ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda —
Cuban and Chinese nationals may enter Antigua and Barbuda without an entry visa for visits of up to 30 days under immigration arrangements outlined by the government’s Department of Immigration.
According to information released by the department, the visa-free provision applies to visitors whose stays do not exceed 30 days. Travelers who know before arriving that they intend to remain longer than 30 days are required to obtain the appropriate visa before traveling, where required.
The department stressed that visa-free entry does not give a visitor an automatic right to remain in Antigua and Barbuda beyond the initial 30-day period.
All travelers also remain subject to the country’s normal immigration examination and admissibility requirements at the port of entry.
Other Entry Options
Cuban and Chinese nationals may also qualify to enter Antigua and Barbuda through other immigration arrangements.
An Antigua and Barbuda electronic visa may authorize a stay of up to 90 days where applicable.
People holding valid visas or residence permits for the United States, United Kingdom, Canada or the Schengen area may also be considered for a visa on arrival. Under that arrangement, the initial maximum stay is 30 days.
The visa-on-arrival fee is US$100, or EC$260.
Rules for Legal Residents
Different provisions apply to Cuban and Chinese nationals who are already legally resident in Antigua and Barbuda.
The Immigration Department said a person who holds lawful resident status may re-enter the country without obtaining an entry visa.
For example, a Cuban national with a valid work permit may be admitted in accordance with the validity of that status rather than being limited to the normal 30-day visitor period.
People whose legal status has expired may be granted up to 30 days to regularize their immigration status, depending on the circumstances of the individual case.
Staying Longer Than 30 Days
Visitors who entered Antigua and Barbuda under the visa-free arrangement and later decide they want to stay beyond 30 days do not need to obtain a new entry visa. They must, however, apply for an extension of stay.
The department emphasized that the extension is not automatic.
Applications must be made before the visitor’s authorized period expires, and the person must receive approval to remain legally beyond the original 30 days.
The extension process requires applicants to make an appointment with the Department of Immigration, appear in person for processing, submit the required documents and explain the grounds for seeking additional time.
Applicants must also attend an interview with an immigration officer and undergo background and security checks. They may be given a date to return while those checks are being completed.
Information provided by applicants may be submitted to the Joint Regional Communications Centre, or JRCC, and other relevant security authorities for background checks. Immigration officials will consider the results of those checks, the applicant’s documents and the reasons given for seeking an extension before making a decision.
EC$300 Extension Fee
If an extension is approved, the applicant will be notified and required to pay any applicable arrears.
The current extension-of-stay fee is EC$300.
Where applicable, an applicant may also have to pay a EC$1,500 change-of-status fee. Once the required payments and procedures are completed, the person will be granted the approved extension.
If an application is refused, the individual will be notified and given an opportunity to leave Antigua and Barbuda voluntarily within the period specified by immigration authorities.
Failure to leave could result in enforcement or removal action.
Warning Against Overstaying
The Immigration Department also warned visitors that simply submitting an extension application does not authorize them to remain in the country.
Remaining beyond an authorized period without an approved extension constitutes a breach of the conditions of stay and could result in penalties, arrest, immigration enforcement or removal proceedings.
The department lists its current fees as US$100/EC$260 for a visa on arrival, EC$1,500 for a change of status and EC$300 for an extension of stay, while arrears or overstay charges are assessed as prescribed.
The guidance provides Cuban and Chinese nationals with visa-free access for short visits while maintaining separate procedures for longer stays, residents and travelers seeking to change their immigration status.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda Offers 30-Day Visa-Free Entry to Cuban and Chinese Nationals.