Foreign travel advice

Antigua and Barbuda

Important COVID-19 Exceptional Travel Advisory Notice

As countries respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, including travel and border restrictions, the FCO advises British nationals against all but essential international travel. Any country or area may restrict travel without notice. If you live in the UK and are currently travelling abroad, you are strongly advised to return now, where and while there are still commercial routes available. Many airlines are suspending flights and many airports are closing, preventing flights from leaving.

Summary

Coronavirus: stay up to date

Booking for the UK Government repatriation flights from Antigua from 3 - 4 June has now closed. There are currently no further UK Government repatriation flights organised from Antigua and Barbuda. This travel advice will be updated with further information on options to return to the UK as soon as this is available. See Return to the UK.

A State of Emergency is in place until 31 July. If you cannot leave Antigua and Barbuda at this time, see information on how to stay safely as a visitor if you cannot return.

VC Bird International Airport is closed to routine commercial flights until 1 June. See Entry requirements for more information.

The hurricane season in the Caribbean normally runs from June to November. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Centre and follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders. See Natural disasters.

The island of Barbuda was seriously hit by hurricanes in September 2017. Many buildings were destroyed and reconstruction work is still taking place. If you’re planning to visit Barbuda you should monitor local and international weather updates, follow the advice of the local authorities and ensure your accommodation is secure.

You can find further information on the impact of hurricanes on the website of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency.

UK health authorities have classified Antigua and Barbuda as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For more information and advice, visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre website.

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been confirmed in Antigua and Barbuda. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Most visits to Antigua and Barbuda are trouble-free but there have been incidents of crime including murder, armed robbery and sexual assault. See Crime

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Antigua and Barbuda, attacks can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. Consular support may be limited and is provided by the British High Commission in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.