Welcome to Anguilla

Blessed by white-sand beaches, swaying palms and shimmering aquamarine waters, Anguilla is an (almost) secret gem in the Eastern Caribbean.

It’s worth the bit of extra effort it takes to get to this island paradise, for its abundant tropical beauty, rich history, vibrant culture and mouthwatering barbecue. Spend the day on a glass-bottomed kayak, exploring the colorful reefs, then return to land for cocktails at an open-air beach bar, set to a live reggae beat.

Celebrate the island’s British, African roots at the Anguilla Heritage Museum. Visit the Amerindian and Arawak petroglyphs at Fountain Cavern National Park. Explore the tiny island (just 16 miles long and 3 miles wide) by bike, quad bike or ATV to get the lay of the land.

At day’s end, Anguilla’s amazing dining scene waits to satisfy your appetite, with everything from five-star restaurants headed by local and international chefs to popular food trucks and beach joints for casual, yet scrumptious fare.

Unique Facts

• There are 33 beaches on the island of Anguilla, all of them public.
• Watch out for goats, especially when driving. They’re in the hills, on the road and even on the lawns of resorts.
• Anguilla’s history dates back 3,500 years to the Arawak people. Today, 14,000 people live on the island.
• Anguilla isn’t just one island, it’s nine. Take a boat ride to these surrounding isles: Prickly Pears, Scrub Island and more.
• The reggae scene is thriving on Anguilla, home to Moonsplash Music Festival, one of the Caribbean’s longest-running music festivals.

Language

English is the official language of Anguilla.

When To Go

The best time to visit Anguilla and avoid the wrath of hurricane season is between May and August (the storms usually hit from June 1st to November 30th). Many resorts are closed in September and October. The priciest time to visit is early winter until spring.

Airports

Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport, close to The Valley (capital of Anguilla)

Passport Validity

A valid passport is required to enter Anguilla , as well as proof of return tickets.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

No visa required for US citizens.

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Aruba: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid and Rabies.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: typically US outlets. Standard voltage: 110 V.

Currency

Official local currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (ECD). US dollars, major credit cards and traveler’s checks widely accepted.

Getting Around

There is no public transportation on Anguilla. Get around by taxi, rental car or bicycle. When biking, take into account the rough, narrow roads, distances and heat. When driving, stay to the left and adhere to 30 mph. Steering wheels may be on the right or left side of the car, depending on the vehicle. If renting a car, book in advance to arrange for pickup and drop-off; most companies do not have a physical office. Taxis drive throughout the island’s 10 zones, with fares dependent on how many zones are driven through.

Driver’s License

Car rental companies issue a local driving permit, for 72 hours or for up to three months, for a fee.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Bridgetown
Wildey Business Park
Wildey
St. Michael BB 14006
Barbados, W.I.
Telephone: +246-227-4399
Emergency: +246-227-4000
BridgetownACS@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Anguilla Tourist Board
Coronation Avenue
The Valley Anguilla, W.I.
Telephone: +264-497 2759
atbtour@anguillanet.com

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 911
Police: +264-497-2333 or +264-497-2354
Princess Alexandria Hospital, Stoney Ground, +264-497-2551

Safety and Security

Anguilla ranks as one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, with low rates of violent and petty crime. Use common sense when traveling, avoid areas not well-lit after dark and keep valuables tucked away or in a safe.