Updated 25 July 2023

Entry requirements - To enter in Antigua and Barbuda all that is required is: a valid passport, a return ticket, a confirmation of accommodation and sufficient funds for the duration of the stay. Nationals of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries (except Bangladesh, Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana, India, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sierra Leone and Sri Lanka), Other EU Countries (except nationals of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Latvia and the Slovak Republic), USA, Canada, Australia & Japan do not require visas for stays of up to 3 months. If you will need a visa check out the latest information on this link including requirements and payments at the official Antigua Immigration website.

Weather - Antigua is warm all year round; visitors are able to bask in sunny weather whenever they like. Antigua is a year-round destination, as temperatures do not vary that much throughout the year, generally between 75 and 86 degrees in the daytime. In the night temperatures are between 68 degrees in winter and 80 degrees in summer. The trade winds, a constant easterly sea breeze, are on tap to relieve the heat. The rainy season involves afternoon showers that come and go fast. The hurricane season extends from July to November. The last hurricane that hit Antigua was in 1999.

Currency -  Antigua use the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$ or XCD). The EC Dollar rate is fixed to the US dollar at an average of US$1 to EC$2.6882. Although the local currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollars, the US Dollar is accepted everywhere. Major credit cards, such as American Express, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in many places. US Dollars and Pound Sterling travellers' cheques are readily accepted, Euro travellers cheques are not widely accepted. There are banks located in St. John's, Woods Shopping Mall, VC Bird International Airport, Nelson's Dockyard, Jolly Harbour Marina and they are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 2pm.

Driving - Cars drive on the left-hand side of the road in Antigua & Barbuda.

Language - The official language of Antigua is English, although locals speak a dialect that can be very difficult to understand. Some locals may also find your English very difficult to understand. 

Cell Phones - Many tri-band phones work in Antigua – check before coming if your cell operator has an agreement with any of the providers in Antigua – Cable and Wireless, A.P.U.A., P.C.S. or Digicel. If you plan to make a lot of local calls or spend a significant amount of time in Antigua it may be worth getting a pay-as-you-go deal here. As long as your phone is unlocked (EC$50 to unlock locally) you will be able to get a SIM card and local telephone number. You can then buy phone cards locally to top up your phone.

Emergency numbers - To contact the Police Department, Fire Department or Ambulance Service, dial 911 or 999.

Time zone -  Antigua is on Atlantic Standard Time, one hour ahead of the Eastern time zone in the USA when it observes Daylight Savings (Antigua does not).

Duty Free Allowances -  The duty free allowance is 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco, 1 liter of wine or spirit, 170ml perfume. Duty free Shopping is available in stores in St. John's in the Heritage Quay Shopping centre and Redcliffe Quay. In order to be eligible to buy duty free goods the purchaser must show a valid confirmed airline ticket and picture ID.

Locally Made Souvenirs - Locally-made souvenirs to take home include: Antigua rums, produced by Antigua Distillery are the English Harbour Light Rum and English Harbour Five years old Rum. Susie's Hot Sauce in a variety of flavors which the products are shipped all over the world. The Original Hot Sauce is still the most popular and it has also won awards in the United States. Little books by Antiguan designer Gilly Gobinet, long known for her colorful prints and cards. Some of the series are 'Caribbean Cocktails', 'Caribbean Cookery', 'The top 20 places in Antigua'.

Shopping Hours - Normal shopping hours are Monday - Saturday from 9am to 5pm.

Payment - Most stores accept both EC$ and US$ and major credit cards are generally accepted in Redcliffe and Heritage Quay shopping areas.

Supermarkets - There are large supermarkets near to Woods Mall and Jolly Harbour. The fruit and vegetable market opens daily except Sundays.

Post Offices: There are 4 post offices on island: at the airport, on High Street in St. John's, Wood Shopping Mall and inside the Nelson's Dockyard. Courier services such as DHL and Federal Express are available.