Antigua and Barbuda Passport Holders Exempt from UK Visa Requirement
- Prime Minister Gaston Browne has reassured the nation that holders of Antigua and Barbuda passports will continue to enjoy visa-free travel to the United Kingdom.
- Responding to questions from the Opposition in Parliament, PM Browne clarified that Antiguans will need to apply for the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) when it becomes effective in 2024.
- The ETA is described as a pre-screening arrangement and is not considered a traditional visa. It will require online application submission within a sufficient timeframe before travel.
UK’s Decision to Remove Dominica and Vanuatu from Visa-Free List
- Following a review of Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs, the United Kingdom made the decision to remove Dominica and Vanuatu from its list of visa-free countries on July 19.
- This measure was taken to safeguard UK national security, as abuses in the CBI programs allowed undesirable individuals to gain access to British territory.
UK’s Introduction of ETA System
- The UK’s Visas and Immigration Department has announced the implementation of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for certain countries.
- Starting from November 15, 2023, Qatari nationals will be required to obtain an ETA for visiting and transiting through the UK.
- Nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates will need an ETA from February 22, 2024.
ETA Process and Validity
- The ETA application will cost £10 per applicant and is typically issued within approximately three business days after verification of all required documents.
- The ETA will remain valid for a period of two years or until the expiry date of the passport.
EU’s Consideration to Remove Countries with CBIs from Visa-Free List
- The European Union has signaled its intention to remove countries with Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs from its visa-free list.
- In response to this development, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) engaged in talks with the EU to address concerns related to national security.
Impact on Antigua and Barbuda’s CBI Program
- During the parliamentary session, Barbuda MP Trevor Walker raised concerns about how the ETA requirement might affect Antigua and Barbuda’s lucrative Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program.
- Access to about 150 countries visa-free has been a major selling point for Antigua and Barbuda passports.
- PM Browne responded by reassuring that the ETA is not a traditional visa requirement and emphasized that even CIP citizens will be eligible for access to the UK under the ETA system.