POLITICS AND DEMOGRAPHICS

Politics

Antigua became an independent nation on November 1^st 1981 and as such is governed as follows:

The head of state is Her Majesty the Queen of England

Governor General HE Dame Louise Lake-Tack

Governor General’s Deputy is Mrs Yvonne Maginley.

The political system is parliamentary democracy, and for many years was dominated by the Bird Family, both V.C. Bird – or Papa Bird as he is often referred to, and the Hon. Lester Bird his son. The party they represented is the Antigua Labour Party (A.L.P). On 23^rd March 2004 there was a general election and the ALP government were over thrown by a majority in favour of the United Progressive Party (U.P.P), currently presided over by the Hon. Winston Baldwin Spencer. Lester Bird lost his seat in parliament as a representative and the leader of the A.L.P became the Hon. Robin Yearwood.

The current government now rules with a majority of 12 seats in Antigua, with only 4 remaining in the hands of the opposition. In Barbuda the ruling party is the Barbuda’s People Movement who have formed an alliance with the U.P.P., thus completing the U.P.P. majority.

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Demographics

The population as of the last official statistics in 2001 are 74476 for Antigua and 1439 for Barbuda.

Religion plays a very important part in life and by denomination the split is :

45% Anglican, 17% Moravian, 11% Methodist, 10% Roman catholic, 6% 7^th Day Adventist and 11% others.

The language spoken is English, although locals speak in a broad dialect of broken English which can be very difficult to understand. Be aware that some locals may also find your English very difficult to understand. If this is the case, speak more slowly and you may be understood – failing that find someone else who can understand you and try again.

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GEOGRAPHY AND TIME ZONE

Geography

Antigua has a land area of 108 sq miles located at latitude
17 degrees 5’ North and longitude 61 degrees 45’ in the Leeward Islands of the Caribbean.

Antigua is 9 by 12 miles across with a coastline peppered with numerous coves and bays, many with beautiful white sand beaches. The south west corner is quite hilly, rising to 402 metres at Boggy Peak, the islands highest point.

Barbuda, a low lying coral island is located 32 miles north of Antigua and has a land area of approximately 64 square miles. Barbuda encompasses the expansive Codrington lagoon, which is bound by a long undeveloped beach.

The countries boundaries also include Redonda, an uninhabited rocky islet about 1 sq. km in size which lies 32 miles south-west of Antigua.

Time Zone:
Atlantic Standard Time, GMT -4.

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WEATHER AND CLIMATE

Antigua and Barbuda is warm all year round with soothing south-easterly breezes. Temperatures do not vary that much throughout the year – they are generally between 24 and 30 degrees in the daytime. The coolest night time temperatures can drop to as low as 20 degrees which can feel very cool and in the summer can be as hot as 27 degrees.

If you check the weather forecast regularly you will see that the forecast is often for cloud and rain. This is usually fluffy clouds which pass through quickly. It does rain and for most of the year the rain is short bursts of tropical rain which are over in 10 minutes. If a tropical wave is passing through during the hurricane season, this can last on and off for a few days. The worst months for heavy rain are historically October, November and December.

The hurricane season is June 1^st to November 31st., that said the highest risk months are Mid august to Mid October. The last hurricane to hit Antigua was in 1999 and in 50 years there have been only 6 direct hits.

To keep an eye on the weather here are links to three of our favourite sites:

www.weather.com - for maps of the area

www.caribwx.com -  excellent for anyone out on the water or planning to be.

www.intellicast.com - excellent site to use during the hurricane season with reports updated daily on any storms and their predicted paths.

For more weather sites go to our weather and links page.

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MONEY, EXCHANGE, BANKS

o        Official Currency The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar but the US Dollar is accepted over the counter. The rate is fixed to the US dollar at an exchange rate of US$1.00 = EC$2.6882. .Pound Sterling can be changed at the banks.

o        Currency Exchange - £ sterling and US$ may be changed at all banks on the island, or at hotels and some larger stores.

o        Credit Cards: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in many places.

o        Travellers Cheques – readily accepted are $US and £ sterling cheques – euro cheques are not widely accepted.

o        Electronic funds transfers – these can be easily organised from and to any bank.

o        Bank Locations :

There are banks located in the following places:

St John’s – primarily on High Street and nearby

Woods Shopping Mall 

VC Bird International Airport 

Nelsons Dockyard

Jolly Harbour Marina

o        Bank Opening Times

Opening times vary by bank, but most are open

Monday to Thursday – 9am to 3pm – some banks differ

Friday – 9am to 4pm

o        Cash Machines

There are a number of cash machines around the island but not all of them take all cards. If you want to withdraw cash via cash machine you are best to head into St Johns as there is a wider choice.

