If you plan a trip to Antigua and Barbuda, you want to have everything prepared before leaving. This includes the proper paperwork and travel documents. However, if you’re traveling with a cruise line somewhere, do you need a passport?

Here is your guide on traveling to Antigua and Barbuda. Learn about visas, passports, and the various ways to get to the island before booking your trip to be a prepared and confident traveler

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Do You Need a Passport to go to Antigua?

Antigua is a lovely island in the Bahamas. An independent nation since 1981, Antigua and Barbuda was once an English colony. The official language is English, which makes it easy to get around as a United States citizen.

Because tourism upholds the Antiguan economy, Antigua’s resorts, spas, and hotels are all top-notch. It’s the perfect place to spend a honeymoon, family vacation, or solo beach trip. Antigua and Barbuda offer clear waters, sparkling sand, and an ideal island trip.

However, Antigua is a foreign country. If you’re coming from the United States, you will be required to show a passport to be guaranteed entry. This is true for airline and cruise ship visitors. There are specific exceptions, but for the most part, it’s safest to bring an updated passport.

Antigua and Barbuda Entry Requirements

Antigua and Barbuda require a passport for entry. If you are flying to the islands, you won’t be able to board a plane without a valid, unexpired passport. Always check to ensure that your passport is up to date.

This country requires your passport to be unexpired for at least 90 days after your arrival date. There are risks associated with travel, and you don’t want to get stuck in a foreign country with an expired passport. If your passport expires soon after your intended trip, now is to renew it.

The official entry requirements for Antigua and Barbuda are an unexpired, valid passport and proof of a return date. This can be a booked return flight, a cruise itinerary, or anything that shows authorities you aren’t planning on staying without a visa.

Do You Need a Visa to Visit Antigua?

Unless you’re staying for more than three months on the island, you won’t need to apply for a visa to visit Antigua and Barbuda. Provisional visas are only required if you plan on staying longer and want to apply for citizenship.

However, you might want to apply for a visa if you don’t have a set return date. It may be tricky to get into the island without a return flight booked. If you know a general amount of time but aren’t sure how long you’ll want to stay, you can always book a flight with travel insurance and cancel it if you change your mind.

Antigua by Plane

There are two main ways to get to Antigua. Because it’s an island, you won’t be able to drive there. However, plane flights are convenient because Antigua and Barbuda is one of the few Bahamian islands with an airport. You don’t need to fly to a larger island and take a tiny plane across. Instead, you can likely book a direct flight.

Getting to Antigua by plane is nice if you want to create your vacation with an individual timeline. With plane tickets, you can arrive and leave at the most convenient times. You’ll need to book hotels and find places to eat, but it will be Antigua the way you want to see it instead of on a cruise’s itinerary.

For any air travel, a passport is required. You’ll need to show your passport when checking in for each flight as a form of federal identification. RealIDs and passport cards are not accepted in Antigua and Barbuda, so you’ll have to bring the entire passport book.

Antigua does require a departure tax. When you leave the country, you’ll have to pay a certain amount for airport fees. In Antigua, this is under $30 currently, so it’s not too much. However, departure taxes are subject to change.

Antigua by Cruise

The most common way to visit Antigua and Barbuda is to book a cruise. Many cruises go straight from Florida or Texas to Antigua, stay there a few days, and then sail back. However, multi-island cruises might take in the country as part of a group of stops, spending less time in each place but seeing more of the surrounding islands.

A cruise vacation is ideal if you’re less of a planner. By booking a cruise, you don’t have to plan much food or find lodgings. It’s all provided by the cruise line, and you can relax and enjoy the trip. Cruises run on specific timetables, so you’ll have to follow the correct schedule, but most are open for exploration while on the islands.

Cruises are convenient for international travelers; on a closed-loop cruise, you won’t have to worry about showing your passport to any destinations since you’ll show it to board the cruise. However, it’s still a good idea to bring it with you and keep it safe during emergencies.

For some cruise travelers, a passport isn’t required. Instead, the cruise ship acts as a guarantee for both the traveler and their return trip. You’ll need proper I.D. to board the cruise but won’t have to pull it out after that, even if you go to separate islands.

Even though some cruise lines don’t require a passport for trips to Antigua, it’s always good to bring one anyway. If you are faced with an emergency or unexpected delay and are forced to fly back to America, you won’t be able to re-enter the country without a passport.

Planning a Visit to Antigua and Barbuda

Of course, there are plenty of other factors to consider when booking a trip to Antigua and Barbuda. Once you’ve renewed your passport and booked your flight or cruise, here are some things to consider for an island vacation.

Time of Year

There is no bad time of year to visit Antigua and Barbuda. However, some times are even better than others, both for tourist and weather reasons. Hurricane season is pretty low-risk in this section of the Caribbean, but it does run from mid-July until November.

For the absolute best weather on the islands, December through April are amazing times to visit. However, these are the busiest months, especially during the spring break. If you’re looking for a quiet getaway without many other people, May and June are better (although June is a little busier).

Budget

Budget is usually one of the first things on the list. Even once you know you can afford the vacation, you should be deciding which things fit your budget best. It’s always better to budget before your trip, so you have some wiggle room instead of going overboard and having to cut the fun short.

While a cruise or airline ticket will cost money, there’s plenty of free things to do on the islands themselves. Antigua and Barbuda have free beaches, museums, and other activities that can save you money on your island vacation.

Activities

If you’ve booked a cruise, you won’t need to plan too much in the way of food or lodging. On the way to the island, the cruise line will give you plenty of things to do, from massage options to onboard water slides. However, island activities are usually up to you and not provided by the cruise line.

An island vacation comes with classic island activities, such as snorkeling, swimming, and other water sports. However, you can take a step beyond that and look for more unique adventures for a family vacation. The Barbuda caves, for instance, are an excellent way to explore the islands in a whole new way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Antigua and Barbuda and the process of getting your passport. We hope they answer your questions and help you prepare for your island adventure.

Are Antigua and Barbuda one place?

Antigua and Barbuda are two separate islands that are part of one country. Antigua is the more populated island and hosts visitors throughout the year. Barbuda, on the other hand, has a large bird sanctuary, secluded beaches, and doesn’t host overnight visitors.

When should I renew my passport?

If you plan to travel anytime soon, renewing your old passport is crucial. Make an appointment to renew your passport at least two months before traveling to ensure that it arrives on time. The federal system can take a while, so plan accordingly. Always keep your passport safe while traveling.

Final Thoughts

While you do need a passport to visit Antigua and Barbuda, you won’t need to use it once you’re on the island. As long as your passport is unexpired and valid, you’ll be able to enter the island country and enjoy your time. Whether by sea or by air, the islands are ready for your family trip.

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James Brockbank

Founder at The Family Vacation Guide

A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.

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