Caribbean island with UK flights and world's best beaches to be even easier to travel to this summer
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A CARRIBEAN island nation will be even easier to travel to this summer due to a new digital arrival and departure system.
The twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda boast 365 reef-lined beaches, with clear waters and golden sand.
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Antigua and Barbuda boast 365 reef-lined beaches
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And now, due to a new digital system, it will be easier to get to the islands
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Travellers will be able to pre-submit their details online
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And both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly directly from London to Antigua.
But now, it will be even easier to head to the destination as a digital arrival and departure system for travellers at VC Bird International Airport, in Antigua, has been launched.
The new portal will allow travellers to pre-submit their details and spend less time queuing at the airport, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has said.
Passengers will use the website - arriveantigua.com - on their phone or tablet to take a photo of their passport, which allows them to pre-fill essential details.
They will also answer a few question about their trip and customs declarations.
Once complete, a QR code will be issued to be shown at Immigration and Customs.
The code can be saved by the traveller to their iPhone Wallet, via screenshot or accessed through email confirmation.
The platform will soon be expanded to include arrivals via seaport and for private jet travellers.
Charles Fernandez, minister for tourism, civil aviation and transportation, said: "This is an important milestone in our ongoing mission to enhance the visitor experience for all who travel to Antigua and Barbuda.
"With ArriveAntigua.com, we are prioritising efficiency, ease and a truly seamless transition from plane to paradise," reports Travel Weekly.
Dominican Republic is the cheapest Caribbean island
In addition to world-class beaches, Antigua and Barbuda are home to many historical sites including Nelson's Dockyard.
Popular spots such as Dickenson Bay, feature calm waters making them perfect for swimming, kayaking and other water sports.
Alternatively, there are also quiet and secluded beaches, such as Ffryes Beach, which boasts calm waters.
The islands are also home to rainforests and a wide range of wildlife.
A new international airport opened on Barbuda last year, costing $14million (£10.8million).
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The scheme could be expanded in the future to include the port
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It takes around nine hours to fly to the islands
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The airport is due to improve the island's "connectivity, tourism and economic growth", according to authorities.
But, for the foreseeable future, Barbuda International Airport will only accommodate private flights.
However, flights are still available to VC Bird International Airport, which takes just under nine hours to fly to and flights cost from around £500.
One woman quit the UK to live on one of the cheapest Caribbean islands.
Plus, the unspoiled Caribbean island away from the crowds – with one of the world's shortest runways.
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