Antigua and Barbuda customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Antigua and Barbuda enforces strict biosecurity: all food, plants, and animal products must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form (C5) or face on-the-spot fines up to XCD 5,000 (US$1,850). Cash over XCD 27,000 (US$10,000) must be declared. These rules apply to all non-resident adult travellers arriving in 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 litres of wine/beer. Must be 18+. Duty-free value up to XCD 540 (US$200).
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Declare cash or equivalent monetary instruments over XCD 27,000 (US$10,000) on the Customs Declaration Form (C5).
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for gifts/personal goods up to XCD 2,160 (US$800). Above that, duty is charged at 20% of the value.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and illegal drugs
  • Firearms and ammunition without a permit
  • Explosives and fireworks
  • Counterfeit currency and goods
  • Obscene materials and child pornography
  • Endangered species and products (CITES)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Firearms and ammunition (require a police permit)
  • Pets (require an import permit and health certificate)
  • Plants and plant products (require a phytosanitary certificate)
  • Medications containing controlled substances (require prior approval from the Ministry of Health)
  • Drones (require a permit from the Antigua and Barbuda Civil Aviation Authority)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After collecting luggage, proceed to Customs. Use the Green Channel if you have nothing to declare; Red Channel if you have goods above the allowance, restricted items, or cash to declare. All arriving passengers must complete a Customs Declaration Form (C5) regardless of channel.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 30 days supply are allowed without a prescription. For longer stays or controlled drugs (e.g., narcotics, psychotropics), bring a doctor's prescription and a letter of medical necessity. Some common medications (e.g., codeine, diazepam) are controlled and require prior approval from the Ministry of Health.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Banned: fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and soil. Permitted with a permit: processed foods, canned goods, and seeds. Failure to declare can result in fines up to XCD 5,000 (US$1,850).

Rules worth knowing

Biosecurity Declaration

All food, plants, and animal products must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form. Failure to do so can result in a fine of XCD 5,000 (US$1,850) and confiscation.

Duty-Free Limits Are Per Person

The duty-free allowances (alcohol, tobacco, goods) are per adult traveller. Families cannot combine allowances. Children under 18 have no alcohol or tobacco allowance.

Currency Declaration

Cash or monetary instruments over XCD 27,000 (US$10,000) must be declared. Failure to declare can result in seizure and a fine of up to XCD 50,000 (US$18,500).

Frequently asked questions

Yes, all arriving passengers must complete a Customs Declaration Form (C5), even if you have nothing to declare. You'll hand it to the customs officer at the Green Channel.
Yes, but you need a permit from the Antigua and Barbuda Civil Aviation Authority. Apply at least 14 days before travel. Without a permit, the drone may be confiscated.
You must declare the excess at the Red Channel. Duty is charged at 20% of the value of the excess goods. For example, if you bring 2 litres of spirits, you pay duty on the second litre.
There is no limit on bringing Eastern Caribbean dollars, but amounts over XCD 27,000 (US$10,000) must be declared. Exports of XCD are limited to XCD 200 (US$74) per person.
Yes, for up to 30 days supply. Carry a doctor's prescription and a letter explaining the condition. For controlled drugs (e.g., codeine, morphine), you must get prior approval from the Ministry of Health.
No, Antigua and Barbuda does not offer a tourist VAT refund. Goods purchased locally are subject to 15% VAT, which is not refundable upon departure.
You face an on-the-spot fine of up to XCD 5,000 (US$1,850) and confiscation of the items. Repeat offences can lead to prosecution and higher fines.

Official source

Antigua and Barbuda Customs and Excise Division

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Antigua and Barbuda Customs and Excise Division before travelling.