Antigua and Barbuda

Overview of Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda has historically suffered from natural disasters, and the effects of climate change, which include sea level rise, storm surges, increased severity of tropical storms and hurricanes, and decreased rainfall, have harmed the country’s agriculture and food security, fisheries, marine and terrestrial biodiversity, energy and tourism sectors, availability and quality of water, and human health.

Antigua and Barbuda does not allow discrimination in employment, child labor, Human trafficking, there are laws against Domestic abuse and Child abuse.[41] Although it has not been enforced or a case brought to trial in many years, like other Caribbean islands, Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Antigua and Barbuda and punishable by prison time, though not enforced.

Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bonaire, Brazil, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Hong Kong, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Malaysia (30 days), Montserrat, Philippines, Saba, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten, South Korea (30 days), Trinidad and Tobago.

Antigua and Barbuda is a member of the United Nations, the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas, the Commonwealth of Nations, the Caribbean Community, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, the Organization of American States, the World Trade Organization and the Eastern Caribbean’s Regional Security System.

Antigua and Barbuda is comprised mostly of its two namesake islands, Antigua, and Barbuda, other than that, Antigua and Barbuda’s biggest islands are Guiana Island & Long Island off the coast of Antigua, and Redonda island, which is far from both of the main islands.

Antigua and Barbuda is a Small Islands Development State (SIDS), indicating that it’s highly dependent on a limited number of economic sectors, vulnerable to foreign economic disruption, and is particularly affected by natural disasters.

Antigua and Barbuda has long imported most of its food, so it’s not
surprising that the food eaten by Antiguans and Barbudans consists of
creole dishes or specialties that reflect the cuisine of the parent
cultures.

Antigua and Barbuda has a newly launched citizenship by investment program for investors who can directly acquire citizenship and passport by donation to a charity or through purchase of real estate.

Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) leader Gaston Browne once again became prime minister after his party won a majority in parliament in the 2018 snap elections.

Antigua and Barbuda is reporting 4 new infections on average each day, 17% of the peak — the highest daily average reported on February 21.

Population

The music of Antigua and Barbuda is largely African in character, and has only felt a limited influence from European styles due to the population of Antigua and Barbuda descending mostly from West Africans who were made slaves by Europeans.[54]

Size

Like other island nations, Antigua and Barbuda faces unique environmental issues created by its proximity to the ocean, and small size.These include pressures on water resources, natural ecosystems, and deforestation more generally.

Do I have to have insurance cover to visit?

The purchase of medical insurance is at the passenger’s discretion.The purchase of medical insurance is at the passenger’s discretion.

Can I travel to Barbuda?

Yes, you are able to travel to Barbuda and will be asked to follow protocols as provided by health officials.Yes, you are able to travel to Barbuda and will be asked to follow protocols as provided by health officials.

If I test positive on arrival, can I elect to go home on the first available flight?

Once the airlines are aware that the passenger is suffering from any infectious disease, they cannot accept you on flights.Once the airlines are aware that the passenger is suffering from any infectious disease, they cannot accept you on flights.

Do I need to wear a mask on the beach in Antigua and Barbuda?

For beach activities where physical distancing requirements are met, the wearing of a face covering would not be required.For beach activities where physical distancing requirements are met, the wearing of a face covering would not be required.

Why us?

We offer a service tailored to your specific needs and requirements.Our team of experts will work diligently from start to finish, ensuring a successful application.Professionalism and integrity are at the core of all we do.

I plan to get married in Antigua and Barbuda; how many guests am I allowed to have at my wedding?

The maximum number of guests allowed for destination weddings in Antigua and Barbuda is 25 persons.The maximum number of guests allowed for destination weddings in Antigua and Barbuda is 25 persons.

Can I travel to Antigua and Barbuda?

Yes, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda opened it borders in a phased approach beginning June 1st 2020, when the V.Yes, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda opened it borders in a phased approach beginning June 1st 2020, when the V.C.C.Bird International Airport began accepting commercial international flights, and the St.Bird International Airport began accepting commercial international flights, and the St.John’s Harbour – Nevis Street Pier began the process of clearing yachts.John’s Harbour – Nevis Street Pier began the process of clearing yachts.A combination of screening, testing, monitoring and other protective measures are in place, and are designed to protect and safeguard the health of both residents and visitors to Antigua and Barbuda.A combination of screening, testing, monitoring and other protective measures are in place, and are designed to protect and safeguard the health of both residents and visitors to Antigua and Barbuda.

Are bars open?

No bars are presently closed.No bars are presently closed…

What are the protocols for departing passengers leaving Antigua and Barbuda, and has the check-in time changed?

