North and Central America and Caribbean

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

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. For more general information see terrorism abroad.

Crime

Around 97,000 tourists visit Antigua and Barbuda each year (source:  Ministry of Tourism, Antigua) and the vast majority of visits are trouble-free.  Antigua and Barbuda is a friendly and welcoming country and overall crime rates are relatively low.  Despite the relaxed atmosphere however, there have been incidents of violent crime including murder. These tend to occur within the local community but can sometimes affect tourists.

There has been an overall increase in crime in Antigua over recent months, including gun crime. Two British nationals died as a result of a shooting on 27 July 2008, in their room, at a resort near Valley Church in the south west. An Australian yacht captain died following a shooting in the Nelson's Dockyard area of English Harbour on 22 January 2009.

You should therefore maintain at least the same level of security awareness as you would in the UK and ensure that your living accommodation is secure. Apply the same measures if you are staying on a yacht. You should take sensible precautions and be vigilant at all times.  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.

For more general information see victims of crime abroad.

Political situation

Antigua and Barbuda Country Profile

Local Travel

Road travel

In order to be able to drive a car in Antigua and Barbuda you must purchase a local driving licence, usually from the car hire company, at a cost of US$ 20 (EC$50). You must show your current driving licence to obtain this.

You should drive with care and attention at all times. The national speed limit is 40mph and there is a limit of 20 mph in built up areas.

Motorists drive on the left in Antigua and Barbuda. Main roads are generally well maintained, although they lack road markings. Pot holes, even on main roads, and poorly marked speed bumps can catch the unwary. Overtaking on blind corners and cutting corners when turning right are commonplace. Stray cattle, goats and dogs are an additional hazard. Pavements are few and very narrow so pedestrians walk on the road. Few streets are lit at night.  

For more general information see driving abroad.

Air travel

An airport departure tax is payable by visitors staying more than 24 hours. In October 2007 this departure tax amounted to 50 East Caribbean Dollars (per person over 12 years).

For more general information see airline security.