Cuban and Chinese Visitors Can Enter Antigua and Barbuda Visa-Free for 30 Days

Cuban and Chinese nationals travelling to Antigua and Barbuda for short visits can enter the country without first applying for an entry visa, provided their stay does not exceed 30 days. The Department of Immigration has clarified the rules governing the arrangement, including what happens when visitors want to remain longer and the procedures applying to people who already hold legal status in the country. Under the visa-free provision, eligible Cuban and Chinese travelers may be admitted for a maximum initial visit of 30 days. However, the exemption from obtaining a visa beforehand does not guarantee entry. Immigration officers will continue to conduct the normal checks at the port of entry and determine whether a traveler meets the requirements for admission. Anyone who already knows that they intend to remain in Antigua and Barbuda for more than 30 days must follow the appropriate immigration requirements before travelling, where necessary. Other routes of entry also remain available. Depending on the traveler’s circumstances, an electronic visa can allow a stay of up to 90 days. Those holding valid visas or residence permits for the United States, United Kingdom, Canada or the Schengen area may also qualify for a visa on arrival. That option carries a fee of US$100 or EC$260 and generally permits an initial stay of up to 30 days. Different Rules for Legal Residents The 30-day visitor limit does not necessarily apply to Cuban or Chinese nationals who already have valid legal status in Antigua and Barbuda. A person who is lawfully resident may be permitted to return based on that status without first securing an entry visa. For instance, a Cuban national with a valid work permit can be admitted in accordance with the period covered by that permit rather than simply being treated as a visa-free visitor. Where someone's immigration status has expired, authorities may provide a period of up to 30 days to regularize their position, depending on the individual circumstances. Visitors Can Apply to Stay Longer A person who arrives under the 30-day visa-free arrangement and later decides to extend their visit does not have to obtain another entry visa. Instead, an application for an extension of stay must be submitted before the original authorized period expires. The Department of Immigration has made clear that requesting an extension does not mean it has been granted. Applicants must schedule an appointment, attend the Immigration Department in person, submit the required documents and provide a reason for wanting additional time in Antigua and Barbuda. An immigration interview and security screening also form part of the process. Background information may be checked through the Joint Regional Communications Centre and other relevant security authorities before immigration officials decide whether to approve the request. EC$300 Fee for Approved Extensions Visitors whose applications are successful are currently required to pay EC$300 for an extension of stay. Some cases may also involve a change of immigration status. Where that applies, an additional EC$1,500 change-of-status fee may be charged, along with any outstanding immigration arrears. Only after the necessary approval, procedures and payments are completed will the individual be authorized to remain for the additional period. Anyone whose application is rejected will be informed of the decision and may be given a specified period to leave Antigua and Barbuda voluntarily. Overstaying Can Lead to Immigration Action Immigration authorities are also warning travelers not to assume they can legally remain in Antigua and Barbuda simply because an extension request has been filed. Visitors are responsible for ensuring they have authorization to remain beyond their original period of admission. Remaining in the country after that period without approval can amount to a violation of immigration conditions and may result in financial penalties, enforcement action, arrest or removal proceedings. The current fees outlined by immigration authorities are US$100 or EC$260 for a visa on arrival, EC$300 for an extension of stay and EC$1,500 for a change of status. Other arrears or overstay charges may apply depending on the circumstances.