A limited number of doors will be used for exit from and entry into the terminal and these will be manned by airport personnel to ensure adherence to protocols.A limited number of doors will be used for exit from and entry into the terminal and these will be manned by airport personnel to ensure adherence to protocols.

Are restaurants open?

Yes, restaurants are open for dine-in, take-out and delivery service.Yes, restaurants are open for dine-in, take-out and delivery service.

New normal: How far is safe enough?

How countries are adapting social distancing rules and what we know about the risks of coronavirus in public places.

Are COVID-19 At Home PCR kit test results acceptable?

No.No.To be accepted, tests must be administered by a medical professional.To be accepted, tests must be administered by a medical professional.

What if I am asked to quarantine by Health Officials at the Government Facility; what will the cost be?

If you are advised by Health Officials to quarantine at the Government Facility, you will be required to pay a fee of $100 USD per day.If you are advised by Health Officials to quarantine at the Government Facility, you will be required to pay a fee of $100 USD per day.

Are land-based and water-based excursions open?

Yes, most excursions have re-opened after the appropriate inspection, training and certification by the Ministry of Health and Tourism Officials.Yes, most excursions have re-opened after the appropriate inspection, training and certification by the Ministry of Health and Tourism Officials.Some of the certified excursions are listed under Antigua and Barbuda is Open.Some of the certified excursions are listed under Antigua and Barbuda is Open.

What are the procedures that visiting yachts should adhere to?

The Ministry of Tourism has provided protocols for visiting yachts.The Ministry of Tourism has provided protocols for visiting yachts.These can be viewed in the table above, the diagram below or at the link here.These can be viewed in the table above, the diagram below or at the link here.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Frigate Bird Sanctuary, in Barbuda's Codrington Lagoon, is
home to more than 170 bird species, including its namesake, the
frigate bird (

fregata magnificens

).

Will I be required to wear a mask?

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda’s Public Health Act Dangerous Infections Disease Regulations 2020, requires all residents and visitors, when out in public spaces outside of their homes including to gas stations, supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, doctors’ offices, bakeries and all other essential services, to wear masks that cover their nostrils and their mouths.The Government of Antigua and Barbuda’s Public Health Act Dangerous Infections Disease Regulations 2020, requires all residents and visitors, when out in public spaces outside of their homes including to gas stations, supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, doctors’ offices, bakeries and all other essential services, to wear masks that cover their nostrils and their mouths.

If my pre-departure Covid test required for entry into the country I am travelling to returns positive how soon can I retest?

Travellers who test positive assuming there are no symptoms should wait a period of 10 – 14 days before re-testing as mandated by public health.Travellers who test positive assuming there are no symptoms should wait a period of 10 – 14 days before re-testing as mandated by public health.Travellers with symptoms should wait until the end of the displayed symptoms.Travellers with symptoms should wait until the end of the displayed symptoms.

Will I need to have taken a Covid-19 test before travel?

Yes.Yes.All arriving passengers by air must have a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (real time polymerase chain reaction) test for SARS-CoV-2 using a nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab taken within seven (7) days of their flight.All arriving passengers by air must have a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (real time polymerase chain reaction) test for SARS-CoV-2 using a nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab taken within seven (7) days of their flight.(This includes transiting passengers).(This includes transiting passengers).Children below the age of 12 years, entering Antigua, DO NOT REQUIRE a COVID -19 RT-PCR test.Children below the age of 12 years, entering Antigua, DO NOT REQUIRE a COVID -19 RT-PCR test.Passengers arriving by sea are subject to quarantine according to guidelines issued by Port Health Authorities.Passengers arriving by sea are subject to quarantine according to guidelines issued by Port Health Authorities.

How quickly are the results returned if I am tested on arrival?

The average turnaround time for results is 48 hours.The average turnaround time for results is 48 hours.Note that results can take up to 96 hours.Note that results can take up to 96 hours.

If the country that I am travelling to after my stay in Antigua and Barbuda requires I take an RT-PCR test or Antigen Test before travel where can I have this done and what is the cost?

Persons travelling from Antigua & Barbuda to countries that require a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result or Antigen test be shown on arrival can arrange to have the RT-PCR test or Antigen test performed at the Mount St.Persons travelling from Antigua & Barbuda to countries that require a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result or Antigen test be shown on arrival can arrange to have the RT-PCR test or Antigen test performed at the Mount St.John’s Medical Centre (MSJMC), Michael’s Mount, Antigua.John’s Medical Centre (MSJMC), Michael’s Mount, Antigua.Testing is available at a cost.Testing is available at a cost.The Mount St.The Mount St.John’s Medical Centre three-step testing process, which applies to travellers only, is outlined below.John’s Medical Centre three-step testing process, which applies to travellers only, is outlined below.

