5 Tips On Navigating Antigua's International Airport

Yay! You are about to, or are thinking about, visiting Antigua and Barbuda. You may also have some questions about what navigating through the airport might be like. We here at the Unwritten Postcard, are here to help as we pass through Antigua's V.C. Bird International Airport at least once a year. 

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Before you travel

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​1. Book a return ticket

​Unfortunately, Antigua is not a location where you can have an extended stay without plans to return to your country of origin. You must book a return ticket, or you might be unable to board your flight. On most booking services, a notice will appear if you try to book a one-way flight. This limitation does not apply to CARICOM nationals. 

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During your travel

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​2. Airline arrival form

Around landing time, flight attendants will hand out an immigration/customs form. You are to fill out the information requested. Information collected includes your name, occupation, nationality, address, origin-destination, final destination (name of the hotel), and how long you are staying for, among other details.

Ask airport personnel for a form, if you did not receive one while in flight.

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After Landing 

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3. Immigration

Welcome! You have landed at Antigua's V.C. Bird International Airport. Hopefully you were met with clear blue skies and tropical music and are ready to start your vacation. 

You will be split into two lines, one for nationals and the other for non-nationals. If you didn't get to fill out the immigration/customs form before, now is a good time.

Once you have reached the immigration officer, you will give them your passport and the completed form. They will hand you back the bottom portion. DO NOT LOSE IT. You will need to fill it out and show this once you return to the airport upon your departure. 

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4. Customs 

​After you have made it through immigration, there is a short walk to collect your luggage. Then, you will have to head to Customs, where you will be asked a list of questions and have your luggage searched one final time.

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5. Finding your hotel

​If your hotel has accommodations to transport you to your hotel, you will most likely find them standing outside. If your hotel doesn't have accommodations, or you are staying at a private home, you can also use the taxi stand. Simply let the service members know where you are going, and they will signal a taxi bus for you. You will be handed a slip of paper with your taxi driver's license plate and the total cost of the trip in both EC and USD. They do not accept credit cards, so don't forget to bring some cash.