Travel Information on Antigua and Barbuda

When to go

Anytime! Northern winters tend to be busier, as visitors from the US and Europe escape the cold. Check out what’s going on when you plan to visit.

Entry Requirements

U.S. , Canadian and U.K. nationals require proof of citizenship--a valid passport, original or certified birth certificate. All visitors will need a passport valid for at least six months and either an onward or return airline ticket. For Visa Information, please visit the Antigua and Barbuda High Commission.

What to pack for your Antigua and Barbuda Holiday

Clothes - Simple, loose cotton clothing, along with appropriate clothing for any sport or leisure activity you might have planned – can be bought locally if you want to travel light.

Travel plugs – two-pin plugs or adaptors are usually required.

Medicine - a small healthcare kit to cover common medical needs is recommended.

Island Attire

Informal, but conservative. Beachwear is for our 365 beaches only. Some hotels and restaurants may require jacket and tie for men and dresses for women in the evening.

Shopping Hours

Monday – Saturday 8am - 5pm.

Currency

Is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar. Visitors are advised to declare amounts of over 10,000 (in any currency). US currency, travellers cheques and major credit cards are welcome virtually everywhere. Sterling can be exchanged in most banks.

Tipping

10% is the standard tip. Some restaurants add this automatically so check before you double-tip. Porters and bell boys traditionally receive US$1 per bag.

Banks

Lots of choice, most of which have the same opening hours: Monday-Thursday from 8am to 2pm, apart from Fridays when they are open until 4:30pm.

Staying in touch

Telephones: To phone Antigua from the UK dial 001 then the country code (268) before the rest of the number. To phone the UK from Antigua dial 001 then 44 before the rest of the number (omit the first digit of the area code).

Mobiles: Check with your service provider for availability and charges before leaving home.

Internet: Hotels, private villas and apartments have internet access. There are internet cafes and wi-fi zones in most centres.

Time Zone

Atlantic Standard Time, 4 hours behind GMT.

Electricity

The wattage is mostly 110 volts but some areas are 220 volts. Sockets are of the two-pin style. Most hotels will provide travel plug adapters.

Medical Facilities

In addition to the main state-run hospital, Mount St. John Medical Centre, there are several GPs and specialists and a number of private clinics, health centres, pharmacies and dentists. Most of the large hotels have a duty nurse on the premises. No vaccinations are necessary.

Antigua Departure Tax

There is a US $28 per person airport departure tax, a room tax of 8.5% and service charge of 10%. The airport tax is paid by the individual upon leaving the destination. Payment for visitors may be made at the Airline check-in counter, or at the Departure Tax Desk ( US or EC currency; cash payment accepted only)

Customs

In addition to the usual contraband, camouflage clothing is prohibited so if you have any, please leave it at home.

Imports

Click on the links below to discover more about the importation of pets and plants/ foods:

•   importing Pets
•   plant quarantine
•   import status of plants and related items

Importing Pets into Antigua

You’ll need an import permit from the Chief Veterinary Officer for any pet you wish to bring with you. The animal will need to be micro-chipped and tested for Rabies Titer at an approved laboratory. Test results must be forwarded to: The Chief Veterinary Officer, PO Box 1282, St Johns, Antigua Tel/Fax 001 268 460-1759.

Travelling Around

By Car – Temporary driver's licences lasting 3 months are required and can be obtained at rental companies for around EC$50 and production of your UK licence. Please drive on the left.

By Taxi – Plenty around in main centres but always organise a return trip if heading somewhere remote. Confirm the fare in advance and remember a 10% tip is expected.

By Bus – Transport by bus is affordable, and there are two major bus stations in St. John's.

On two wheels – Motorbikes, mopeds and bicycles can all be hired. Make sure you wear a helmet.