Antigua and Barbuda entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
New Zealand passport holders can visit Antigua and Barbuda without a visa for up to 180 days. This policy applies in 2026, so Kiwis can plan a straightforward trip to the islands.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your New Zealand passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Antigua and Barbuda. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by law, but airlines may 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 confirmed onward or return ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready to show. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Antigua and Barbuda. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself. Have a bank statement or credit card showing available funds — no specific minimum amount is published, but a few hundred USD per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Travel insurance is a good idea
While not required, medical costs in Antigua and Barbuda can be steep. A hospital stay can cost hundreds of dollars per day. Travel insurance covers this and other unexpected expenses.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at V.C. Bird International Airport
You'll land at the main airport in St. John's. Follow signs to 'Immigration' — it's a single queue for all visitors. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking ready. The officer will stamp your passport and you're free to go.
2
Prepare your documents before the queue
While waiting in line, pull up your return ticket and hotel booking on your phone. This speeds things up and avoids fumbling at the counter.
Download Antigua and Barbuda Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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 stayUp to 180 days (extendable? Not officially)
Validity6 months from issue
CostUnknown (estimated ~$100 USD)
May be applied for at an embassy if visa-free is not sufficient.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 180 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
CostUnknown (estimated ~$200 USD)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
retirement visa
Antigua and Barbuda Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,500 USD application fee + annual renewal
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term residence but not employment.
digital nomad visa
Antigua and Barbuda Nomad Digital Residence (NDR)
2 years, renewable
~$1,500 USD application fee + $2,000 USD annual fee
For remote workers earning at least $50,000 USD/year. No local tax on foreign income. Includes dependents.
investor visa
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment (CIP)
Permanent (citizenship)
From $100,000 USD (non-refundable contribution) + fees
For high-net-worth individuals investing in the National Development Fund or real estate. Grants full citizenship and passport.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension feeVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 180 days. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not publicly specified; 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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Antigua and Barbuda do not need a transit visa for airside connections.
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 yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher during rainy season (June–November).
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; transmitted by mosquitoes.
Zika virusLow risk
Pregnant women should take precautions; mosquito-borne.
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
High Street, St. John's, Antigua
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters.
Practical information for NZ 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, you don't need a visa. New Zealand passport holders can stay visa-free for up to 180 days.
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave before 180 days are up. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different type of visa or leave and re-enter.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you travel. Otherwise, you'll be denied boarding or entry.
No, there is no official requirement to show proof of funds for New Zealand passport holders. However, it's wise to have a credit card or some cash available.
No, there is no arrival declaration required. You simply go through immigration at the airport.
The Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD) is the local currency. US dollars are widely accepted, but you'll get change in XCD. ATMs are available in St. John's.
There are no mandatory vaccinations for entry. However, routine vaccines like hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended. Check with your doctor before travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.