Welcome to Antigua and Barbuda

Unique Facts

• Antigua has 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. Among the favorites are Galley Bay, Valley Church Beach, Buccaneer Cove Beach and Hermitage Bay.
• Boggy Peak, standing at 1,319 feet and the highest point on Antigua, was renamed on Barack Obama’s birthday, August 4th, in 2009, in his honor. It’s now Mount Obama, within Mount Obama National Park.
• Antigua is a volcanic island. Barbuda is a coral island.
• On the northeastern section of Antigua, Devil’s Bridge is a natural rock arch carved entirely by sea water.
• The Antigua carnival, held each year at the end of July, celebrates freedom from slavery through dances, music, shows, parades and street food.

Language

Antigua and Barbuda’s official language is English.

When To Go

The best time to go to Antigua and Barbuda is between mid-December and mid-April, or in May and June.

Airports

St. John’s International Airport, Antigua

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for 180 days beyond the date of departure.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Antigua and Barbuda: Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B, Rabies and Yellow Fever vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types A and B. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 60Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar

Getting Around

Use caution when driving in Antigua and Barbuda. Major roads are often in poor condition and you will share the roadways with animals and slow-moving heavy equipment.

Public transportation on the islands is in the form of frequently crowded, fast-driving buses and vans. If you are taking a taxi, make sure the driver is licensed and a part of an official taxi association. Agree on a fare beforehand.

Driver’s License

A temporary driving permit is required for Antigua and Barbuda.

US Embassy Info

US Embassy Bridgetown
Wildey Business Park
Wildey
St. Michael BB 14006
Barbados, West Indies

U.S. Consular Agent – Antigua
Suite #2 Jasmine Court, Friars Hill Road, St. John’s
Telephone: +(268) 463-6531
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(246) 227-4000 (U.S. Embassy Bridgetown)
The Consular Agent in Antigua can assist with some routine services and emergencies.

Local Visitor Info

Antigua and Barbuda Department of Tourism and Trade
25 S.E. 2nd Avenue, Suite 300
Miami, FL 33131
Tel: 305-381-6762
Fax: 305-381-7908
cganuear@bellsouth.net

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 911 or 999

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency (including police, fire and ambulance): 000

Safety and Security

The crime rate is low, but crimes of opportunity do occasionally occur, including petty larceny, burglary and car break-ins. Use standard precautionary measures.