Antigua and Barbuda | North America

Antigua and Barbuda is a twin-island sovereign state situated at the junction of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, forming part of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles. The nation’s economy is defined by its transition from a sugar-dependent colony to a high-end tourism hub and offshore financial center; the capital city is St. John’s.

Visa & Entry Policy

EU, US, and UK passport holders are granted visa-free entry for tourism for up to 180 days. Entry requires a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure, a confirmed onward or return ticket, and proof of accommodation. All travelers must complete a digital Customs and Immigration form prior to arrival.

Language & Communication

English is the official language and the primary medium for administration, media, and commerce. English proficiency is high and universal across the population. The local vernacular is Antiguan and Barbudan Creole, an English-based creole with distinct northern, southern, and Barbudan dialects.

Currency & Payment Systems

The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD), which is pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed rate of $1 USD to $2.70 XCD. While USD is widely accepted in tourist areas, change is typically given in XCD. Credit and debit cards are accepted at major resorts, supermarkets, and restaurants in St. John’s, but cash is required for local buses, small vendors, and on the island of Barbuda.

National Transport Grid

Inter-island transit between Antigua and Barbuda is serviced by the Barbuda Express ferry and daily domestic flights operated by SVG Air. On Antigua, a regulated public bus system operates using 15-seater minivans, identifiable by yellow "BUS" license plates, which run from the East and West Bus Stations in St. John’s. Taxis operate on government-regulated fixed fares rather than meters.

Digital Infrastructure

Primary mobile network providers are Flow (Cable & Wireless) and Digicel. 4G/LTE coverage is consistent across Antigua, though signal strength is lower in the southern mountainous interior and across large sections of Barbuda. 5G deployment is in progress with initial coverage limited to the capital and major resort corridors.

Climate & Seasonality

The islands have a tropical maritime climate with minimal seasonal temperature variation. The dry season runs from December to April, coinciding with the peak travel period. The wet season spans from May to November, with the highest rainfall and increased hurricane risk occurring between August and October.

Health & Safety

There are no mandatory vaccinations unless arriving from a Yellow Fever endemic zone. Major health risks include Dengue fever and Zika virus, both transmitted by mosquitoes. The primary emergency number for Police, Ambulance, and Fire services is 911 or 999.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

St. John’s & Northwest Coast: Hub: St. John's.

English Harbour & South Coast: Hub: English Harbour.

Barbuda: Hub: Codrington.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: 4.00 XCD ($1.50 USD)

1 Domestic Beer (0.5L): 8.00 XCD ($3.00 USD)

1 SIM Card (10GB Data): 75.00 XCD ($28.00 USD)

Facts & Legends

Antigua is colloquially known as the "Land of 365 Beaches," a marketing claim rooted in the island’s highly indented coastline and numerous bays. Local legend features the story of the "Ghost of Betty’s Hope," the island's first large-scale sugar plantation, where the spirit of a former owner is said to haunt the restored twin windmills. Geologically, the islands are unique in the Lesser Antilles for their lack of high volcanic peaks, consisting instead of low-lying limestone and volcanic rock formations.