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AIRPORT, IMMIGRATION, CUSTOMS, VISAS, DUTY FREE

V.C. Bird International Airport - As well as receiving daily international flights from the US and UK– VC Bird Airport is a hub for onward travel to other island destinations, with 3 local small plane operators flying in and out daily. The closest islands are Barbuda, Montserrat, Guadeloupe, St Kitts, Nevis, St Martin and Dominica.

You can also take day tours to neighbouring islands either by small propeller plane or by helicopter. Many tour companies offer this service.

Facilities - Facilities at VC Bird International Airport include a restaurant, tourism information desk, taxi stand and car rental agencies. The departure lounge has a second Big Banana Bar, and duty free shopping – from CD’s, perfume and gifts to jewellery.

Toilet facilities can be found in the following places:

o        Departure lounge

o        Arrivals lounge – but only before you have cleared customs. Once you are through and waiting for baggage and to go through the final customs check there are no toilets.

o        Outside – close to the departure gate

For information on airlines flying into Antigua click here.

Entry requirements for Antigua and Barbuda - Visitors to Antigua and Barbuda require a valid passport, a return or onward ticket, confirmation of accommodation throughout the stay and sufficient funds for the duration of the stay. On arrival, the immigration officer must be satisfied that your reason for visiting Antigua and Barbuda is legitimate.

Passports & Immigration - U.S., Canadian, U.K. and passport holders of other European Union Country nationals require proof of citizenship - a valid passport, original or certified birth certificate. Other nationalities should contact the nearest tourist office for entry requirements.

-If you arrived in Antigua by sea and wish to depart by air, along with your ongoing ticket, you must have an official sign-off letter from the Skipper, releasing you to do so.

Visa Entry Requirements for Antigua and Barbuda

As this changes you can check out the latest information on this link including documentation requirements and payments.

http://www.antigua-barbuda.com/travel_tourism/information/passport_visa.asp

Cruise ship visitors who would normally require a visa would not require one provided that they arrive in Antigua and Barbuda in the morning and depart the same evening.

Departure Tax

The departure tax payable by tourists when leaving Antigua is US$ 20.00 or EC$ 50.00 and for Antiguan citizens this is reduced to EC$ 35.00 . If you visit another island the day before flying home for example Montserrat the departure tax paid on that journey will be valid for your journey home.

Duty Free Allowances

The duty free allowance is as follows: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco, 1 litre wine or spirits, 170ml (6ozs) perfume. Weapons of war and unprescribed drugs are prohibited.

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Duty Free Shopping

Duty Free Shopping is available in stores in St. John’s within the Heritage Quay Shopping centre. In order to be eligible to buy duty free goods the purchaser must now show a valid airline ticket. The shops are obliged to include the actual ticket number on the receipt in order to be able to sell the goods to you duty free.

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DIPLOMATIC REPRESENTATION

Worldwide

There are five Antigua and Barbuda embassies and consulates across the UK, Canada and the USA  as follows:

Consulate of Antigua and Barbuda
610 Fifth Avenue, Suite 311
New York, 10020
Tel: 212-541-4117 / 4589
Fax: (212) 757-1607
atgun@undp.org
info@antigua-barbuda.org

Consulate of Antigua and Barbuda
25 S.E. 2nd Avenue, Suite 300
Miami, FL 33131
Tel: (305) 381-6762
Fax: (305) 381-7908

Embassy of Antigua and Barbuda
32 New Mexico Avenue N.W.
Washington DC 20016
Tel: (202) 362-5122
Fax: (202) 362-5225

Consulate of Antigua and Barbuda
60 St. Claire Avenue East, Suite 304
Toronto, Ontario M4T1N5
Tel: (416) 961-3085
Fax: (416) 961-7218

In Antigua and Barbuda

There is a British Government Representative in Antigua, and consulates or embassies for Germany, Venezuela, China, Denmark, France, Italy and the Netherlands among others.

Local contact numbers are listed below:

• British High Commission: 462 0008-9 (Old Parham Road)
• China, Embassies of the People’s Republic of: 462 1125  (Marble Hill)
• Colombia, Consulate of: 560-4622
• Denmark, Consulate of: 480-3070 (ie. c/o John and Frances Anjo)
• France, Consulate of: 460 6428 (Rowan Henry St)
• Germany, Consulate of: 462-3174 (Hodges Bay)
• Italy , Consulate of 460-1543 (Galleon Beach)
• Jamaica, Honorary Consul of: 462 6439 (ie. c/o Antigua Optical Ltd)
• Norway, Consulate of: 462 0858 (ie. c/o Frances Trading)
• Netherlands, Consulate of: 481-1851 (ie. c/o Gomez Insurance)
• Swiss, Consular Agency: 462 8975 (Woods Centre)
• U.S. Consular Agent: 463 6531(Jasmine Court)
• Venezuelan Embassy: 462 1574 (Jasmine Court, Friars Hill Road)

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COMMUNICATIONS

All hotel front office desks provide telephone and fascimile services, with many also now providing internet access, and in room T.V’s.

