Antigua and Barbuda Visa-Free Countries Increase at China Talks

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Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, the Honourable Gaston Browne, and ministers were invited by Chinese Premier Li Qiang to pay a state visit to China. The event took place from January 22-28. One of the agreements made saw the number of Antigua and Barbuda visa-free countries citizens can visit increase.

Background to the Antigua and Barbuda/China Talks

Antigua and Barbuda has a longstanding friendship with the People’s Republic of China. January 1, 1983, saw the start of diplomatic relations between the newly independent Caribbean country and the Asian powerhouse. 

30 years later, Antigua and Barbuda became the first Eastern Caribbean signatory to China’s Belt and Road Initiative of investing abroad. Since then, the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation has built the likes of the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, in tribute to the legendary cricketer, and the V.C. Bird Air Terminal.

These January 2024 talks were set up to further cement the relationship between the two countries. So as well as increasing the number of Antigua and Barbuda visa-free countries, the pair made other accords. These include a commitment to addressing climate change and coordinating maritime transport.

Impact on the Number of Antigua and Barbuda Visa-Free Countries

On the Antigua and Barbuda side, the Hon. E.P. Chet Greene, MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs. International Trade and Immigration signed the Agreement of Mutual Visa Exemption.

The Chinese signatory was the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Yi. Essentially, passport holders from both countries will now be able to travel to Antigua and Barbuda or China without having to apply for a visa in advance.

The RIF Trust Take on Events

Aleksandra Smolen, head of our Hong Kong office, welcomes the announcement. “Chinese clients often find it difficult to choose between the Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Programmes,” she reveals. 

“Anything that makes their decision easier can ensure they cut down the deliberating and get on with the applying.” “This means that they can realize the benefits of Caribbean CBI sooner rather than later.”

Our Man in the Caribbean, Chris Willis, is similarly enthusiastic about the news. “This is a fantastic development,” he exclaims. 

“The stronger the Antigua and Barbuda passport is, the more appealing it is for those looking to invest in citizenship.” “CBI is a competitive industry in the Caribbean and Antigua and Barbuda have definitely strengthened their hand.”

How Does This Affect You?

If you’re an Antigua and Barbuda passport holder, this enhances your global mobility. If you’re not, you will need to become an Antigua and Barbuda citizen first, something that we can help you with as investment migration specialists. So, don’t delay and contact RIF Trust today.