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Before you go to Antigua & Barbuda: what to know

Must know

  • Complete ArriveAntigua for V.C. Bird International Airport. The local ministry calls it mandatory, although some foreign travel advice still calls it optional.
  • Do not pack camouflage clothing; wearing it is illegal, including for children.

Entry and visas

Bring a passport, paid onward or return ticket and evidence of funds. Immigration determines the permitted stay. ArriveAntigua covers airport entry and departure; keep the QR code. Local immigration guidance allows visitors up to six months, while UK advice describes 90 days for British visitors; follow the period actually granted.

Online arrival forms and permits

  • ArriveAntigua ↗ required
    Within 72 hours of travel; use a phone or tablet · Travellers entering or leaving through V.C. Bird International Airport

Passport validity: Local immigration requires validity beyond the return ticket date; UK advice asks for 6 months after arrival. Meet the stricter requirement or confirm with immigration.

At the border you may be asked for

  • Keep the QR code, onward booking and funds evidence ready.

Customs

  • Declare restricted or dutiable goods.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: immigration.gov.ag ↗, ab.gov.ag ↗, gov.uk ↗

Money

Cash and cards are both common. Cards are widely accepted.

Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data

  • US dollars are widely accepted; ask which dollar a quoted price means.
  • Small village shops may require cash.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: nomad.gov.ag ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • Camouflage clothing, including for children
  • Illegal drugs

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Smoking in public places is illegal.
  • A temporary local driving permit is required.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Christian denominations include Anglican, Catholic, Baptist, Pentecostal and Moravian churches.

Clothing: Leave camouflage items at home.

Etiquette

  • Agree an unmetered taxi fare before setting off.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: visitantiguabarbuda.com ↗, gov.uk ↗

Climate

Atlantic hurricane season runs June-November; follow local forecasts and evacuation instructions.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
  • February: Feb: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
  • March: Mar: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
  • April: Apr: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
  • May: May: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
  • June: Jun: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
  • July: Jul: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
  • August: Aug: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
  • September: Sep: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
  • October: Oct: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
  • November: Nov: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
  • December: Dec: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible

Best season: December-May avoids the official hurricane season; check local rainfall and forecasts.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

What to pack

  • Travel documents and insurance details
  • Medicines in original packaging
  • A backup payment method

Do not bring / prohibited to import

  • Carrying packages for strangers

Practical

Plugs: 110 V and 220 V supplies exist; confirm the socket and voltage with your hotel.

Water: Use sealed drinking water if the local supply is uncertain.

Traffic: drives on the left

Mobile and eSIM: The government lists Inet, Flow and Digicel as mobile internet providers.

Emergency: 999 or 911

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: nomad.gov.ag ↗, chogm26.gov.ag ↗, travel.state.gov ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.