Antigua and Barbuda entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 2026·View sources
No visa required
180 days
Max stay
180 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Bulgarian passport holders can visit Antigua and Barbuda without a visa for up to 180 days. This policy started in 2024. Just show up with your passport and a return ticket — no application needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Bulgarian passport needs at least 6 months of validity remaining from your departure date from Antigua and Barbuda. Immigration officers at V.C. Bird International Airport check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, they will deny boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Antigua and Barbuda | Immigration requires a printed or digital onward ticket showing you leave within 180 days. Airlines check this before issuing a boarding pass in Sofia — without it, you will not fly. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers at the border occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you can support yourself. The official threshold is around $100 USD per day, but officers rarely ask unless you look under-resourced. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Antigua and Barbuda, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew before you go.
No visa needed — just show up
Bulgarian passport holders get 180 days visa-free. No application, no fee, no embassy visit. Just arrive with a valid passport and a return ticket.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Join the queue for non-citizens. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes 1-2 minutes per person.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and, if asked, your return ticket and accommodation confirmation. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and how long you're staying. Answer clearly.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay (up to 180 days). Check the stamp before walking away — make sure the dates are correct.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Antigua and Barbuda Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 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 stay180 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostFree (visa-free entry already applies)
Visa-free entry covers up to 180 days; no need for a separate tourist visa.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay180 days per visit
Validity1 year
CostFree (visa-free entry already applies)
Visa-free entry allows multiple visits within the 180-day period.
Long-stay visa (retirement)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$1,500 USD (estimated)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds.
Digital nomad visa
Max stay2 years
Validity2 years
Cost~$2,000 USD (estimated)
For remote workers with proof of income; allows stay and work.
retirement visa
Antigua and Barbuda Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$1,500 USD per year (estimated)
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay without work rights. Requires health insurance and police clearance.
digital nomad visa
Antigua and Barbuda Digital Nomad Visa
2 years
~$2,000 USD (estimated)
For remote workers with proof of income (minimum $50,000/year). Allows stay and work remotely. Requires health insurance and clean criminal record.
investor visa
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment
Permanent (citizenship)
~$100,000 USD minimum investment
For high-net-worth individuals investing in real estate or national development fund. Grants citizenship and visa-free travel to many countries.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers up to 180 days; no tourist visa required. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry covers multiple visits within the 180-day period. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying may result in fines and possible deportation; avoid overstaying. | ~$50 USD per day (estimated) |
| Overstay maximum capMaximum fine for overstay is typically capped, but exact amount may vary. | ~$1,000 USD (estimated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Bulgarian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at V.C. Bird International Airport. They can remain in the airside transit area without passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
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.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk is higher during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks occur.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
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
Antigua and Barbuda Immigration Department
Queen Elizabeth Highway, St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters; bring passport and supporting documents.
St. John's
V.C. Bird International Airport Immigration Office
V.C. Bird International Airport, St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda
Open 24/7
For entry/exit issues and immediate assistance; located at the airport.
Practical information for BG 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 want to stay longer, you must leave Antigua and Barbuda before the 180 days are up and re-enter later. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
No, Bulgarian passport holders do not need a visa for transit. You can stay in the international transit area without a visa. If you need to leave the airport, you'll need to go through immigration and the visa-free rules apply.
You will likely be denied entry. Immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, there is no official requirement to show proof of funds for Bulgarian passport holders. However, if you're staying a long time or look like you might work illegally, an officer may ask. Having a credit card or a few hundred dollars in cash is wise.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. You cannot take paid employment or enroll in a course. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa or permit.
No routine vaccinations are required for entry. However, check your routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus, etc.) are up to date. Yellow fever vaccine is required only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
No, there is no arrival declaration or online form required for Bulgarian passport holders. You just fill out the standard immigration card on the plane or at the airport.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.