Senate Unanimously Approves Passenger Information Bill to Strengthen Border Security

The Senate on Monday unanimously approved legislation establishing a new legal framework for collecting and sharing passenger information before travelers arrive in or depart from Antigua and Barbuda, with both government and opposition senators backing the measure as an important step in strengthening border security.

The Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill 2026 passed without amendment after receiving bipartisan support in the Upper House.

Leader of Government Business in the Senate Shenella Govia, who piloted the bill, said the legislation repeals and replaces the Advanced Passenger Information Act 2016 and aligns Antigua and Barbuda’s border management system with international best practices and CARICOM standards.

She said the bill provides for the collection, transmission, sharing, storage and regulation of Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) data for people traveling to, departing from and transiting through Antigua and Barbuda.

“What this Act overall seeks to do is really to ensure that Antigua and Barbuda is aligned with international standards and best practices and CARICOM standards,” Govia told senators.

She said the legislation is intended to strengthen national security by allowing authorities to identify potential threats before travelers arrive in the country.

“This Act really seeks to protect our borders, stop criminals before they arrive, combat terrorism, tackle human trafficking, prevent illegal immigration, improve intelligence that is shared throughout CARICOM, and ensure that Antigua and Barbuda remains a trusted international destination,” Govia said.

The bill establishes the legal framework for the collection and exchange of passenger information among domestic authorities and regional and international partners, enhancing intelligence-sharing while supporting the implementation of the CARICOM Advance Passenger and Crew Information System.

Opposition Senator Jonathan Wehner said his party supported the legislation, describing it as a non-contentious measure that serves the national interest.

While raising broader concerns about the limited time legislators had been given to review several bills before the sitting, Wehner said the passenger information legislation was one that both sides of the chamber could support.

“The Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill 2026 is a non-contentious bill. Really and truly, we are ensuring that we continue to protect our border,” Wehner said.

“We are a beautiful, beloved country, Antigua and Barbuda, that is not only a major tourist destination, but a country that tourists like to visit, Madam President, and we’re ensuring that we safeguard and protect our borders. So given the full support of the opposition… we lend our full support to this bill.”

Following the brief debate, the Senate approved the bill at the committee stage without amendments before reading it a third time and passing it unanimously.

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