
Antigua and Barbuda is an independent state with a stable democracy, a member of the Commonwealth, and recognized by most countries worldwide. It is not an offshore in the classical sense but a reputable jurisdiction with growing economic and tourism potential. Passport holders are not associated with risky countries and can freely enjoy all the opportunities citizenship provides.
Why Choose Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua offers one of the lowest investment thresholds — from $100,000 via the National Development Fund. This amount remains fixed even when including multiple family members, whereas costs in other countries can increase significantly depending on the number of applicants.
The citizenship process takes on average 4 to 6 months, matching or even exceeding the speed of neighboring countries. There is no physical residency requirement, and personal interviews and biometrics are not mandatory — convenient for busy investors and entrepreneurs.
The jurisdiction of Antigua and Barbuda is internationally recognized: the country is part of the Commonwealth, the UN, CARICOM, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, and has a stable parliamentary system. This guarantees legislative stability and procedural transparency. Unlike some younger or less known programs, Antigua citizenship raises no concerns with foreign banks and migration authorities.
Special attention should be given to the neutral and positive image of Antigua in international relations. Unlike some countries with less stable reputations, Antigua and Barbuda citizens rarely face restrictions when opening bank accounts, obtaining visas, or engaging in international transactions.
How the Process of Obtaining an Antigua and Barbuda Passport Works
Initial Consultation and Investment Option Selection
At this stage, the client receives personalized advice from a lawyer or immigration specialist. Together, they determine the optimal investment route:
- Non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund (from $100,000);
- Investment in a government-approved real estate property (from $200,000);
Investment in business or university program (UNI).
The family composition, urgency, and estimated budget are also discussed to calculate a preliminary cost.
Comprehensive Due Diligence and Document Collection
After choosing the program, collection of the necessary documents for application begins. These include passports of all applicants, birth and marriage certificates, police clearance certificates, medical reports, proof of income and source of funds. Simultaneously, due diligence is conducted for all adult applicants. This check is performed by local authorities and international partners to ensure legality of funds and absence of risks.
Application Submission to the CIU
The prepared document package is sent to the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) — the government body reviewing all citizenship applications. Submission is only possible through a licensed agent; direct application to CIU is not allowed. No personal presence in Antigua and Barbuda is required. All actions are performed remotely via secure communication channels.
Receiving Preliminary Approval
After thorough review, CIU makes a decision. In case of a positive response (usually within 60–90 days), the client receives preliminary approval and an invoice for the investment payment. Important: no investments or payments are made before approval — this guarantees financial security for the client.
Fulfillment of Investment Obligations and Final Approval
The client makes the chosen investment payment or completes the real estate transaction. After payment confirmation, CIU issues the final decision and initiates the issuance of citizenship certificates and passports.
Receiving the Passport
The ready passports and documents are delivered to the client via a secure channel (courier service accompanied by a lawyer). At this stage, an oath ceremony online or through the embassy may be organized.
Confidentiality and Legal Protection
The program is regulated by the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Act. All client data is strictly confidential, not shared with third countries, and not published. The country does not disclose citizenship acquisition, which is important for privacy-conscious individuals.
Individual Cost Calculation
The final program cost depends on the number of family members, age of children and parents, chosen investment option, and additional fees (e.g., due diligence or document processing fees). The legal team provides a transparent estimate at the start and supports the client at every step, helping avoid hidden costs or delays.
FAQ
Yes, the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship-by-investment program allows including not only the main applicant but also the family. The composition can include spouse, children up to 30 years old, parents over 55 years old, as well as brothers and sisters of the main applicant or spouse under certain conditions. This makes the program one of the most flexible among Caribbean jurisdictions.
The average citizenship processing time is from 4 to 6 months from submitting a complete application package. However, with prompt information provision and proper legal preparation, the process can be completed faster. Preliminary government approval usually takes 60–90 days.
There are several investment options: a non-refundable contribution to the National Development Fund — from $100,000; purchase of government-approved real estate — from $200,000; investments in an approved business or university program. The choice depends on your goals, family composition, and long-term strategy.
No, the program does not require permanent residence. The only condition is to visit Antigua and Barbuda at least once within the first 5 years after obtaining citizenship.
Yes, Antigua and Barbuda allows dual (or multiple) citizenship. You can keep your current citizenship and at the same time enjoy all the rights and benefits of an Antigua and Barbuda citizen without renouncing your other passport.
No, Antigua and Barbuda does not tax its citizens on worldwide income. There are also no inheritance, capital gains, or dividend taxes outside the country. This makes the jurisdiction especially attractive for wealthy individuals seeking tax flexibility and international asset protection.