Security travel advice for Antigua and Barbuda

HOW SAFE IS ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA??

Threat level: Low-Medium
The current travel safety advice for Antigua and Barbuda is to be aware of the global security risk of terrorism at prominent tourist destinations, although the risk is low it is recommended to be cautious. Petty crime and other serious crimes do occur, however by following good security measures your visit should be trouble free.

Intelligent Protection International Limited provides Executive Protection services in the Caribbean islands. If you are interested in these services, please visit: Bodyguards in the Caribbean.

COVID-19 Situation in Antigua and Barbuda

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, a state of emergency is in place in Antigua and Barbuda until the 31st of March and a curfew is in place between 20:00 and 5:00 every day except for emergencies. To curb the spread of the virus, the country has implemented a series of measures: making compulsory the use of face masks in public places, beaches are open to the public between 5:00 and 18:00 for exercise or relaxation only, people can exercise in open fields in restricted hours between 05:00 and 18:00. Further to this, bars and restaurants are closed (except for takeaways) until the 5th of April. However, retail shops have reopened. When travelling to Antigua and Barbuda, travellers must present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result, taken no more than 7 days before arrival and they must complete a Health Declaration Form and further checks and screening can be conducted including a check on travel history. To avoid contracting the disease, wear a face mask, regularly sanitise your hands, maintain social distancing and avoid social gatherings.

Recent Security Risk Events
There is a low threat of terrorism in the country but be mindful that hotspots for tourism in the Caribbean are soft targets for future attacks, with many American travellers visiting this destination, it may be a desirable target. Please report anything suspicious to the authorities and remain vigilant throughout your stay.

Security Risks
As with all popular travel destinations there is always an underlying risk of petty crime and theft from busy areas or where tourist dwell. This may be more prominent during festival season. Please take sensible security precautions during your stay such as securing your belongings and not carrying large amounts of cash on your persons. Carrying out such measures will assist in making sure your stay is trouble free.

There are incidents as with many countries of crimes such as murder, rape, burglary, armed robbery and lesser crimes. High net worth clients may be a desirable target for theft so please take sensible precautions to secure your belongings especially on yachts.

Please be respectful of local laws and customs as certain homosexual acts are illegal and it is an offence for anyone other than the country’s military to wear camouflage attire or carry camouflaged items.

Assaults can occur against tourists so please avoid isolated areas, or unpatrolled beaches after dark to limit the risk, it may be advisable to check with local authorities which beaches are safest to visit.

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA'S INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Antigua and Barbuda is an attractive business region due to the tax laws and attracts many investors especially within the gambling market. Although there have been previous accusations of money laundering within the region it has been found to be operating within international laws and regulations.

Antigua and Barbuda hold many positive dealings throughout the world and have worked to develop diplomatic relationships since its independence from the United Kingdom in 1981. It has a strong relationship with the United States of America with many agreements in place both diplomatic and military, with 28% of its visitors coming from the USA. Its relations have been strained with regards to World Trade Organisation ruling over gambling in 2005, however positive associations still remain.

TRAVELLING AROUND ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

Recent Security Risk Events

This region is one of a tropical climate and as such has an active hurricane season which runs from June to November, please note during this time in times of severe weather infrastructure and services may be affected. There is also a risk of tremors and possible earthquakes.

Please be careful of natural marine life such as jelly fish which can be quite prominent on the beaches and waters.

In order to drive on the islands, you must obtain an Antigua and Barbudan driving permit which can be collected at most police and car rental agencies.

COMMERCIAL TRAVEL RISK SERVICES

EMERGENCY INFORMATION IN ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

Police, Fire, Ambulance emergency: 999 and 911
Coastguard emergency: 462 0671 radio:CH16
ABSAR medical/rescue at sea: 562 1234 radio:CH16

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA OVERVIEW

Capital: St. John's
Official languages: English
Other languages: Antiguan and Barbudan
Religion: Christianity
Currency: East Caribbean Dollar

CONSULAR INFORMATION FOR ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

There are no Embassies in Antigua and Barbuda. The nearest point of contact for both U.S. and British citizens is in Barbados.

U.S. Embassy Barbados
Wildey Business Park
Wildey
St. Michael BB 14006
Barbados, W.I.
Telephone: +1 246 227 4000
Email: bridgetownacs@state.gov

British High Commission Bridgetown
Lower Collymore Rock
PO Box 676
Bridgetown
Barbados
Telephone: +1 246 430 7800
Email: ukinbarbados@fco.gov.uk

VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

British and United States of America Passport holders do not need a travel visa to enter Antigua and Barbuda for visits no longer than six months. Please see further advice for Visa Information for Antigua and Barbuda.

HEALTHCARE AND IMMUNISATIONS

It is advised that visitors to Antigua and Barbuda are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. You should ensure that you have been further vaccinated against diseases such as Tetanus, which is usually administered when you are a young baby. Check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.

Both Chikungunya fever and Dengue fever are present in the country and are transmitted through infected mosquitoes. You should take precautionary measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes such as covering up with clothing, using bug repellent spray and mosquito bed nets during the night.

For more information on Chikungunya fever, see: Chikungunya Fever facts More information on Dengue fever, see: Dengue Fever facts

Schistosomiasis (parasitic infection also known as bilharzia) is a low risk, so contact with fresh water including activities such as swimming, bathing or paddling in fresh water lakes and streams could put you at risk.