How do Health Officials decide who needs further testing on arrival?

A series of assessments will be undertaken by the Quarantine Authority or an authorized health officer, including interviews based on the completed Health Declaration Form, temperature checks and the intended place of stay to determine if persons should be tested on arrival.A series of assessments will be undertaken by the Quarantine Authority or an authorized health officer, including interviews based on the completed Health Declaration Form, temperature checks and the intended place of stay to determine if persons should be tested on arrival.

What are expected of the guests once at an event? Are guests expected to wear masks as well as adhering to the social distancing protocols?

Yes, guests are expected to wear masks and adhere to the social distancing protocols.Yes, guests are expected to wear masks and adhere to the social distancing protocols.

Will I be able to rent a car?

Certified transportation should be taken from the airport to your place of lodging.Certified transportation should be taken from the airport to your place of lodging.Once at your place of lodging, arrangements can be made for car rentals with certified providers.Once at your place of lodging, arrangements can be made for car rentals with certified providers.

Is there a cost for the test  if I am asked to do one on arrival?

There is a cost of $100 USD for the test on arrival.There is a cost of $100 USD for the test on arrival.The cost is payable to the Quarantine Authority.The cost is payable to the Quarantine Authority.

Do you have re-opening dates of hotels?

Visitors can view the link: Hotel Reopening Dates which provides hotel re-opening dates of hotels within the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association.Visitors can view the link: Hotel Reopening Dates which provides hotel re-opening dates of hotels within the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association.

If the test is given at the airport, and I test positive, what happens?

Arriving passengers who test positive for Covid-19 will be isolated as determined by the Ministry of Health Officials.Arriving passengers who test positive for Covid-19 will be isolated as determined by the Ministry of Health Officials.

Which Certified accommodations are currently open for guests on vacation?

All guests travelling to Antigua and Barbuda on vacation are required to stay at a certified accommodation property.All guests travelling to Antigua and Barbuda on vacation are required to stay at a certified accommodation property.If on arrival a guest cannot provide proof of stay at a certified property, guest will be required to make alternate arrangements at an approved property.If on arrival a guest cannot provide proof of stay at a certified property, guest will be required to make alternate arrangements at an approved property.If not, guest will be required to quarantine at a government facility.If not, guest will be required to quarantine at a government facility.You will find a comprehensive listing of certified accommodations HERE.You will find a comprehensive listing of certified accommodations HERE.

When is it planned for cruises to arrive and will the same procedures for assessment and testing be in place?

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has not provided details of cruise line schedules nor protocols at this time.The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has not provided details of cruise line schedules nor protocols at this time.

How do I get from the airport to my place of stay?

All arriving passengers are required to use the authorized certified ground transportation available outside of the V.All arriving passengers are required to use the authorized certified ground transportation available outside of the V.C.C.Bird International Airport Arrivals Terminal.Bird International Airport Arrivals Terminal.Family and friends will not be allowed to pick-up guests.Family and friends will not be allowed to pick-up guests.This measure is in place to allow for effective contact tracing should it be required.This measure is in place to allow for effective contact tracing should it be required.

What are the protocols for a three to seven-day visit and a couple wishing to have the wedding off the property they are staying at?

All visitors arriving on the island are subject to the Quarantine Authority’s protocols and guidelines.All visitors arriving on the island are subject to the Quarantine Authority’s protocols and guidelines.

Will I be required to wear a mask while at certified accommodations?

Guests are required to wear a face covering when traversing the property where they are likely to be in close proximity to staff and other guests.Guests are required to wear a face covering when traversing the property where they are likely to be in close proximity to staff and other guests.For beach activities where physical distancing requirements are met, the wearing of a face covering would not be required.For beach activities where physical distancing requirements are met, the wearing of a face covering would not be required.

What can I expect to see at certified accommodations?

All Certified accommodations will be adhering to standards required by the Central Board of Health and the Ministry of Tourism.All Certified accommodations will be adhering to standards required by the Central Board of Health and the Ministry of Tourism.No activities deemed high-risk will be permitted, and there will be additional focus on sanitization, and the utilization of contactless technology.No activities deemed high-risk will be permitted, and there will be additional focus on sanitization, and the utilization of contactless technology.

What is the 25-guest count inclusive of? Does it include the staff required to execute the event?

The guest count does not involve event staff.The guest count does not involve event staff.

What should I do if I begin to display Covid-19 symptoms?

