In a post-Cabinet press briefing held Thursday, Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant has unveiled a new policy initiative from the government of Antigua and Barbuda: a $10 increase to the international passenger head tax, designed to establish consistent, sustainable funding for critical regional governing bodies.
Under the approved plan, the head tax levied on international visitors entering Antigua and Barbuda will rise from its current rate of $40 to $50. All additional revenue generated by this adjustment will be specifically allocated to covering the Caribbean nation’s outstanding and future financial commitments to two foundational regional agencies: the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC).
Merchant emphasized that both organizations deliver core public functions that deliver direct benefits not only to Antigua and Barbuda, but to all member states across the Eastern Caribbean. The ECCAA, he noted, bears responsibility for upholding rigorous aviation safety standards across the entire region – a function that is critical to supporting the Caribbean’s tourism-dependent economies. Meanwhile, the ECSC serves as the backbone of the Eastern Caribbean’s judicial framework, guaranteeing consistent and effective administration of justice across multiple island nations.
Cabinet made the decision to move forward with the tax adjustment after concluding that Antigua and Barbuda must uphold its obligation to contribute its fair share to the operations and long-term stability of these organizations, given the substantial, ongoing benefits the country derives from their work. “Adequately funded regional institutions are essential to safeguarding the interests of citizens, supporting economic growth and preserving regional integration,” Merchant stated in his briefing.
Officials have structured the revised tax rate to create a steady, predictable revenue stream to meet existing and upcoming financial commitments, while deliberately minimizing the direct financial burden placed on international visitors. The tax increase is also framed as part of the Antigua and Barbuda government’s broader commitment to responsible, prudent fiscal management, and to honoring its treaty and financial obligations within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States and other inter-island governing bodies.
The new tax rate will not go into effect immediately. It will only be implemented after all required legislative and administrative procedural steps are completed, with additional details on the rollout timeline set to be released to the public at a later date.