Antigua & Barbuda

Use Normal Level of Caution

Antigua and Barbuda is a nation composed of islands located between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to the two major inhabited islands, Antigua and Barbuda, it includes a number of smaller islands (Great Bird, Green, Guinea, Long, Maiden and York Islands). These are low lying islands with some volcanic areas at a higher elevation. The overall population is approximately 88,000 people.

Antigua and Barbuda became an independent state of the British Commonwealth of Nations on November 1, 1981. The British Empire strongly influenced the nation's governance, language, and culture. The government is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government.

The economy mainly depends upon tourism. Antigua and Barbuda attract tourists with the dry tropical climate, white sand beaches and crystal blue waters. The US dollar is widely accepted in this nation.

Currency	XCD: East Caribbean dollar
Language	English. Antiguan creole is the local language.
Capital	Saint John's
Recent Alerts	1
Latest Alert	June 03, 2021 - COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Antigua & Barbuda (03 June Update)

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Antigua & Barbuda. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a high risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Antigua and Barbuda through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.
Hepatitis B The risk of acquiring hepatitis B in Antigua and Barbuda is low, so discuss vaccination with your health care provider to ascertain any risk factors, as it may not be necessary.
Dengue Fever Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred frequently on many Caribbean islands, including Antigua and Barbuda.
Chikungunya Fever Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Antigua and Barbuda, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Yellow Fever This country requires all persons greater than 1 year of age to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a country where yellow fever occurs. Travellers in transit in this country and travellers who have transited through an airport in a country/territory at risk for yellow fever transmission are exempt.
Rabies Rabies may be present in bats.
Zika Fever Zika fever occurs in this country.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Antigua & Barbuda.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country. The vaccination is recommended.
Yellow Fever Vaccine This country requires all persons greater than 1 year of age to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a country where yellow fever occurs. Travellers in transit in this country and travellers who have transited through an airport in a country/territory at risk for yellow fever transmission are exempt.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Hepatitis B Vaccine The risk of acquiring hepatitis B in Antigua and Barbuda is low, so discuss vaccination with your health care provider to ascertain any risk factors, as it may not be necessary.
Rabies Vaccine Rabies vaccination is recommended for travellers who may come in contact with bats (i. e. cavers, adventure travellers, researchers, and anyone working with bats).

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Antigua & Barbuda.

None required.

Safety and Security in Antigua & Barbuda

Emergency Numbers

911

999

Personal Safety

Although most travellers have no trouble in Antigua and Barbuda, petty crime and armed violence can occur. Travellers should not travel alone at night or in isolated areas. Local authorities can inform travellers as to which beaches are safe. Avoid showing signs of affluence, such as expensive jewelry and clothing, and ensure your personal belongings and travel documents are safe at all times.

Use only licensed taxis.

Exercise caution when driving. Roads may not be well maintained, may have blind corners, or may not be well marked. Keep doors locked and do not stop if flagged down by pedestrians.

LGBTI travellers should note that same-sex sexual activity and same-sex marriage are illegal in Antigua and Barbuda. However, in international resorts, there is a general acceptance of LGBTI behaviour.

Ensure travel and medical insurance is acquired before departing. Antigua and Barbuda have limited medical facilities and, in the case of severe injury or illness, evacuation may be required.

Get A Free Account!

Sitata uses advanced software algorithms to monitor the world for disease outbreaks and safety hazards. Each travel alert published by Sitata is reviewed by staff to ensure it meets the concerns of a traveller.

Plan A Trip

Updated: June 03, 2021