Antigua and Barbuda to increase passenger tax

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – The Antigua and Barbuda government has approved a US$10 increase in the passenger head tax for travellers entering and departing the country.

A statement issued following the weekly Cabinet meeting noted that the new tax will now be US$50 “as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure the sustainable financing of critical regional institutions that provide essential services to Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Eastern Caribbean.”

The statement said that Cabinet had been advised that the additional revenue generated from the adjustment would be earmarked to assist in meeting the country’s financial obligations to important regional agencies, including the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC).

“These institutions play indispensable roles in maintaining aviation safety and oversight across the region and ensuring the effective administration of justice through the Eastern Caribbean judicial system,” the statement said.

It said that, in approving the measure, the Cabinet noted that Antigua and Barbuda continues to benefit significantly from the services provided by these institutions and must therefore contribute its fair share towards their operation and sustainability.

“The government emphasised that maintaining strong and adequately funded regional institutions is essential to safeguarding the interests of citizens, supporting economic growth, and preserving regional integration.

“Cabinet further determined that travel within the CARICOM region will remain exempt from the increase, in keeping with the government’s commitment to promoting regional movement, strengthening economic and social ties among CARICOM member states, and advancing the goals of Caribbean integration.”

The statement said that the government expects the revised passenger head tax to provide a reliable source of funding to meet outstanding and future commitments while minimising the impact on residents and visitors.

“Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to prudent fiscal management and to ensuring that Antigua and Barbuda continues to honour its regional obligations while maintaining the high standards of service and institutional support upon which the nation depends. The increase will take effect following the completion of the necessary legislative and administrative processes, details of which will be announced in due course,” the statement added.

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