The government of Antigua and Barbuda has significantly enhanced global mobility for its citizens through a strategic series of newly finalized visa waiver agreements with multiple nations across Africa and the Middle East. Foreign Affairs Minister EP Chet Greene announced during the 2026 Budget Debate in Parliament that these diplomatic achievements form a core component of the nation’s proactive foreign policy aimed at delivering tangible benefits to its people.
The newly established arrangements with the United Arab Emirates, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, and Benin are designed to eliminate visa requirements, thereby streamlining international travel for Antiguans and Barbudans. Minister Greene emphasized that these agreements extend beyond symbolic diplomacy, serving as practical instruments to foster stronger economic cooperation, boost trade and investment opportunities, and enhance people-to-people connections with these key international partners.
While specific terms for each bilateral agreement were not disclosed, the minister characterized them as evidence of a foreign policy that prioritizes concrete outcomes for citizens. In a broader context, this initiative aligns with a comprehensive restructuring of the nation’s foreign service apparatus, which includes new diplomatic appointments and adjustments to overseas missions aimed at expanding the country’s international presence.
Although no new accord was announced with Japan during the parliamentary session, Minister Greene highlighted that existing arrangements with Tokyo remain active and that the government continues to fortify its long-standing relationship with the Asian nation. The administration indicated it will persistently pursue similar visa facilitation agreements as part of its ongoing strategy to deepen diplomatic and economic linkages worldwide.