Antigua and Barbuda to Raise International Passenger Head Tax to US$50

The government of Antigua and Barbuda will increase the passenger head tax on international travellers by US$10, Cabinet approved, with the additional revenue designated to fund key regional institutions.

Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant announced the measure during Thursday's post-Cabinet media briefing. The head tax will rise from US$40 to US$50 for international travellers entering the country.

The additional revenue will be earmarked to help Antigua and Barbuda meet its financial obligations to regional agencies, including the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC).

"The additional revenue generated by adjustments in the passenger head tax will be earmarked to assist in meeting the country's financial obligations to regional agencies, including the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court," Merchant said.

Both institutions perform essential functions that directly benefit Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Eastern Caribbean. The ECCAA plays a critical role in maintaining aviation safety across the region, while the ECSC is responsible for ensuring the effective administration of justice throughout the Eastern Caribbean judicial system.

"These institutions play indispensable roles in maintaining aviation safety and ensuring the effective administration of justice throughout the Eastern Caribbean judicial system," Merchant said.

Cabinet concluded that Antigua and Barbuda must contribute its fair share toward the operation and sustainability of these organisations, noting that the country continues to benefit significantly from the services they provide.

"Adequately funded regional institutions are essential to safeguarding the interests of citizens, supporting economic growth and preserving regional integration," Merchant said.

The revised head tax is intended to create a reliable source of funding to meet both outstanding and future commitments while limiting the financial impact on visitors. Merchant described the increase as part of the government's broader commitment to prudent fiscal management and to honouring its obligations within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States and other regional bodies.

The measure will take effect after the completion of the required legislative and administrative processes, with further implementation details to be announced at a later date.