Antigua and Barbuda customs rules & duty-free allowances
Antigua and Barbuda is a small-island destination where customs officers know the rules and apply them strictly. The biggest risk for arriving travellers is the personal allowance: you get only EC$540 (about US$200) in duty-free goods, and anything above that is taxed at a flat 50% on the spot. If you are carrying cash or negotiable instruments of EC$10,000 (US$3,700) or more, you must declare it in writing before you reach the exit — failure to do so can mean seizure and a fine. These rules apply to all arriving passengers, residents and non-residents alike, and there is no separate tourist VAT refund scheme to soften the blow.
Duty-free allowances
Prohibited — banned from import
- Narcotics and psychotropic substances (cocaine, heroin, cannabis, MDMA, etc.) — penalties are severe, including long prison sentences.
- Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without a prior permit from the Commissioner of Police.
- Counterfeit currency and counterfeit goods.
- Obscene or pornographic material.
- Live animals and birds without an import permit and health certificate.
- Fresh fruit, vegetables, plants, seeds, and soil from most countries.
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
- Prescription medicines and controlled drugs — require a doctor's letter or prior approval from the Chief Medical Officer.
- Pets and live animals — require an import permit, rabies vaccination certificate, and health certificate issued within a specific timeframe.
- Drones and satellite phones — may require a licence from the Telecommunications Authority; declare them on arrival.
- Cultural artefacts and archaeological items — require an export permit from the country of origin and may be subject to import controls.
- Radio transmitters and walkie-talkies — may need a licence from the Telecommunications Authority.
Arriving: red vs green channel
All arriving passengers must complete a Customs Declaration Form (Form C1) — these are handed out on the plane or available in the arrival hall. After immigration, you walk through customs: if you have nothing to declare and are within your allowances, use the green channel; if you are over any limit or carrying restricted items, use the red channel and speak to an officer. Random bag checks are common, so keep receipts for high-value items you bought abroad.
Bringing medication
You may bring personal prescription medication for your own use if you have a valid prescription or doctor's letter. Keep it in its original packaging. Controlled substances — including narcotics, strong painkillers, and some sedatives — require prior permission from the Chief Medical Officer; without it, they can be seized and you can be prosecuted. Some common Western drugs are restricted here, so check with the Antigua and Barbuda Customs before you travel if you are unsure.
Food, plants & animal products
Fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds, plants, cuttings, and soil are prohibited from most countries to protect local agriculture. Meat, poultry, and dairy products from regions with animal disease outbreaks are also banned. Commercially packaged, shelf-stable foods are generally allowed in small quantities for personal use, but you must declare all food and plant items. If in doubt, declare it — undeclared food can lead to fines.
Rules worth knowing
Flat 50% duty on excess goods
If your personal goods exceed the EC$540 (US$200) allowance, you pay a flat 50% duty on the amount over the limit. There is no sliding scale — a $300 item means duty on $100, so $50. Keep receipts to prove value.
Cash declaration is mandatory
You must declare cash or negotiable instruments of EC$10,000 (US$3,700) or more. This is not optional — failure to declare can lead to seizure of the money and a fine. The form is the Customs Declaration Form (C1).
No duty-free shop on arrival
Unlike many airports, Antigua's V.C. Bird International does not have a duty-free shop in the arrivals hall. You cannot buy extra allowance after you land — everything you bring must be declared at the customs desk.
Strict penalties for drug trafficking
Antigua and Barbuda has harsh penalties for drug offences, including mandatory minimum sentences. Even small amounts of cannabis can lead to arrest. Do not carry any illegal drugs.