Antigua and Barbuda has officially launched ArriveAntigua.com, a cutting-edge online arrival and departure system that promises to transform the travel experience at VC Bird International Airport.
The new platform replaces traditional paper forms with a streamlined digital process, positioning the twin-island nation as a regional leader in aviation technology.
The system, which went live at the end of March, was showcased during a demonstration attended by government officials, tourism stakeholders, and media representatives. Travelers can now complete Immigration and Customs forms online before arriving, significantly reducing wait times and improving the overall airport experience.
“The hardest, invariably the worst part of your visit to Antigua is the amount of time you have to spend in a long line getting in and a long line getting out,” said Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez, who has championed the initiative since 2018. “This will be a game changer for us.”
“In testing the system, one of the things that I found was so remarkable was how easy it was to use,” said Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. “You didn’t have to download an app like a lot of destinations. The fact that you could scan your passport page and it loads it up automatically with all the information that is excellent technology.”
“It’s a lot of money we will be saving to do away with all those pieces of paper, not to mention all the trees that we are going to be saving,” James said.
The system also ensures better revenue collection from tourism taxes, a crucial source of funding for destination marketing and development. Minister Fernandez highlighted this benefit, noting that the new platform will help capture all taxes from visitors, including those staying at high-end villas.
Meanwhile, Chief Immigration Officer Katrina Yearwood expressed pride in the country’s technological advancement, contrasting it with other Caribbean destinations still using manual systems.
The sophisticated security features built into the system have attracted attention from other Caribbean nations, with St Lucia expressing interest in implementing similar technology.
The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority has endorsed the initiative as part of broader improvements to airport infrastructure. CEO Wendy Francette-Williams highlighted the system’s alignment with the authority’s commitment to enhanced customer service.
“This streamlined process will not only improve the efficiency of border management but will also enhance airport services in areas of customer service, security operations, and IT services,” Francette- Williams said.
The launch comes at a strategic time, as Antigua and Barbuda prepares to host major international events including the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association meeting, the OAS meeting, and next year’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
While currently operational at V.C. Bird International Airport, plans are underway to expand the system to seaports and Barbuda’s airport. The platform will also integrate with cruise port operations to create comprehensive visitor profiles.
Technology partner Jeff Willemeyer, whose team developed the system over two years, emphasized the focus on simplicity, “We tried to make it as simple as possible. All you do is go to ArriveAntigua.com on any mobile device, you scan your passport, and it’s got all your name and all your information already in there.”
The ArriveAntigua.com system symbolizes the destination’s commitment to innovation and visitor satisfaction. As Minister Fernandez declared, “We don’t want Antigua to be a good airport. We want it to be the best in the region. And we’re not going to stop until we are best and beyond.”
