O. R. SalahudeenHere we are delighted in explaining to you comprehensively on travel to Antigua and Barbuda from Nigeria step by step guide to enable you to understand what’s entails in travelling to Antigua and Barbuda in preparations and the end result of the trip.
Where is Antigua and Barbuda?
Antigua and Barbuda is an independent island country in the West Indies located between the Caribbean sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The capital and the biggest city is St.John’s located in Antigua. Although Antigua and Barbuda are the biggest islands in the country, there are other islands within the commonwealth country such as Green, Guiana, Great Bird, Maiden, Long, Prickly Pear etc. The country’s population is estimated at 3,949,250.
Is Antigua and Barbuda an English speaking country?
Antigua and Barbuda as a country is a member of commonwealth countries therefore English is the official language and the majority of the citizens do understand and speak English, visitor to the Caribbean country from an English speaking country will have no difficulty in interacting with the inhabitants,
How to reach Antigua from Nigeria
The only way to reach Antigua island from Nigeria is by flight. The good news is that there various types of Airlines that operate flights to the island. A potential traveller to Antigua can choose between Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Delta Air France etcetera.
Please note that whatever Airlines you selected be prepared to have at least 2 stopovers before getting to Antigua. The time on a flight is about 15hours 57 minutes. While the average cheapest price on a one-way ticket is USD653 upwards.
You can get about 10 flights per week. And the departure flight time is 22.10 hours.
Is Antigua and Barbuda Barbuda Visa-free for Nigerian citizens?
Yes, the good news is that as a Nigerian citizen you are allowed to obtain an electronic visa on arrival. Please note that to avoid problems especially from different countries that you will stop over to get to Antigua, it is important to obtain a transit visa on your way to Antigua. You have to process the Antigua Electronic entry visa from your country of residence.
HOW TO PROCESS ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA ELECTRONIC VISA
As the name implies Antigua and Barbuda Electronic visa is obtainable online therefore a visa applicant does not need to appear in the Embassy, the process is simple and can be completed online
Here are the requirements needed for the Electronic visa.
1. Download the visa application form
2. Your international passport with at least six months validity. Scan the data page of the passport.
3 Photocopy of your birth certificate
4. Photocopy of your national identity card
5. Printout copy of your return ticket, indicate the arrival and departure dates
6. Evidence of an original letter of introduction from your organization or employer stating your reason for embarking on a trip to Antigua and Barbuda.
7. Evidence of accommodation or hotel booking
8. Evidence of basic travelling allowance sufficient to cover your entire stay in Antigua and Barbuda.
9. Prove of payment of the visa processing fees (the amount for the processing fees in all categories are USD135
PROCESSING AND VALIDITY OF THE ELECTRONIC VISA
1. Please note that you have to allow 14 working days for the processing of your visa after submission.
Upload all the above-mentioned documents and send them to the appropriate website which is obtainable online
2. The Visa has a 180 days validity after the issuance.
3. It is advisable to use the Visa before expiration.
4. From your day of arrival, you can stay in the country for 90 days, because the Electronic visa is a single entry therefore you will need a fresh visa for another entry.
STILL ON TRAVEL TO ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA FROM NIGERIA STEP BY STEP GUIDE
COVID 19 RESTRICTIONS
Due to the coronavirus pandemic ravaging some countries, the travellers who have been to South Africa, Brazil and India are not allowed to enter Antigua and Barbuda for the time being.
Furthermore, all travellers to Antigua and Barbuda are expected to fill out a travel accommodation form before their departure to Antigua and Barbuda, including transit passengers.
THINGS TO NOTE BEFORE DEPARTING FOR ANTIGUA
1. Never travel before the due date
2. On your day of departure be sure you arrive early at the Airport, before the commencement of the Airline’s check inactivity.
3. If there is a queue, join immediately without engaging in any merriments or photographs with friends.
4. As soon as you checked in your luggage and obtain the boarding pass, move straight to the Airport Immigration departure counters.
5. Lateness arrival at the Immigration and the security services departure counters may result in missing your flight because most major Airlines usually scheduled their flight towards evening hours which automatically creates congestion at the Immigration Service and the Airport authorities security areas if you arrive early the congestion is usually avoidable.
6. Remember if you missed your flight, rescheduling the flight will attract extra charges from the airline and the Airport authorities.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE REACHING THE IMMIGRATION CONTROL AREA
When you disembark from the aeroplane, before reaching the Immigration Arrival counters, please note these points:
1. If you’re on a short visit, be sure you travel light. Do not carry large luggage. Having many suitcases may send a wrong message to security personnel that you have the intention of staying for a longer period, this act may lead to refuse entry.
2. Be sure your passport, return ticket, COVID-19 health certificate, basic travelling allowance are in your hand luggage to avoid embarrassment or delay in waiting for your suitcases.
3. Make sure you know the address of the place you’re visiting or the name of your host, the Immigration authority may demand them.
4. Do not render any assistance or carry anything for anyone it could be dangerous.
5. Avoid making friends with a stranger until you reach outside the airport. The distraction could be costly.
STILL ON TRAVEL TO ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA FROM NIGERIA STEP BY STEP GUIDE
STEPPING OUT OF THE AIRPORT.
After concluding the arrival formalities and you step outside the airport to move to your destination. Avoid using chattered taxis. In some places, they are an avenue for exploitation and risk. Ask for public transport. If the shuttle buses are not pre-booked go for them. Going with the majority is better than travelling alone as a stranger.
There are four ways you can get to St John’s the Antigua and Barbuda’s Capital, by taxi, bus, shuttle or foot.
The Airport is 6 km from St, John’s, therefore, it is trekkable if you don’t have large luggage. Likewise a bus cost only one US dollar (USD1) therefore there is no need for trekking.
WHERE TO STAY ON THE ISLAND
There are hotels of different categories in Antigua, depending on your budget, a young person can choose to stay in hostels which are cheaper options. We do not recommend any hotel because we believed that there are many professional accommodation providers any visitors can engage that will deliver a good job.
IS ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA SAFE FOR FOREIGNERS
Antigua and Barbuda are relatively safer than most adjacent countries such as St. Kitts and Nevis, Barbados and Jamaica. Crime rates are lower, in fact, Antigua has the lowest crime rate in the Caribbean. Visitors are free to move from one place to another as long as you avoid isolated places.
FOOD IN ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
Antigua and Barbuda are well known for fresh seafood Variety of foods are plentiful on the islands. They are delicious but expensive. The best way to live here and eat wisely is to buy from the food market and prepare your food, otherwise, foods will take large chunks of your basic travelling allowance.
BEST TIME TO VISIT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
As a hurricane-prone area, the best time to visit the island is between December to May. The rainy season commences from June to November. However, visitors do come to Antigua and Barbuda during this period because things are cheaper during the rainy season than any other period of the year.
WHAT BROUGHT YOU HERE?
If you’re on tourism to the island country, you’ll surely have a good time. As a popular Tourist destination country, there are many attractive places to visit and relax. You have about 365 beaches to play around, most of them are not far from each other.
If you’re here for other reasons we wish you all the best, remember you have 90 days to stay and conduct whatever brought you here.
That’s all for now on Travel to Antigua and Barbuda from Nigeria step by step guide
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