Antigua Tightens Entry Rules for Travelers Arriving From Africa Amid Ebola Concerns
Antigua and Barbuda has introduced stricter entry requirements for travelers arriving from African countries as authorities increase precautions against Ebola and other infectious diseases.
Speaking at the post-Cabinet briefing following the May 27 Cabinet meeting, Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said the government has maintained its policy of not granting visa waivers to travelers departing from any African nation.
“As part of the government’s precautionary measures, Cabinet reiterated its existing policy that no visa waivers will be granted to individuals travelling from any African country,” Merchant said.
The restriction applies based on a traveler’s point of departure rather than nationality. As a result, anyone traveling from an African country must obtain a visa before arrival, even if they would normally qualify for visa-free entry.
Applicants seeking visas from African countries will also be required to provide details of their travel history for the previous 45 days as part of the screening process.
Cabinet further announced that entry visas will be refused to individuals who have recently visited countries or regions experiencing Ebola outbreaks or other serious viral diseases.
“Cabinet further advised that individuals who have recently travelled to countries or regions affected by Ebola or other known serious viral outbreaks will be denied entry visas in the interest of safeguarding public health and national security,” Merchant said.
The measures form part of a wider public health response being implemented by the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs. While no suspected or confirmed Ebola cases have been reported in Antigua and Barbuda, health officials say surveillance and preparedness measures have been strengthened.
Authorities have increased monitoring at ports of entry, enhanced infection prevention procedures within healthcare facilities, and expanded coordination with regional and international health agencies.
The ministry has also reinstalled infrared thermal cameras at V.C. Bird International Airport to improve passenger screening. Additional health protocols were introduced following the arrival of new international flights from Nigeria on May 25, with closer collaboration among airport, immigration, customs, and airline personnel.
Officials have described the measures as temporary and precautionary, stressing that the current risk to Antigua and Barbuda remains low. However, they say enhanced border controls are necessary to reduce the potential spread of infectious diseases through international travel.
Travelers affected by the policy are being advised to confirm visa requirements before departure and be prepared to provide details of their travel movements over the previous 45 days.