ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA | Visa-free travel between Antigua and Barbuda and China now fully operational

ST. JOHNS, Antigua and Barbuda - May 17, 2024 -  The recent agreement between Antigua and Barbuda and the People’s Republic of China now allows citizens of both nations to enjoy visa-free travel for stays of up to thirty 30 days within a period not exceeding ninety 90 days in any 180-day period, effective 11 May 2024.

This exciting development opens up new opportunities for travel and collaboration between the two countries.

The recent milestone follows the ratification of the Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption between The Government of Antigua and Barbuda and The Government of the People’s Republic of China.

This visa exemption agreement signifies a significant stride in strengthening the amicable relations between Antigua and Barbuda and China, promoting increased people-to-people interactions, and fostering enhanced collaboration across various sectors.

The implementation of the agreement is anticipated to yield numerous benefits, privileges, and opportunities for citizens of both nations, particularly in the realms of tourism, business, and cultural exchanges.

While individuals holding valid diplomatic, official, or ordinary passports from both countries are now exempted from visa requirements for tourist visits, it is essential to note that those intending to partake in activities such as studying, residency, employment, media engagements, and other non-tourist endeavors are still required to obtain the relevant visa before traveling.

The People’s Republic of China stands as Antigua and Barbuda’s most significant development partner, with both countries enjoying mutually advantageous relations across various spheres.

China’s assistance has been pivotal in areas such as multilateral cooperation, infrastructure development, scholarships and training, technical aid, climate change mitigation, and strategic collaboration.

The Governments of Antigua and Barbuda and the People’s Republic of China remain dedicated to nurturing meaningful and deeper connections between their peoples, further promoting mutual development, and advancing progress as enduring and cherished partners.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the Organisation of American States (OAS), Sir Ronald Sanders, has received specific instruction from the Prime Minister to establish diplomatic ties with Palestine.

Sir Ron stated that the idea goes beyond the mere recognition of Palestine as a state.

He mentioned, ‘I have started that process, and we had a positive response from Palestine in accordance with the Prime Minister’s request and in agreement with Foreign Affairs Minister EP Chet Greene.’

Recently, Antigua & Barbuda was among 143 countries that voted in favor of a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly for the Security Council to reconsider Palestine’s application for membership in the United Nations.

While recognizing that the granting of membership resides with the General Assembly, on the recommendation of the Security Council, the resolution called on the council to act and expand the rights of the State of Palestine as a Permanent Observer in the General Assembly.

Nine countries voted against the resolution, while 25 countries abstained.

“Sir Ron expressed hope that the entire process could be formalized within a matter of weeks, stating, ‘The reason for that is, we want to be able to talk to Palestine as we can talk to Israel now through diplomatic channels in a formal and informal way. We can’t have diplomatic relations with one and not have diplomatic response with the other if we want to try to promote a peaceful settlement,’ the OAS ambassador explained.”

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Main Photo Caption: Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China.