Telephones

• Telephones are also available in most hotel rooms, although if this is a requirement you should check at the time of booking your holiday or accommodation.
• Long distance direct calls or worldwide collect calls are possible
• The country code for Antigua is 268. Calling from the U.S.A or Caribbean must be prefixed with a 1 , calls from the U.K. must be prefixed with 001.
• Phone cards for use in booths or residential phones are available at many stores around the island.

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Cell Phone

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 Cingular. 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 locally), you will be able to get a SIM card and local telephone number. You can then buy phone cards locally to top up the phone.

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Internet

• Many private villas and apartments are now offering wireless internet access, as well as many hotels.
• There are internet shops available around the country particularly in St. John’s, Jolly Harbour and English Harbour.

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Electric Voltage

Most hotels operate on 110 volts, 60 cycle (same as in USA and Canada), but conversion plugs/transformers can usually be arranged through the hotel

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Television, Cable and Satellite

Television is available island wide and is generally provided in all hotel rooms and self catering accommodation:

• The local TV station is called A.B.N. (Antigua and Barbuda Network) and evening news and weather bulletins run at 7pm every evening.
• Most accommodation offers either cable or satellite TV with a selection of mainly Us stations including CNN, and Sports Channels along with either B.B.C. America or B.B.C. World.
• DVD’s players are also widely available in many villas – please check on booking if this is a facility you require.

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Radio

The national broadcasting service is A.B.N. radio, but there are also many other local radios. In the past 4 years talk radio has featured very heavily in Antiguan society. It is well worth listening to if possible while on holiday if you want to really start to understand the political and economic landscape – that is if you can understand what is being said!! Here is a selection available:

o        Observer Radio – believed by many to be the station which made history by supporting the current government in their fight for election on 23^rd March 2004 and winning. It’s a mixture of phone in shows, current affairs and music. To really get involved listen to Serpent every week night at 9pm, or all day Saturday until he wants to sleep. You can find them on 91.1FM or you can take a listen on line.

o        Crusader Radio – the official station of the current government the United Progressive Party, on 107.3FM.

o        A.B.N. Radio – the official radio station of the island – available on 90.3FM.

o        ZDK Radio – Music & Talk radio on 99.0FM

o        Family Radio – Music format all day and night at 92.9FM

o        GEM Radio – Music format all day and night at 93.9FM.

o        BBC World Service – if you want to keep up to date with what is happening around the world then this favourite is on 89.1FM

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 Post Offices

• There are 4 post offices on island:

Airport

High Street in St. John’s (main sorting office)

Woods Shopping Mall

Nelson’s Dockyard

• Opening hours are 8:15 am to 12:00 noon and 1:00 — 3:30 pm on weekdays, except on Friday, when closing hour extends to 4:00 pm. Saturday 9:00am to 12pm
• Global airmail services and courier services such as DHL and Federal Express are available.

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CUSTOMS/ETIQUETTE

o        Greetings - It is customary in Antigua to greet the people you meet by saying Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Night (Evening). Failure to greet people on entering an office, shop, hotel reception or bar may result in very slow service or initially being ignored. It is considered very rude by Antiguans to rush into your request without first taking the time to greet your fellow people. Once understood it is a very humbling lesson to learn and understand just how busy your life has become that you do not take the time to do this. This is a custom which is often discovered after many times of feeling ‘ignored’, but will become an important part of your knowledge of Antiguan People .if you want to find out about the island, its culture and its people. Try it… and see what happens. You’ll be delighted.

o        Tipping/Gratuities - Tipping is generally accepted at 10-15% depending on the service, and of course you can reward with more if you can afford it and feel your service has been outstanding. Some restaurants & hotels will automatically add a 10% gratuity. Make sure you check your bill for this as every restaurant is different, and you can fall into the trap of paying service twice. There is also an 8.5% restaurant tax charged on the bill – don’t get them mixed up. If in doubt, just ask. Give porters and bellboys 50 cents per bag, taxi drivers 10-15% of the fare.

o        Appropriate Attire - Antigua is a Christian Country with the majority of the population belonging to one or other of the many churches here. This makes for a conservative attitude towards dress. People like to dress up when attending important functions, church or shows. If you are in your hotel or villa, beach attire is appropriate, if however you take a trip into St. Johns or to a restaurant, casual attire as a minimum should be worn. Any revealing clothes will attract undue attention as it is deemed to be disrespectful. Some hotels and restaurants have stricter dress codes – so it is best to check before booking.

o        Topless and nude sunbathing - To the average Antiguan topless sunbathing is not acceptable, and may attract unnecessary attention. That being said it is deemed ok to sunbathe topless at many hotels – although not always by the pool. Make sure you find out if there are any rules at your hotel. The only ‘official’ nudist beach is at the Hawksbill Resort on the North West Coast. It is the 4^th beach away from the hotel and is safe form peeping toms. There are also many deserted beaches around the island where it is possible to find a secluded spot. Just be aware of general safety precautions if you do this – remember if you found the beach someone else can. Another option may be to charter a yacht – many of the skippers will be able to drop you at beaches only navigable by water.

