Current medical examination requirements define strict protocols for 2025
Antigua and Barbuda's citizenship by investment (CBI) program mandates comprehensive medical examinations for all applicants through Form AB3, with universal HIV testing required for all ages including children 12 and under - a distinctive feature among Caribbean CBI programs.
The medical certificate must be completed by a licensed medical practitioner and prove applicants are "free from any contagious diseases," with HIV test results valid for only 3 months from the test date.
The program's medical requirements serve as a public health screening mechanism integrated into the broader due diligence process. While no specific changes to medical protocols emerged in 2024-2025 despite major program amendments including investment threshold increases to $230,000, the medical examination framework remains a critical component that can determine application success or failure.
What They're Actually Testing For (And Why It Matters)
Let's cut through the fluff. The official government regulations say applications get rejected when "any of the family members is suffering from a contagious disease and/or serious health problems." Vague? Absolutely. But here's what that actually means based on industry experience:
The non-negotiables they're screening for:
- Active tuberculosis (TB) – Public health red flag number one
- HIV/AIDS – Though testing positive doesn't automatically disqualify you (more on that below)
- Contagious diseases that could spread in the community
- Mental health conditions with potential for harmful behavior
- Medical conditions requiring extensive treatment that could strain their healthcare system
Here's the kicker: Licensed agents report that with proper preliminary due diligence, medical-related rejection risks drop to about 1%. Most issues? They're fixable with full disclosure and the right documentation. It's the ones who try to hide stuff that get burned.
The HIV Testing Controversy Nobody Talks About
Alright, let's address the elephant in the room. Antigua requires HIV testing for everyone, even your 6-month-old baby. It's the only Caribbean CBI program with this universal requirement, and yeah, it feels invasive.
But here's what I've learned from working with countless applications: being HIV-positive doesn't automatically disqualify you. The government hasn't published specific policies (typical), but the testing seems more about public health screening than automatic exclusion. Still, that original test result – not a copy – needs to be less than 3 months old when you submit.
This creates a timing nightmare. Why? Because while the official timeline says 3-6 months, the reality with current backlogs is 6-8 months on average. Some applications are taking up to 8.3 months. Do the math – your HIV test could expire before they even look at your file.
Timing Your Medical Exam: The Strategic Sweet Spot
Here's where experience pays off. That HIV test validity creates what I call the "medical timing trap." You need to thread the needle perfectly, and most people screw this up.
My proven timing strategy:
- Schedule your medical exam 60 days before submission max
- Factor in 2-4 weeks for appointments and getting results
- Add another 1-2 weeks for apostille and translation (if needed)
- Build in buffer time because Murphy's Law is real
Remember, Form AB3 goes in with your initial application package – alongside Form AB1 (main application), Form AB2 (photo certificate), and the rest. It's not something you can submit later.
With processing times stretching beyond 8 months, some unlucky souls have had to redo their entire medical exam because their certificates expired. That's another $500-800 down the drain, plus the hassle of rebooking everything. Don't be that person.
Approved practitioners operate under flexible international standards
While Antigua and Barbuda doesn't publish a specific list of "approved" medical practitioners, the program accepts examinations from any licensed medical practitioner in good standing within their jurisdiction. This flexibility allows applicants to complete medical requirements in their country of residence rather than traveling to Antigua.
For domestic examinations in Antigua:
- Mount St. John's Medical Centre serves as the primary 185-bed facility
- Multiple licensed physicians registered with the Antigua and Barbuda Medical Council
- Direct oversight by local medical regulatory authorities
For overseas examinations:
- Practitioners must hold valid medical licenses in their jurisdiction
- Good standing with relevant medical regulatory authorities required
- Medical certificates require proper authentication through apostille (Hague Convention countries)
- All documents must be in English or include certified translations
- No pre-approval process for overseas practitioners identified
The absence of a restrictive approved practitioner list provides flexibility but places responsibility on applicants to ensure their chosen medical professional meets licensing requirements and can provide properly formatted documentation acceptable to CBI authorities.
The Mistakes That Tank Applications (Learn From Others' Pain)
After seeing hundreds of applications, I can tell you exactly where people mess up with Form AB3. And trust me, these aren't rocket science – they're completely avoidable if you pay attention.
