Antigua and Barbuda launches new digital arrival and departure system

In a major move toward modernization, Antigua and Barbuda has introduced a fully digital arrival and departure card. With the launch of the ArriveAntigua.com platform, the country joins a growing Caribbean trend toward smarter, more connected tourism management.

Say goodbye to paper forms hastily filled out on the plane—Antigua and Barbuda has taken a big step forward in streamlining its entry procedures. As of this April, all international travelers are now required to complete a digital arrival and departure form before visiting the twin-island nation.

Accessible via ArriveAntigua.com, the platform—designed exclusively for mobile and tablet devices —centralizes personal details, flight information, and customs declarations that were previously collected at border checkpoints.

Once submitted, the system generates a QR code that travelers must present upon arrival at V.C. Bird International Airport, as well as when departing the country.

Key features of the ArriveAntigua.com portal

• Simple, Dynamic Interface: No app download required. Travellers can quickly complete the online form using their mobile or tablet devices.
• Automatic Passport Scanning: By simply taking a photo of their passport, visitors allow the system to automatically populate personal details, simplifying the process.
• Quick Questionnaire: Within 72 hours of their scheduled flight, travellers answer a few brief questions about their stay and customs declarations.
• Effortless Arrival and Departure: Upon completion, travellers receive a QR code, which can be saved via screenshot, added to an iPhone Wallet, or accessed through email confirmation. This QR code expedites processing at Immigration and Customs, ensuring a swift entry and exit experience.

Speed, security, and efficiency—the pillars of the new system

This reform, spearheaded by Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment, in collaboration with the Immigration Department and the Customs and Excise Division, aims to enhance the travel experience while strengthening national security.

Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment, welcomed the initiative, stating:

We are committed to continuously improving the visitor experience in Antigua and Barbuda. The launch of ArriveAntigua.com is a major step in creating a smooth and seamless experience from the moment visitors arrive, allowing travellers to spend less time in the terminal and more time enjoying our 365 stunning beaches

Charles Fernandez

And this is just the beginning: authorities have already announced plans to expand the system to include seaport arrivals—particularly cruise passengers—as well as travelers arriving on private jets through Fixed Base Operators (FBO) across the country. The goal is to eventually cover all international points of entry to Antigua and Barbuda.

Caribbean nations embrace digital entry procedures

With this digital transition, Antigua and Barbuda joins a growing list of Caribbean nations adopting paperless entry solutions.

In recent months, several territories have implemented similar systems:

• Aruba offers a streamlined digital embarkation card,
• Dominica has introduced a fully online immigration form,
• Sint Maarten requires an electronic entry document,
• The British Virgin Islands have digitized their customs declarations,
• Belize mandates a digital customs and health declaration,
• St. Kitts and Nevis is set to launch an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) later this year.

These efforts reflect a shared commitment across the region: to simplify visitor arrivals while enhancing border control through technology.

e-Visa and visa exemption—a well-established framework in Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is no stranger to digital innovation. For several years now, the country has offered an online electronic visa (e-Visa) system for travelers who require one. The streamlined process allows non-exempt visitors to obtain their travel authorization without visiting an embassy.

Citizens of countries such as Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka can apply for an e-Visa to enter Antigua and Barbuda.

Meanwhile, travelers from many nations—including EU countries, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada—are visa-exempt for stays of up to six months.