{"slug":"antigua-and-barbuda","title":"Antigua and Barbuda travel advice","updated_at":"2026-03-13T09:27:23+00:00","reviewed_at":"2026-03-13T09:27:23Z","change_description":"New information that it is illegal to smoke in public places ('Safety and security' page).","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/antigua-and-barbuda","entry_requirements_html":"<p>This information is for people travelling on a full <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/types-of-british-nationality\">‘British citizen’ passport</a> 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.</p>\n\n<p>The authorities in Antigua and Barbuda set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"http://www.antigua-barbuda.com/\">Antigua and Barbuda High Commission in the UK</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"passport-validity-requirements\">Passport validity requirements </h2>\n\n<p>To enter Antigua and Barbuda, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive. </p>\n\n<p>Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport/renew\">Renew your passport</a> if you need to.  </p>\n\n<p>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. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"dual-nationals\">Dual nationals</h2>\n\n<p>When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports\">British passport</a> or <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/right-of-abode/apply-for-a-certificate-of-entitlement\">certificate of entitlement</a>. See <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/dual-citizenship\">Dual Citizenship</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"visa-requirements\">Visa requirements </h2>\n\n<p>You can visit Antigua and Barbuda without a visa. On entry, you’ll be allowed to stay for a maximum period of 90 days.</p>\n\n<p>Visitors must be able to show an onward or return ticket in order to enter the country.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"applying-for-a-visa\">Applying for a visa </h3>\n\n<p>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 <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://immigration.gov.ag/visa-services/general-visa-information/\">Antigua and Barbuda Immigration Department</a>. </p>\n\n<p>It is illegal to overstay the entry period or to work without a work permit.  </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"checks-at-border-control\">Checks at border control</h2>\n\n<p>The Antiguan and Barbudan authorities advise travellers to use <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://arriveantigua.com/no_desktop\">ArriveAntigua.com</a> to speed up your entry into the country, though it is not mandatory. You can only access it through a mobile telephone or tablet and within 72 hours of travel.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"airport-tax\">Airport tax </h2>\n\n<p>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. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"vaccine-requirements\">Vaccine requirements  </h2>\n\n<p>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 <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/65/countries-with-risk-of-yellow-fever-transmission\">country listed as a transmission risk</a>.</p>\n\n<p>For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/10/antigua-and-barbuda#Vaccine_Recommendations\">TravelHealthPro’s Antigua and Barbuda guide</a>. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"customs-rules\">Customs rules </h2>\n\n<p>There are strict rules about <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://vcbia.com/customs-and-immigration/\">goods you can take into or out of Antigua and Barbuda</a>. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. </p>\n\n","safety_html":"<h2 id=\"terrorism\">Terrorism  </h2>\n\n<p>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. </p>\n\n<p>UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/runhidetell/\">staying safe</a> and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduce-your-risk-from-terrorism-while-abroad\">how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"terrorism-in-antigua-and-barbuda\">Terrorism in Antigua and Barbuda </h3>\n\n<p>Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Antigua and Barbuda, attacks cannot be ruled out. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"crime\">Crime </h2>\n\n<p>There have been incidents of violent crime including murder, armed robbery and sexual assault in Antigua and Barbuda. </p>\n\n<p>Take sensible precautions to protect your personal safety. You should:  </p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>make sure your accommodation is secure – this also applies if you are staying on a yacht </li>\n  <li>take care when walking alone off the busy main roads </li>\n  <li>avoid isolated areas, including beaches, particularly after dark </li>\n  <li>only use licensed taxis </li>\n  <li>take particular care around large gatherings, including street and beach parties, especially after dark or during the festival season</li>\n  <li>not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery </li>\n  <li>leave valuables and travel documents in a safety deposit box or secure hotel safe </li>\n  <li>be aware that resisting a robbery can lead to a violent response, including use of weapons that can result in physical injury</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h2 id=\"laws-and-cultural-differences\">Laws and cultural differences  </h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"illegal-drugs-and-prison-sentences\">Illegal drugs and prison sentences </h3>\n\n<p>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. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"smoking\">Smoking</h3>\n\n<p>It is illegal to smoke in public places. You may face arrest for doing so.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"laws-on-clothing\">Laws on clothing </h3>\n\n<p>It is illegal for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"lgbt-travellers\">LGBT+ travellers </h3>\n\n<p>Attitudes towards the LGBT+ community are mostly conservative in the Caribbean.  </p>\n\n<p>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.   </p>\n\n<p>Read more <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-foreign-travel-advice\">advice for LGBT+ travellers</a>. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"outdoor-activities-and-adventure-tourism\">Outdoor activities and adventure tourism  </h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"swimming-safety\">Swimming safety </h3>\n\n<p>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 <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://rnli.org/safety/respect-the-water\">Royal National Lifeboat Institution safety advice</a>.</p>\n\n<p>See <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.rlss.org.uk/safety-on-holiday\">water safety on holiday</a> from the Royal Life Saving Society.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"transport-risks\">Transport risks  </h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"road-travel\">Road travel </h3>\n\n<p>If you are planning to drive in Antigua and Barbuda, see information on <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad\">driving abroad</a>.  </p>\n\n<p>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. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"driving-conditions\">Driving conditions </h3>\n\n<p>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.  </p>\n\n<p>Take extra care when driving at night, as some roads are unlit. Road signs and hazards may not be easily visible.  </p>\n\n<p>Do not stop if pedestrians flag you down. Keep car doors locked when driving. </p>\n\n<p>If you have an accident, call the police and do not move the vehicle. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"taxis\">Taxis </h3>\n\n<p>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.  </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"sea-travel\">Sea travel </h3>\n\n<p>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.  </p>\n\n<p>Passengers arriving by cruise liner are subject to the protocols placed on board by their cruise company. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"extreme-weather-and-natural-disasters\">Extreme weather and natural disasters </h2>\n\n<p>Find out what you can do to <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tropical-cyclones\">prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"hurricanes\">Hurricanes  </h3>\n\n<p>The hurricane season in the Caribbean normally runs from June to November. Monitor local and international weather updates from the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"http://www.antiguamet.com/\">Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services</a>, the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://severeweather.wmo.int/\">World Meteorological Organization</a> and the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/index.shtml?atlc\">US National Hurricane Center</a> and follow the advice of the local authorities, including any evacuation orders.  </p>\n\n<p>See <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/tropical-cyclones\">tropical cyclones</a> for advice about how to prepare effectively and what to do if you are likely to be affected by a hurricane. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"earthquakes\">Earthquakes </h3>\n\n<p>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 <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes\">what to do before, during and after an earthquake</a>.  </p>\n\n","customs_snippets":["You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.","not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery","Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else.","Agree the fare in local currency with the driver before you set off."]}
