Living in Antigua & Barbuda
Advice for British people living in Antigua & Barbuda, including information on health, education, benefits, residence requirements and more.
Overview
This guide sets out essential information for British national residing in Antigua & Barbuda including advice on health, education, benefits, residence requirements and more. We are unable to provide any guidance on general lifestyle enquiries apart from the information and links listed below.
See the ‘Our services’ section for information on what we can and cannot do for British nationals.
Health
The main hospital, the Mount St John Medical Centre, is not free to non-nationals. It is able to cope with many types of treatment, but serious cases will mean emergency medical evacuation, usually to the USA. There are also a number of private hospitals and clinics. Make sure you have adequate health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Further information on health care in Antigua and Barbuda can be found on our travel advice page.
Education
Antigua and Barbuda’s state education system is generally below that of the UK and resources can be poor. Private schools are of a higher standard. For information on the school system in Antigua and Barbuda, please visit the Antigua Ministry of Education website.
Entry and residence requirements
Find information about the entry requirements for British nationals on our travel advice page.
British nationals are not permitted to work in Antigua and Barbuda without a valid work permit.
Information and advice regarding residency, work permits and student visas should be obtained from the Antigua and Barbuda Immigration Department or the Antiguan High Commission in London.
Antigua and Barbuda Immigration Department
Telephone: +1 268 562 1387
Email: immigrationanu@antigua.gov.ag
Benefits
British nationals maybe entitled to UK benefits while living in Antigua and Barbuda. The UK basic state pension is payable in Antigua and Barbuda.
Contact the International Pension Centre for more information on getting your pension in Antigua and Barbuda.
You may be thinking about paying voluntary contributions to top up your pension entitlement. For further information on paying voluntary contributions in the UK, contact HM Revenues & Customs.
Driving licences and vehicles
Residents and visitors are required to hold a valid Antigua and Barbuda licence.
Temporary driving licences which are valid for three months can be purchased via hire car companies, the Transport Board, or the local police. They may be renewed at a police station or the Transport Board.
You will need to show your full UK driving licence to obtain a temporary driving licence. Full driving licences are issued by Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board.
Finance
There are a number of banks in Antigua and Barbuda. You should get advice directly from them on how to open an account. You are likely to be asked to produce a reference from your UK bank.
For information and guidance about tax, you can read the guidance Tax if you leave the UK.
Disclaimer
This information is provided as a general guide and is based upon information provided to the high commission by the relevant local authorities and may be subject to change at any time with little or no notice. The FCDO and the British High Commission will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information. British nationals wishing to obtain any further information must contact the relevant local authority.
Last updated 3 January 2023 + show all updates
-
Fully reviewed and updated
-
Please see our updated to 'Living In' Guides for Antigua and Barbuda - February 2021
-
First published.