Antigua citizenship: visits, the oath and passport renewal

Start with the citizenship and passport records

The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit’s passport page currently describes a five-year first passport, with renewal linked to five days in the country within five years of obtaining citizenship. This is the published position at the source-check date; the relevant cohort, exemptions and subsequent amendments still require review under the applicable rules.[1]

Citizenship registration, passport issue and passport expiry have different purposes. Recording the certificate number, relevant dates and outstanding requirements for each family member provides a reliable reference when planning a visit or preparing a renewal.

Document the oath and the visit

CIU’s NDF guidance describes oath channels in Antigua and Barbuda and through relevant diplomatic offices. Its AB11 form also sets out an audiovisual procedure, including identity checks, witnessing and records. The route available to an individual should be confirmed under the current process.[2][3]

An oath completed abroad and a visit to the country require different evidence. Retain the oath documents alongside, rather than in place of, travel records. The availability of a downloadable form does not establish that every procedure it describes can be used without further confirmation.

Preserve travel evidence while it is available

The published five-year renewal form, AB10, lists entry and exit stamps, hotel receipts, boarding passes and property-management confirmation for an owned residence. It requests two of the listed forms of stay evidence. The current form and individual requirements should be checked before submission.[4]

This is a record-keeping guide, not a substitute for the official checklist. Children, exemptions and exceptional circumstances need individual consideration. The principal applicant’s travel history does not automatically establish compliance for the whole family.

Update the information and establish the fees

AB10 asks about relevant developments since citizenship was granted and lists documents including the certificate, old passport, photographs and address evidence. The 2024 amendment regulations set five-year renewal application fees at US$1,000 for those aged 18 or over and US$500 for those aged 17 or under, with a passport-fee item listed separately. The older form and newer schedule need to be read together before a current itemised total is confirmed.[4][5]

Evidence of investment holdings also depends on the original route. Sections concerning real estate or business investments should be completed where applicable, rather than imposed on an NDF applicant with no such qualifying holding.[4]

Review the rules at each relevant stage

Legislation, forms and procedures may change during the five-year period. Before travelling, updating records or filing a renewal, check commencement dates and any transitional provisions instead of relying solely on an earlier webpage.

Careful record-keeping has value throughout that period. Accurate travel evidence, complete oath documents and consistent identity records support the next application and reduce the difficulty of reconstructing events years later.

Further reading

Programme guideAntigua & Barbuda →Related articleAntigua and Barbuda citizenship: dependant eligibility and NDF fees →

Government sources and legislation

1. CIU: Antigua and Barbuda passport

2. CIU: NDF process and oath channels

3. CIU: AB11 oath application and instructions

4. CIU: AB10 five-year renewal form, published May 2021 version

5. Government: Citizenship by Investment Amendment Regulations 2024

This article provides general information. Confirm current rules, charges and the requirements for your own circumstances before applying.