Antigua and Barbuda Travel Advice, Embassies & Tourist Offices

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

Before you travel 

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and see support for British nationals abroad for information about specific travel topics. 

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated. 

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. 

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, 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. 

COVID-19 rules 

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Antigua and Barbuda. 

Passport validity requirements 

If you’re visiting or resident in 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. 

Vaccination requirements  

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Antigua and Barbuda guide. 

Depending on your circumstances, these may include a yellow fever certificate.  

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. 

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 at late night street parties, especially 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.   

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers. 

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism  

Swimming safety 

Take care when swimming. Currents can be deceptively strong and not all beaches have lifeguards or warning flags. Monitor all beaches carefully and follow warnings.  See Royal National Lifeboat Institution safety advice.

Transport risks  

Road travel 

If you are planning to drive in Antigua and Barbuda, see information on driving abroad.  

You will need a temporary local driving licence to drive in Antigua and Barbuda. Your car hire company will usually help with this process or these can be obtained at the Transport Board or local police stations. You need to present a UK driving licence to get a local temporary licence. 

Driving conditions 

Roads can have potholes and unmarked speed bumps. Minor roads and those in rural areas are narrow and can have blind corners. Pedestrians often walk on the roads. Drivers do not always use indicators.  

Take extra care when driving at night, as some roads are unlit. Road signs and hazards may not be easily visible.  

Do not stop if pedestrians flag you down. Keep car doors locked when driving. 

If you have an accident, call the police and do not move the vehicle. 

Taxis 

Taxis are not metered. Standard taxi fares are set by zones. Agree the fare in local currency with the driver before you set off. You can often pay in US dollars as well as Eastern Caribbean dollars.  

Sea travel 

Visitors arriving by sea must contact the Antigua Port Authority at least 6 hours before arrival using VHF Channel 16. Follow instructions on which port or holding area to use to complete entry formalities.  

Passengers arriving by cruise liner are subject to the protocols placed on board by their cruise company. 

Extreme weather and natural disasters 

Hurricanes  

The hurricane season in the Caribbean normally runs from June to November. Monitor local and international weather updates from the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, the World Meteorological Organization and the US National Hurricane Center and follow the advice of the local authorities, including any evacuation orders.  

The island of Barbuda was hit by hurricanes in 2017. Many buildings were destroyed and reconstruction work is still taking place. If you’re planning to visit Barbuda, you should: 

• monitor local and international weather updates 
• follow the advice of the local authorities 
• make sure your accommodation is secure 

See tropical cyclones for advice about how to prepare effectively and what to do if you are likely to be affected by a hurricane. 

Earthquakes 

Earthquakes are a risk in Antigua and Barbuda. Tremors are felt occasionally in the Caribbean. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.  

Before you travel check that: 

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need 
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation 

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. 

Emergency medical number 

Call 999 or 911 and ask for an ambulance. 

Contact your insurance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. 

Vaccinations and health risks 

At least 8 weeks before your trip check: 

• the latest information on vaccination recommendations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Antigua and Barbuda guide  
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page 

Medication 

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. 

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro. 

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad. 

Healthcare facilities in Antigua and Barbuda 

The main government hospital can cope with many types of treatment but serious cases may need an emergency evacuation. Medical treatment in Antigua and Barbuda can be expensive. 

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation. 

Before choosing to be treated at a private facility, check their policies on pre-payment. Private clinics may not accept medical travel insurance as payment for treatment. 

FCDO has a list of doctors in Antigua and Barbuda.  

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Antigua and Barbuda.  

Travel and mental health 

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro. 

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel. 

Emergency services in Antigua and Barbuda  

Telephone: 999 or 911 (ambulance, fire, police) 

Contact your travel provider and insurer 

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do. 

Refunds and changes to travel 

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first. 

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including: 

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider 
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim 

Support from FCDO 

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including: 

• finding lawyers and funeral directors  in Antigua and Barbuda  
• dealing with a death in Antigua and Barbuda  
• being arrested or imprisoned in Antigua and Barbuda 
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime  
• what to do if you’re in hospital  
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack 

Contacting FCDO 

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

You can also contact FCDO online.  

Help abroad in an emergency 

If you’re in Antigua and Barbuda and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British High Commission in Barbados, who will provide consular assistance. 

FCDO in London 

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad. 

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours) 

Find out about call charges