Antigua and Barbuda citizens could soon have access to faster immigration clearance at V.C. Bird International Airport through an enhanced ArriveAntigua system.

The initiative is being developed by the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority and the Immigration Department. In its initial phase, expedited processing will be available only to Antigua and Barbuda citizens.

The system is intended to let eligible travellers complete immigration requirements electronically and use automated passport and identity verification when arriving or departing. Cabinet said the changes should shorten queues, particularly during busy arrival periods, while allowing immigration officers to focus on travellers requiring additional checks.

The government said the technology would make routine processing more efficient while maintaining immigration and border-security controls. It also called for safeguards to protect passenger information.

The Cabinet notes give two different implementation dates: one section says the system is expected to be operational by September 30, while another refers to implementation by November 1. A confirmed launch date was therefore not clear from the notes.