An Antigua and Barbuda passport can be renewed remotely, with no travel required, through an authorised agent. Government fees are GBP 50 per adult and GBP 25 per child (about USD 65 and USD 33) at the London High Commission, while the CIU Schedule of Fees lists USD 300 (EC$810) per person . Standard processing takes roughly 3 to 6 weeks, and all renewed passports are issued as biometric documents. Start early to avoid travel disruption.
- Government fee: GBP 50 per adult and GBP 25 per child (about USD 65 and USD 33) at the London High Commission; the CIU Schedule of Fees lists USD 300 (EC$810) per person. Authorised agent fees typically range from USD 500 to USD 2,000
- Processing timeline: 3-6 weeks under standard processing; allow 3-6 months if your passport is lost or stolen
- Biometric passport mandatory: All renewed Antigua & Barbuda passports are issued as biometric documents, ensure your supporting documents meet current standards
- Remote renewal available: No travel to Antigua & Barbuda is required; the entire process can be managed through an authorised agent
- ECCIRA member: Antigua & Barbuda is a founding member of ECCIRA (established December 2025), reinforcing the programme's compliance and due-diligence standards
- Start early: Mirabello Consultancy recommends beginning your renewal 3-6 months before your passport expires to avoid any travel disruption
First-Time Passport Renewal for Antigua and Barbuda 2026: What to Expect
Last updated: July 2026
Your first Antigua and Barbuda passport renewal as a citizenship-by-investment (CBI) citizen marks an important milestone, and it carries a requirement that sets Antigua apart from every other Caribbean CBI programme: the mandatory five-day physical visit. Your initial passport was valid for five years, and the first renewal is the government's checkpoint to verify you have met your residency obligation. This guide from Mirabello Consultancy covers the five-day rule, documents, fees, timeline and the mistakes to avoid. Prefer to hand it to specialists? Book a free consultation.
What is the five-day visit requirement for first-time renewal?
The five-day visit requirement means CBI citizens must spend a total of five days in Antigua and Barbuda within the first five years of citizenship, verified at the first passport renewal. It is a legally binding condition, not optional, and non-compliance can lead to citizenship revocation and forfeiture of the investment.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 days minimum within first 5 years |
| Verification | Checked at passport renewal via travel stamps and entry records |
| Non-Compliance | Citizenship revocation + forfeiture of investment |
| Evidence Required | Passport stamps, airline records, entry documentation |
| ECCIRA Future Change | 30 days within 5 years (expected mid-2026) |
If you have not yet completed your five-day visit, do so before initiating the renewal. Mirabello Consultancy can coordinate your visit logistics, including accommodation and entry documentation. The Antigua and Barbuda Immigration Department publishes the entry requirements you will need to evidence.
What does the first-time renewal timeline look like?
A first renewal runs from completing your five-day visit (within the first five years) to receiving the new passport about three to six weeks after a complete submission. Begin six months before expiry so you have time to finish the visit, if needed, and gather documents.
- Months 1-48 of citizenship: complete your five-day visit to Antigua and Barbuda.
- Month 54 (6 months before expiry): begin gathering renewal documents.
- Month 56-57: submit your renewal application through your agent or diplomatic mission.
- 3-6 weeks later: receive your renewed passport.
What documents do you need for a first-time renewal?
You need Form AB10, two ICAO-compliant passport photographs, your current or expired passport (surrendered), your Certificate of Citizenship and, critically for the first renewal, proof of five-day-stay compliance. A marriage certificate is required only for a name change.
- Completed renewal application (Form AB10)
- Two passport-sized photographs, ICAO compliant
- Current or expired passport, to be surrendered
- Proof of five-day residency compliance, critical for first-time renewals
- Certificate of Citizenship, your primary CBI identification
- Marriage certificate, if applicable for a name change
How much does a first-time Antigua passport renewal cost?
A first-time renewal costs GBP 50 per adult and GBP 25 per child (about USD 65 and USD 33) in government fees at the London High Commission, the same as any subsequent renewal; the CIU Schedule of Fees lists USD 300 (EC$810) per person. Authorised-agent service fees of USD 500 to USD 2,000 are the larger cost. A family of four pays roughly GBP 150 (about USD 195) in government fees, or USD 1,200 under the CIU schedule.
- Adult: GBP 50 (about USD 65) via the High Commission; USD 300 (EC$810) under the CIU schedule
- Child: GBP 25 (about USD 33) via the High Commission
- Agent service fee: USD 500-2,000 (Mirabello full-service)
Figures verified July 2026. Official sources: antigua-barbuda.com (High Commission fee schedule, effective 1 April 2025) and cip.gov.ag/schedule-of-fees.
For cost comparisons, see cheapest CBI programmes in 2026 and the best CBI programmes for families.
What mistakes should you avoid on a first-time renewal?
The single costliest mistake is forgetting the five-day visit, which risks revocation. Other common errors are insufficient visit documentation, starting less than three months before expiry, misplacing the Certificate of Citizenship, and not coordinating family applications. Based on over 1,500 renewals we have handled, these are the recurring pitfalls.
- Forgetting the five-day visit: the most critical error, leads to revocation risk.
- Insufficient visit documentation: ensure your passport was stamped on entry and exit.
- Waiting too long: starting under three months before expiry risks gaps in validity.
- Misplacing the Certificate of Citizenship: request a replacement early if needed.
- Not coordinating family renewals: individual applications, coordinated submission saves time.
How does Antigua compare to other Caribbean renewal programmes?
Antigua is the only Caribbean CBI programme that requires a physical visit to renew. Dominica charges EC$150 (about USD 55) and requires no visit; St Lucia requires no visit; Grenada requires no visit and adds E-2 treaty access. ECCIRA will introduce a 30-day presence rule across all five member states from mid-2026.
- Dominica requires no visit and charges EC$150 (about USD 55).
- St. Lucia requires no visit.
- Grenada requires no visit and provides E-2 treaty access.
For the latest regulatory changes, see our guide to new citizenship programmes in 2026.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Book your free consultation with Mirabello Consultancy. We coordinate your five-day visit, handle all documentation, and ensure a smooth first-time renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I haven't completed my five-day visit?
You risk citizenship revocation and loss of your entire investment. Complete the visit before applying for renewal. Mirabello Consultancy can coordinate urgent visit logistics.
Is my first renewal more expensive than subsequent renewals?
No. The fee is the same for every renewal, first or subsequent: GBP 50 per adult and GBP 25 per child (about USD 65 and USD 33) at the High Commission, or USD 300 per person under the CIU schedule.
Can I submit my first renewal application remotely?
Yes, the application can be submitted remotely through diplomatic missions or your authorised agent. The five-day visit must have been completed previously.
How long does first-time renewal take?
Standard processing is three to six weeks. Allow extra time for document transit if applying through a consulate abroad.
What if I lost my Certificate of Citizenship?
Contact the Antigua CIP for a replacement immediately. Contact Mirabello for assistance.
In summary
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