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Antigua & Barbuda - Traveller information

Local laws and conventions: Local people are conservative and visitors must not wear beachwear in towns or villages.

It is illegal for anyone, including children, to wear camouflage clothing. All drug offences carry severe penalties.

Handshaking is the usual form of greeting among the islanders. Dress is informal and a lightweight suit is customary for business meetings. Business cards are expected from foreign business people. A large number of hotels offer conference facilities. Office hours are Mon–Fri 0800–1200 and 1300–1630.

Immigration and Customs: Passports must be valid for six months from the date of arrival and visas are required by some nationals. Visitors should check with their local Antigua and Barbuda high commission or embassy for visa requirements.

Visitors staying longer than 24 hours must pay an airport departure tax of EC$50. Visitors should make a copy of their passport photopage and relevant visa stamp, and keep their passport safe at all times.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by those travelling from an infected area.

Travel within the country: Driving is on the left and visitors must purchase a local driving licence before hiring a car; these can be bought from the car hire company on production of a national driving licence. The national speed limits are 65kph on highways and 32kph in built-up areas. Most roads are well maintained, although care should be taken as stray cattle, goats and dogs may wander onto the roads; pedestrians also walk on the roads because there are no pavements.

There are local bus networks but services are infrequent. Taxis are widely available and have standardised rates. Additionally, many taxi drivers will agree to take visitors on sightseeing trips.

Local boats are available for excursions, and visitors can take the Barbuda Express ferry to and from St John’s five days a week; journey time is 90 minutes. Carib Aviation has daily flights to Barbuda and journey time is around 20 minutes.

Travel health: Visitors are advised to take out comprehensive health insurance, which includes medical evacuation by air. Dengue fever is endemic and is spread by day-biting mosquitoes; visitors will need to take insect repellent and suitable clothing to avoid being bitten.

Tuberculosis and Hepatitis B vaccinations are sometimes recommended. All current vaccination requirements should be checked before travel.

If taking prescription drugs, visitors should ensure they are kept in their original containers, clearly labelled to avoid any misunderstandings.

Mains water is normally chlorinated and bottled water is advised for the first few weeks of stay. Milk is pasteurised.

Money: Pounds sterling and US dollars can be exchanged at hotels and in the larger shops. American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted. ATMs are available in the major resorts and there are international banks in St John’s. Travellers cheques can be exchanged at international banks, hotels and the larger stores. Visitors are advised to take travellers cheques in US dollars to avoid additional charges. Banking hours are Mon–Thur 0800–1500, Fri 0800–1300 and 1500–1700; some banks open until midday on Saturday.

There were 245,000 tourist arrivals in 2004.