Antigua and Barbuda entry requirements for Switzerland 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
Swiss passport holders can visit Antigua and Barbuda without a visa for up to 180 days. This policy applies to tourism, business meetings, and short-term stays. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Swiss passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Antigua and Barbuda. No minimum validity period beyond your stay is required by law, but airlines may check for at least 6 months validity — check with your carrier before flying. | 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 — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready to show. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | Immigration can ask for proof you can support yourself during your visit. Carry a recent bank statement or credit card — no set minimum amount is published, but having access to a few hundred USD is sensible. | Recommended |
No visa needed, but be prepared
Even though you do not need a visa, immigration can still ask for proof of onward travel and accommodation. Have digital copies on your phone or printed backups. It is rare to be asked, but it happens.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check the 6-month rule before you board. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding — no exceptions. Check your passport expiry date well before your flight.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' — it is a single hall. Join the queue for 'Non-Citizens' or 'All Passports'. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in for up to 180 days.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport. If asked, show your return ticket (screenshot is fine) and accommodation booking. The officer may ask your purpose of visit — just say 'tourism' or 'business'. No visa fee is charged.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay. Check the stamp before walking away — it should say '180 days' or the date you must leave. If it is less, ask politely for clarification.
4
Collect luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then customs. Declare any goods over $500 USD or restricted items. Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Antigua and Barbuda Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland 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
Validity6 months
CostNot applicable
Visa-free entry already provides 180 days; no separate tourist visa needed.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay180 days per visit
Validity1 year
CostNot applicable
Visa-free entry covers multiple visits; no visa required.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
CostNot applicable
No standard long-stay visa for tourism; consider work or investment options.
investor visa
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program
Permanent (citizenship)
From $100,000 USD (non-refundable contribution) plus fees
Invest in the National Development Fund or real estate to obtain citizenship. Requires due diligence and no criminal record.
Apply digital nomad visa
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. Requires proof of income, health insurance, and clean criminal record.
Apply retirement visa
Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,500 USD application fee
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and local address.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying may incur fines; exact amount not publicly specified. Avoid overstaying. | Unknown (estimated ~$50 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
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
Swiss 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, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; use repellent and avoid standing water.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; same prevention as dengue.
Zika virusLow risk
Pregnant women should take precautions; mosquito avoidance recommended.
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 and Barbuda
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa-related inquiries; extensions not available for visa-free stays.
St. John's
V.C. Bird International Airport Immigration Office
V.C. Bird International Airport, St. John's
24/7
Handles entry and exit procedures; no extension services.
Practical information for CH 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. To stay longer, you must leave Antigua and Barbuda before the 180 days are up and re-enter after a short absence. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
No, Swiss 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 must go through immigration and the 180-day visa-free rule applies.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
No, visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and short visits only. For work or study, you need to apply for the appropriate visa or work permit before you travel. Contact the Antigua and Barbuda Immigration Department for details.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for Swiss passport holders. You simply go through immigration at the airport. No online pre-registration is needed.
The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), but US dollars are widely accepted. ATMs are available at the airport and in St. John's. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and larger restaurants.
No routine vaccinations are required for entry from Switzerland. However, it is a good idea to be up-to-date on routine vaccines like MMR and tetanus. Check with your doctor if you are unsure.
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.