Antigua and Barbuda Travel Guide

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Antigua and Barbuda Travel Guide

Key Facts

Area:

Total: 441.6 sq km (170.5 sq miles).

Population:

100,963 (World Bank estimate 2016).

Population density:

228.42 per sq km.

Capital:

St John's.

Government:

Constitutional monarchy.

Head of state:

HM Queen Elizabeth II since 1952, represented locally by Governor-General Rodney Williams since 2014.

Head of government:

Prime Minister Gaston Browne since 2014.

Electricity:

230 volts AC, 60Hz. Most hotels have both voltages, and American-style plugs with two flat pins (with or without round grounding pin) are standard.

“We have 365 beaches here – one for every day of the year.” If you were given a dollar every time you heard that in Antigua, your holiday would surely be paid for. It’s the national catchphrase and you’ll get tired of hearing it. But locals have every right to be proud of Antigua and its dashing twin, Barbuda: with their powdery beaches and swaying palms they’re the quintessence of Caribbean island idyll.

Most of the action takes place in Antigua, a glamorous island where expensive yachts float in the harbour, honeymooners frolic in the surf and scuba divers explore colourful coral reefs in crystalline waters. You can see why Giorgio Armani and Oprah Winfrey keep homes here.

Away from the glamour, there are many attractions: from steamy rainforests to historic sites such as Shirley Heights, a military lookout with views over Nelson’s Dockyard, the only working Georgian dockyard in the world.

Antigua’s highest point, Mount Obama, begs to be climbed. It’s also worth checking out the island’s national parks and billowing blowholes, such as Devil's Bridge, which are caused by the colliding surf of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

The buzzing Saturday market in St Johns, the capital, is a must: pick up anything from fresh fruit to local crafts. Antigua springs to life at night, with dozens of places to party including Shirley Heights, which is the setting for Sunday night “jump ups” (street parties) featuring live music and lots of rum punch.

Antigua’s little sister Barbuda is quieter, but no less beautiful. Lying 43.5km (27 miles) to the north, its beating heart is Codrington, which is widely referred to as “The Village”. Codrington consists of only a handful of streets and offers a glimpse of Caribbean life as it used to be.

Although small, there is much to do in Barbuda. The island is a haven for wild deer and exotic birds, and is home to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary. Important Amerindian rock carvings can be found at Two foot Bay, while sumptuous beaches abound.

Travel Advice

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

see general advice for women travellers
read our guide on disability and travel abroad
see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
read about safety for solo and independent travel
see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

Follow FCDO:  

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Antigua and Barbuda’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Antigua and Barbuda set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Antigua and Barbuda High Commission in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Antigua and Barbuda, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You can visit Antigua and Barbuda without a visa. On entry, you’ll be allowed to stay for a maximum period of 90 days.

Applying for a visa

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must apply and pay for an extension of stay through the Antigua and Barbuda Immigration Department.

It is illegal to overstay the entry period or to work without a work permit.

Airport tax

Most airlines include departure tax in their flight costs. If you’re flying on regional airlines, you should check whether tax is included before you travel.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Antigua and Barbuda, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Antigua and Barbuda guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Antigua and Barbuda. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Antigua and Barbuda

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Antigua and Barbuda, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Crime

There have been incidents of violent crime including murder, armed robbery and sexual assault in Antigua and Barbuda.

Take sensible precautions to protect your personal safety. You should:

make sure your accommodation is secure – this also applies if you are staying on a yacht
take care when walking alone off the busy main roads
avoid isolated areas, including beaches, particularly after dark
only use licensed taxis
take particular care around large gatherings, including street and beach parties, especially after dark or during the festival season
not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery
leave valuables and travel documents in a safety deposit box or secure hotel safe

Laws and cultural differences

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

It is illegal to possess drugs. There are severe penalties for all drug offences. Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else.

Laws on clothing

It is illegal for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing.

LGBT+ travellers

Attitudes towards the LGBT+ community are mostly conservative in the Caribbean.

Antigua and Barbuda no longer has legislation against same-sex sexual acts. However, showing affection in public may attract unwanted and negative attention. It is uncommon for opposite or same-sex couples to show affection in public.