Surge in lost passports has raised concerns in Antigua and Barbuda. Consequently, the Cabinet is considering stricter measures.

Director-General of Communications, Maurice Merchant, spoke at a post-Cabinet press briefing last week. He shared alarming data from the Passport Office.

In 2024, 360 passports were reported lost. Then, in 2025, the number climbed to 440. So far in 2026, 73 passports have already been reported missing by February. These figures represent lost documents, not stolen ones.

Merchant said citizens often lose passports due to carelessness. People misplace them at supermarkets or allow children to handle them. As a result, the problem continues to grow.

Moreover, lost passports create national security risks. They also generate administrative burdens and financial strain on the state. Currently, the replacement fee is $200. However, the government absorbs most of the actual cost for producing these high-quality documents.

Additionally, repeated losses increase the risk of identity theft and fraud. They could also harm the international reputation of Antigua and Barbuda’s travel documents.

To address the issue, the Passport Office is launching a public sensitization campaign. This initiative will focus on best practices for safeguarding passports at home and while traveling.

Furthermore, the Passport Office plans to submit formal proposals to the Cabinet. These may include raising replacement fees and extending the mandatory waiting period before issuing new passports. Exceptions would apply only in strict emergencies.

Currently, processes exist to cancel lost documents. Police investigations and Immigration Division searches are also in place. However, the volume of reports remains unsustainable.

Citizens are urged to take passport protection seriously. Treating it as a national responsibility helps safeguard border security and maintains the integrity of travel documents.

Ultimately, officials hope that stricter policies, combined with public awareness, will reduce losses. The Cabinet’s decision will determine how replacement fees and waiting periods change in the near future.

The government stresses that careful management of passports benefits both individuals and the nation. It ensures security, reduces costs, and protects Antigua and Barbuda’s international standing.