North and Central America and Caribbean

No restrictions in this travel advice

Avoid all but essential travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all but essential travel to whole country

Avoid all travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all travel to whole country

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

 

• The hurricane season in Anguilla runs from June to November.  See the Natural Disasters section of this Travel Advice.
  
  
• Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory. There is no formal British diplomatic or consular representation in Anguilla and the local authorities deal with all requests for consular assistance. See General - Consular Assistance .
  
  
• Most visits to Anguilla are trouble-free.  However, you should not become complacent about safety and security as cases of robbery and other crimes against people do occur.  See our Safety and Security - Crime .
  
  
• The threat from terrorism is low, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate attacks which could be in public places, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  See General - Insurance .

Safety and Security - Terrorism
The threat from terrorism is low.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public places, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.  See our terrorism abroad page.

Safety and Security - Crime
There is a relatively low rate of crime in Anguilla. Nevertheless take sensible precautions such as locking doors and windows at night and securing your car when you leave it. Avoid isolated areas, including beaches after dark.  Do not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery. Valuables and travel documents should be left, where possible, in safety deposit boxes and hotel safes. Do not offer resistance in the attempt of an armed robbery.

See our victims of crime abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel
There is no public transport except taxis but car rental is widely available. You will need to bring your driving licence if you plan to rent a car (and obtain a local driving licence from the car rental company at a cost of US $20). Most rental cars are automatic, but manual ones can be obtained – it is best to order in advance. If driving a vehicle, remember to drive on the left, the same as in the UK, and exercise caution when overtaking as most vehicles are left hand drive.  Observe speed limits and do not drink and drive. See our driving abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Air Travel
All airlines require early check-in times for passengers and luggage.  All items of luggage are subject to search.  You should allow extra time at the airport and should check with the individual airline for the recommended check-in time for your flight.

For more general information see airline security.

The next election is due before March 2015.

Anguilla Country Profile

There are harsh penalties if you are caught with drugs of any kind.

Topless/nude bathing is not permitted.

You should observe the customs regulations on the importation and exportation of agricultural products and the protection of marine and animal life. There are a number of marine and animal specimens that may not be taken from the island. If in doubt you should check with the local customs authorities prior to the purchase, importation or exportation of such items.

For those returning to the UK, please observe the UK Customs and Excise rules on the illegal importation of meat and animal products.

For more general information for different types of travellers see your trip.

Entry Requirements - Visas

British nationals do not require a visa to enter Anguilla as a visitor but accommodation must be booked prior to arrival.

For visa enquiries, non-British passport holders should visit the website of the UK Border Agency at http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/doineedvisa/overseasterritories.

Entry Requirements - Passport validity
You must hold a valid passport to enter Anguilla. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Anguilla.

Entry Requirements - Travelling with children
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.

With just one small hospital and three private clinics on the Island, medical facilities are relatively limited. Serious cases that require major surgery may need you to be transferred to a neighbouring island. Scuba divers should note that there are no facilities on the island for treating decompression sickness.

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. See our HIV and AIDS page.

Seek medical advice before travelling to Anguilla and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

See our Travel Health page. 

The hurricane season in the Caribbean normally runs from June to November.  You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the National Hurricane Centre. See our Tropical Cyclones page.

General - Insurance
You should obtain comprehensive medical insurance before travelling. This must cover air ambulance charges and other medical costs in a third country. Check for any exclusions and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.  See our travel insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas see our When Things Go Wrong page.

General - Consular Assistance
Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory and as such there is no formal British Consular Representation. The Governor's Office will assist British nationals in a genuine emergency, but all enquiries regarding passport services should be made to the UK Passport Service Centre in Washington D.C.

The mailing address is:
The UK Passport Service Centre for the Americas and Caribbean
British Embassy
19 Observatory Circle, NW
Washington, DC 20008
USA

Further information, guidance and copies of application forms can be obtained online at www.ukinusa.fco.gov.uk or www.ukinbarbados.fco.gov.uk.

General - Registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

General - Money
Most major credit cards are accepted in local shops, hotels and restaurants. The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$). It is pegged to the US Dollar at around EC$2.7 = 1 US Dollar. US Dollars are widely accepted. The territory has modern banking facilities, including ATM machines.