North and Central America and Caribbean

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

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Travel Summary

• You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated swine flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the  UK Department of Health website .
  
  
• 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 the General (Consular Assistance) section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• 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 the Crime section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• The hurricane season in Anguilla normally runs from June to November. See the Natural Disasters section of this advice and Tropical Cyclones for more details.
  
  
• British passport holders do not require visas to enter Anguilla as a visitor but accommodation must be booked prior to arrival.  For visa enquiries, non-British passport holders should contact the Identity and Passport Service at the Home Office on 020 7901 2334 from 1000 to 1600 GMT (Mon-Fri).  See the Entry Requirements of this advice for more details.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.

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.  For more general information see terrorism abroad.

Crime

There is a relatively low rate of crime in Anguilla. Nevertheless you should 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.

For more general information see victims of crime abroad.

Political Situation

The next election is due by March 2010.Anguilla Country Profile

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. For more general information see driving abroad.

Air Travel

Since 11 September 2001, all airlines require earlier 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.

Local laws and customs

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.

For visa enquiries, non-British passport holders should contact the Identity and Passport Service at the Home Office on 020 7901 2334 from 1000 to 1600 GMT (Mon-Fri).

Passport validity

A full British passport of at least six months validity is required for all British nationals visiting Anguilla.

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.

Health

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.

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should 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 you should 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.

A (H1N1) - Swine Flu

You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated swine flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website.

For more general health information see Travel Health.

Natural disasters

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. For more general information see Tropical Cyclones.

General

Insurance

We advise you to take out adequate medical insurance before travelling.  This must cover air ambulance charges and other medical costs in a third country.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.  For more general information see travel insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is how we can help.

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.

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.

Money

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