Traveling to This Caribbean Nation Just Got Easier Thanks to a New Entry System

• A new entry system is speeding up the arrivals process in Antigua and Barbuda.
• The system allows travelers to input customs information online ahead of time.
• Upon arrival, travelers simply scan a QR code and start their vacation faster.

For anyone arriving fresh from the grind, slipping into vacation mode isn’t always instant. It takes a moment—or maybe a cocktail, a swim, and a sunset—to remember how to exhale. And when every minute of vacation time counts, you don’t want to be stuck waiting at the airport in long customs lines.

Thankfully, Antigua and Barbuda has announced a new entry system to save travelers time at the airport customs checkpoint, so they can head to one of the islands’ 365 beaches, including Barbuda’s iconic Pink Sand Beach, even faster. Rather than filling out a customs form on arrival and waiting while everyone’s passports are scanned and travel dates are verified by an agent, travelers can now enter their information online in advance and scan the resulting QR code as they breeze through customs.

The new entry system, called ArriveAntigua, was launched in April 2025 by the Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment in collaboration with the Antigua Department of Immigration and the Antigua and Barbuda Customs and Excise Division. 

“We are committed to continuously improving the visitor experience in Antigua and Barbuda,” Charles Fernandez, the nation’s minister of tourism, civil aviation and transportation, said. “The launch of ArriveAntigua.com is a major step in creating a smooth and seamless experience from the moment visitors arrive.”

Here’s how it works: 72 hours prior to your departure, visit ArriveAntigua.com on your mobile device or tablet (it doesn’t work on a laptop or desktop computer). If you are a U.S. citizen, select the “Visitor” traveler type and scan in your passport and the passports of any family members you are traveling with. (You cannot add fellow travelers you are unrelated to. They must submit their own form.)

Once your passport has been verified, you will need to take a photo to confirm your identity. Then, you’ll be prompted to enter your arrival and departure flight information, your home address, and explain the reason you are visiting and where you will be staying on the islands. After entering all your personal information and travel details, you will be asked the standard customs questions. 

Once you’ve submitted your form, you will be emailed a QR code. The QR code is what you will present at customs upon arrival and again when you exit the country.

Not only will you be able to fill out your customs information at your leisure up to three days before your departure, but the new system is expected to make the customs line at Antigua and Barbuda much quicker since your information will have already been verified via ArriveAntigua.

Currently, ArriveAntigua is only available for travelers flying to Antigua and Barbuda on commercial airlines. However, the goal is to eventually expand the pre-customs services to seaport arrivals and private jet travelers.