Antigua and Barbuda and China agree to non-visa entry for their citizens.

Antigua and Barbuda and the People’s Republic of China have entered into a historic Agreement of Mutual Visa Exemption.

During the official visit to China by a delegation led by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, both countries signed the agreement with a view to promoting friendly relations and facilitating the exchange of visits by their citizens.

The agreement streamlines the entry procedures for holders of passports for the citizens of both countries. It was arrived at following friendly consultations that prioritized mutual visa exemption based on equality and reciprocity.

The statement said that citizens of Antigua and Barbuda holding valid diplomatic, official, or ordinary passports of Antigua and Barbuda, and citizens of the People’s Republic of China holding valid diplomatic, service, or ordinary passports of the People’s Republic of China, shall be exempted from visa requirements for entry into, exit from, or transit through the territory of the Contracting Party, for a single stay not exceeding thirty (30) days within a period not exceeding ninety (90) days in any 180-day-period.

Under this agreement, citizens from either country may enter, exit or transit each other’s ports open to international travel and adhere to the laws and regulations applicable to non-citizens with respect to entry, exit, and transit.

For those occasions where citizens of either country wish to stay for a period exceeding thirty days, such as to study, reside, engage in employment, or other such activities, they are required to apply for a visa prior to entering that country.

The agreement also covers the spouses or underage children of those holding diplomatic or service passports who are assigned to work in either Contracting Country.

When traveling with the substantive holder of the diplomatic or service passports, they will not be required to obtain visas for the duration of the accreditation.

This agreement with Antigua and Barbuda is the first for any country in the OECS and demonstrates the PRC’s commitment to friendly and mutually beneficial relations with the Caribbean region.