Antigua and Barbuda entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Emirati passport holders can visit Antigua and Barbuda without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy covers tourism, business meetings, and short-term visits. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Antigua and Barbuda. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by immigration, but airlines sometimes enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Antigua and Barbuda | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready — they will check it before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a copy of your hotel reservation, Airbnb confirmation, or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card available to show you have enough money for your trip. There is no fixed minimum amount, but officers may ask if you look under-resourced. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from arrival, not departure
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Antigua. If it expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. Check your passport's expiry date before booking flights.
No visa, no stress
UAE passport holders have it easy — no visa, no application, no fees. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket. The whole process at immigration usually takes under 5 minutes.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU)
Most flights from the UAE land at ANU in St. John's. After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' — it's a straightforward walk. There are usually two queues: one for citizens/residents and one for visitors. Join the visitor queue.
2
Present your passport and supporting documents
Hand over your passport and, if asked, your return ticket and accommodation booking. The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in. The process usually takes 2-5 minutes per person.
3
Collect your luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, head to the baggage claim area. Customs is usually quick — just walk through the green channel if you have nothing to declare. If you're carrying more than $10,000 USD in cash or equivalent, you must declare it.
4
Activate your eSIM or local SIM
Once you're through customs, you can activate your eSIM (like Airalo) or buy a local SIM at the airport. The airport has free Wi-Fi in the arrivals area, so you can set things up before heading out.
Download Antigua and Barbuda Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (varies)
For longer stays beyond visa-free period; apply at embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (varies)
Allows multiple visits; suitable for frequent travellers.
retirement visa
Antigua and Barbuda Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,500 USD application fee
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income. Requires proof of pension or assets. Allows long-term residence.
digital nomad visa
Nomad Digital Residence (NDR)
2 years
~$2,000 USD application fee
For remote workers earning at least $50,000/year. No income tax on foreign earnings. Includes dependents.
investor visa
Citizenship by Investment Program
Permanent (citizenship)
From $100,000 USD donation
Invest in real estate or contribute to National Development Fund. Grants full citizenship and passport.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable. | Not available |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties may apply; avoid overstaying. | Unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Antigua and Barbuda
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders transiting through Antigua and Barbuda do not need a transit visa for stays under 24 hours if remaining airside.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsV. C. Bird International Airport (ANU)
Health & vaccines for Antigua and Barbuda
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk increases during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; transmitted by mosquitoes.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Common in street food; ensure food is well-cooked.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
St. John's
Immigration Department
Factory Road, St. John's
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa-related inquiries; bring passport and supporting documents.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalSt. John's
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyEastern Caribbean dollar (XCD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 2.7 XCD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-4
vs New York+1h
vs Los Angeles+4h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BTypes A and B (same as US/Canada)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is generally safe to drink in most areas, but bottled water is recommended for visitors.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave before the 90 days are up and re-enter, or apply for a longer-term visa from the Antigua and Barbuda Immigration Department before your trip.
No, if you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport or stay overnight, the standard 90-day visa-free entry applies.
You won't be allowed to board your flight to Antigua. Airlines check passport validity at check-in. Always ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
The visa-free entry is for tourism and business meetings only. If you plan to work remotely for a foreign employer, it's generally tolerated for short stays, but officially you should check with the Antigua and Barbuda Immigration Department. For longer-term remote work, consider the Antigua Nomad Digital Visa (valid for up to 2 years).
No, there is no online arrival declaration required. You'll fill out a simple paper immigration card on the plane or at the airport. It asks for basic info like your name, passport number, flight number, and address in Antigua.
Denial is rare for UAE passport holders with valid documents. If it happens, you'll be placed on the next flight back to your origin at your own expense. Common reasons: no return ticket, expired passport, or criminal record. To avoid this, double-check your documents before you fly.
No, there is no fee for visa-free entry. You simply show your passport and supporting documents at immigration. There's no charge for the entry stamp.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.