Antigua and Barbuda entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Canadian passport holders can visit Antigua and Barbuda visa-free for up to 180 days. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Canadian passport needs to be valid only for the time you plan to stay in Antigua and Barbuda. Airlines sometimes ask for 6 months validity, but immigration does not enforce that rule. | 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 flight booking ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your host covers this. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Immigration can ask for evidence of sufficient funds. Carry a bank statement or credit card that shows you have enough for your trip. | Recommended |
Passport Validity Counts from Entry Date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Antigua and Barbuda, not from your departure date. If it's close, renew before you go.
No Visa Needed for Canadians
You can stay up to 180 days without any visa. Just bring a valid passport and a return ticket.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU)
You'll land at the main airport near St. John's. Follow signs to 'Immigration' — it's a single queue for all non-citizens. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present Documents to Immigration Officer
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will check your passport validity, blank page, and may ask for your return ticket or accommodation. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Receive Entry Stamp
If everything's in order, you'll get an entry stamp valid for up to 180 days. Check the stamp says the right date before leaving the counter.
4
Collect Luggage and Exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. Green channel if you have nothing to declare, red if you do. Then you're free to go.
Download Antigua and Barbuda Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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 (same as visa-free)
Validity6 months from issue
CostFree (not required for Canadians)
Visa-free entry already provides 180 days; no need to apply.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay180 days per visit
ValidityUp to 1 year
CostFree (not required for Canadians)
Visa-free entry allows multiple visits; no visa needed.
Long-stay visa (non-tourist)
Max stayVaries (e.g., work, study)
ValidityVaries
CostVaries
For stays beyond 180 days, apply for a work or study permit before travel.
retirement visa
Antigua and Barbuda Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,500 USD application fee + annual renewal
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of sufficient income (e.g., pension). Allows long-term residence but not employment.
digital nomad visa
Antigua and Barbuda Digital Nomad Visa (Nomad Digital Residence)
Up to 2 years
~$1,500 USD application fee + $2,000 USD annual fee
For remote workers with proof of income (min. $50,000/year). No local tax on foreign income. Must have health insurance.
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 |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers up to 180 days; no tourist visa required. | Free (not applicable) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry covers multiple visits within 180-day limit. | Free (not applicable) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstaying to prevent fines or bans. | Unknown (estimated ~$50 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern15%
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
Canadian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at V.C. Bird International Airport.
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, varicella, flu)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
Risk is low but present; 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
Immigration Department, Ministry of National Security
Factory Road, St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa and immigration matters. Appointments recommended.
St. John's
Antigua and Barbuda Immigration Office (Airport)
V.C. Bird International Airport, St. John's
Open during flight hours
Handles entry and transit issues at the airport.
Practical information for CA 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 entry is not extendable. You must leave before the 180 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
If you're connecting to another international flight and don't leave the airport transit area, you generally don't need a visa. But check with your airline — some require a visa for overnight layovers.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for Canadian citizens. Just show up with your documents.
No, the 180-day visa-free stay is for tourism or business visits only. For work or study, you need a separate visa or permit arranged before travel.
The Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD). US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and larger shops, but you'll get change in XCD. ATMs dispense XCD.
Overstaying can lead to fines, deportation, and a ban from re-entering. Always leave before your stamp expires.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.