Should you feel as if you are showing signs of Covid-19, please contact the Covid-19 Hotline at (268) 462-6843 immediately, where a member of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda’s medical team will take your call.Should you feel as if you are showing signs of Covid-19, please contact the Covid-19 Hotline at (268) 462-6843 immediately, where a member of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda’s medical team will take your call.Please follow their instructions after the call.Please follow their instructions after the call.If you are at a hotel, please inform a member of your hotel team, who will advise you on your next steps.If you are at a hotel, please inform a member of your hotel team, who will advise you on your next steps.

Where will I be asked to wait prior to and after testing when awaiting results?

Depending on the health screening results, you may be asked to await your test results at the port of entry, or you may be notified of the results the following day at place of stay.Depending on the health screening results, you may be asked to await your test results at the port of entry, or you may be notified of the results the following day at place of stay.The Ministry of Health has indicated that results will be issued in approximately 48 hours, but can take as long as 96 hours.The Ministry of Health has indicated that results will be issued in approximately 48 hours, but can take as long as 96 hours.

Will guest numbers be based on venue size – as has been the case for churches and funerals on island?

No.No.Social gatherings are now limited to 5 persons.Social gatherings are now limited to 5 persons.Exceptions apply to Churches and remain at 25 persons; funerals are also limited to 25 persons.Exceptions apply to Churches and remain at 25 persons; funerals are also limited to 25 persons.

Who’s eligible?

In order to be eligible for citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda, you must be of outstanding character, hold excellent health, have no criminal record, be over 18 years old and have a high personal net worth.

History of Antigua and Barbuda

In 1914, during the First World War, the mining operations ceased, and most workers left the island.

In 1958 tourist arrivals totaled 12,853; by 1970,
on the eve of sugar’s demise, they had risen to 67,637.

In 1970 the life expectancy was 70 years.

In 1972, the technical and teacher’s training colleges merged and formed the Antigua State College.

In 1973 the gross domestic
product (GDP) of the economy was US $73.3 million.

In 1973 the hotel and restaurant sector accounted
for 7.9 percent of the nation’s GDP.

In 1990, the population structure had a fast expansive structure in age groups 45 years and above, a regressive trend in the 10–20-year age group, and was stationary for those under age 10.

In 1998
tourist arrivals reached 204,000.

In 2000, about 38% of primary school students were enrolled in private schools.

In 2000, Antigua and 35 other offshore banking centers agreed to reforms to prevent money laundering.

In 2001, there were about 13,000 students enrolled at the primary schools and 5,000 students at the secondary schools.

In 2012, Cuba won the Caribbean Cup for the first time.

In 2012, diabetes was the third leading cause of death (53 deaths) and accounted for 10.8% of all deaths, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.4:1.

In 2012, Tavares was replaced by Cuban coach Israel Blake Cantero who led the national team through the 2012 Caribbean Championship.

In 2012, the rate was 11.3 and in 2015 it was 6.0.

In 2013, a cluster of six cases of chikungunya fever was confirmed, but no cases have been reported since then.

In 2013, Antigua and Barbuda called for reparations for slavery at the United Nations.

In 2014, the household index for the Aedes aegypti mosquito was reported at 6.5% (above the 5% threshold recommended by the World Health Organization [WHO]) (10).

In 2014, the Mount St.

In 2015, Antigua and Barbuda approved a new medium-term development strategy (MTDS) with the following pillars:

In 2015, the pyramidal shape shifted to ages above age 45, while the population under 25 years old showed a slow regressive structure, owing to the decreased fertility and mortality rates since 1990.

In 2015, there were 32 cases of rape, and robbery was the most reported crime.

In 2016 the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda endorsed the National Strategic Plan for Health 2016-2020.

In 2016, Antigua and Barbuda had 0.8 global hectares[45] of biocapacity per person within its territory, much less than the world average of 1.6 global hectares per person.[46] In 2016 Antigua and Barbuda used 4.3 global hectares of biocapacity per person – their ecological footprint of consumption.

In 2017, Hurricane Irma devastated Barbuda: the entire island was evacuated, and many residents lost their livelihoods and have yet to return home.

In 2018, Antigua and Barbuda signed the UN treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.[40]

In 2019, the University of the West Indies opened its fifth campus overall (and fourth physical campus) in Five Islands.[50] The country was previously served solely by the University of the West Indies Open Campus.[51] The government of Antigua and Barbuda contributes financially to the UWI.

In 2019, they made the farthest they ever had in the CONCACAF Gold Cup by going 3-0 in the group stages including a last-minute goal against Costa Rica and coming back from a 2-0 deficit against Canada in the Quarter-Finals, winning the game 3-2.

On 6 July 1994 at Sherbourne Conference Centre, St Michael, Barbados, as a representative of the Government of St.