The killers:
- Expired HIV tests – By far the #1 issue. People don't realize how fast 3 months flies by
- Missing apostille – Your beautiful medical certificate is worthless without proper certification
- Crappy translations – Google Translate won't cut it. Get certified translations or expect delays
- Photo problems – That passport photo needs to be physically attached to Form AB3, not stapled or clipped
- Doctor forgot to sign something – Sounds dumb, happens constantly
But here's the real application killer: lying about medical history. Look, with the new mandatory virtual interviews (yeah, they added those in December 2023 at $1,500 a pop), any inconsistencies will surface. Better to disclose that old surgery or managed condition upfront with proper documentation than get caught in a lie later.
Licensed agents will tell you – full disclosure with supporting docs resolves 99% of potential medical issues. It's the cover-ups that get you rejected.
What Your Medical Exam Actually Costs (Region by Region)
Let's talk money. The government won't tell you what medical exams cost because it varies wildly depending on where you are. Based on real-world data, here's what you're looking at:
Budget $200-500 per person for the basics:
- HIV test alone: $50-200 (depending on your location)
- Full medical exam: $200-500 including doctor consultation
- Apostille and certification: Another $100-300
- Translation (if needed): Variable, but budget $100-200
- Rush processing: Expect to pay 50% more if you're in a hurry
Regional reality check:
- Caribbean: Usually the cheapest option if you're already there
- United States: $400-800 per person (because American healthcare)
- Europe: Mid-range, but apostille requirements add complexity
- Asia: All over the map depending on country
For a family of four, you're realistically looking at $800-2,000 for all medical stuff. In expensive places like New York or London? Could hit $3,000. And remember, this is on top of the $10,000-20,000 in government processing fees plus that $8,500 main applicant due diligence fee.
Where Form AB3 Fits in Your Application Journey
Think of your CBI application like building a house – Form AB3 is part of the foundation, not something you add later. It goes in with your initial document dump, which means any medical hiccups can derail your entire timeline from day one.
Here's how it actually flows:
- Initial package submission – Form AB3 goes in here with everything else through your authorized agent
- Due diligence deep dive – Your medical clearance gets scrutinized alongside criminal and financial checks
- Virtual interview – If you're 16+, expect questions about any medical issues flagged earlier
- Final processing – Your medical docs better still be valid, or you're starting over
The current reality? With application volumes up 205% in 2024, processing is taking forever. We're talking 8+ months average, which makes that 3-month HIV test validity a real problem. Some unlucky folks have had to redo their entire medical workup because their docs expired while sitting in the queue.
The program generated nearly 60% of Antigua's non-tax revenue last year from 739 applications. That success means they're not cutting corners on due diligence – including medical reviews.
Recent updates focus on investment thresholds, not medical requirements
Comprehensive research reveals no specific changes to Form AB3 or medical examination requirements in 2024-2025, despite significant program amendments in other areas. The most substantial change increased minimum National Development Fund investment from $100,000 to $230,000 effective August 1, 2024, following Caribbean-wide CBI harmonization agreements.
Major 2024-2025 program changes included:
- Mandatory virtual interviews (December 15, 2023) for applicants 16+ at $1,500 per interview
- Expanded dependent definitions allowing children up to age 30
- Biometric passport upgrades for all new CBI passports
- Alternative main applicant options providing family flexibility
- Late payment penalties of $3,000 for delayed investment completion
Notably absent were COVID-19 specific medical requirements for CBI applicants. While Antigua implemented vaccination and testing requirements for tourist entry, these didn't extend to CBI medical examinations. The standard "good health" and communicable disease screening requirements remain unchanged from previous years.
The stability of medical requirements amid other substantial program changes suggests authorities view current health screening protocols as adequate. However, the lack of published updates to Form AB3 or approved practitioner lists indicates potential areas for future program enhancement.
Conclusion
Form AB3 medical examination requirements represent a critical yet stable component of Antigua and Barbuda's CBI program, distinguished by universal HIV testing requirements including children under 12.
The 3-month HIV test validity creates the primary timing constraint requiring strategic planning, while the absence of a restricted approved practitioner list provides geographic flexibility for applicants.
With medical examination costs varying from $200-$800 per person based on location and current processing backlogs extending beyond 8 months, successful applications require careful coordination between medical examinations and submission timing.
Despite major program changes in 2024-2025 including investment threshold increases to $230,000 and mandatory virtual interviews, medical requirements remained unchanged, suggesting current protocols effectively serve public health screening objectives while maintaining program accessibility for qualified investors.