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MEDICAL FACILITIES

Doctors, G.P’s, Hospitals & Clinics

There are a host of general practitioners and specialists on the island, along with a very well equipped testing clinic. Health care is generally considered to be adequate but many major conditions can not be treated. It is best to check before booking if you or one of your party have a requirement for treatment while on holiday here.

Many hotels have a G.P on the staff so check with them first, and if not you will be able to ask advice at the desk for a suitable G.P. recommendation. If staying in a villa or other self catering accommodation just pick up the telephone book and you will find a listing for many G.P’s.

There are two hospitals as follows:

Holberton Hospital – Queen Elizabeth Highway, St. John’s – 462 0251/2/3/4

Providing casualty department, maternity, radiology, pathology laboratory, pharmacy, intensive care, surgery, children’s ward, special care unit for premature babies.

Adelin Clinic (Private)  - Fort Road, St John’s 
- 462 0866/7

Providing for emergency care , minor surgeries & operations, as an alternative to the main hospital (Holberton): General, obstetrics & gynaecology, E.N.T. surgery, paediatrics, orthopaedics, ophthalmology, family medicine, internal medicine, anaesthesiology, radiology, plastic & reconstructive surgery and dentistry.

For emergency medical services you can call 999, 911 or 562-2433.

Pharmacies

There are a large number of pharmacies  on island but concentrated in the city of St. John’s and most open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Saturday. However, Ceco Pharmacy, popularly known as "the 24 hour pharmacy" and located on High Street , is open seven days a week 8:15 am to midnight. They offer full prescription services. There are also pharmacies at Woods shopping centre and in Jolly Harbour. There are currently none in the English and Falmouth Harbour areas.

Inoculations and vaccinations

No vaccinations are required unless the visitor is arriving from an endemic area. It is however worth checking with the World Health Organisation website in case of any changes to this information .

http://www.who.int/countries/atg/en/

Hyperbaric Unit

There are no decompression chambers available on island. By air ambulance they are available at nearby Saba and in St. Thomas, and also Guadeloupe.

Dentistry

Again there are a number of dental surgeons in St John’s. In particular Dr Sengupta is happy to provide emergency appointments for visitors to the island. Telephone number: 464-9738 for emergencies or 462 9312/3 for an appointment.

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SHOPPING

Shopping Hours

Normal shopping hours are Monday - Saturday 8:00am to noon and 1:00pm-5:00pm. Although many stores still close at noon on Thursdays.

Payment

Most stores accept both $EC and $US , but be sure to check when you ask a price (where it is not labelled) whether it is EC or US. It is not appropriate to bargain in shops and stores however it is expected at the Vendors Mall at Heritage Quay. Major credit cards are generally accepted in the Redcliffe and Heritage Quay shopping areas.

Getting Service

Again observance of greeting people in the store on your entry will win you much better service than if you do not speak – it doesn’t matter whether you are intent on buying or merely browsing – a greeting will help to gain better service.

Supermarkets and Provisions

Most hotels have on property a variety store and gift shop for incidentals. Optionally there are supermarkets located throughout the island in various sizes.

There are many large supermarkets in and around St. John’s, at Woods Mall, Jolly Harbour and smaller but equally well stocked supermarkets in the English and Falmouth Harbour areas.

The fruit and vegetable market opens daily except Sundays selling fresh produce from both Antigua and imported. For more information take a look at Heritage Market.

If you are on a yacht or self catering in Antigua then you may want to order provisions to be delivered direct to you. Take a look at our food and drink provisioners for more information.

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PERSONAL SAFETY, SUN AND SEA

Personal safety

Antigua and Barbuda is still a relatively crime free country, although of course normal safety measures should be adhered to:

• Don’t walk in dark unfamiliar areas at night
• If you hire a car do not leave your possessions on display
• If you are at the beach generally they are safe but petty theft has been known so do not leave valuables on the beach while you are in the water – ask someone nearby to keep watch over your things.
• Don’t leave valuables on hotel or villa balconies.

Health Precautions

Dehydration and Heat Exhaustion

On arrival to the island it is wise to considerably increase your intake of water and non-alcoholic fluids. If you are thirsty this is a signal that your body is already dehydrated. The weather is very deceptive, especially as there is often a cooling breeze from the sea and this can cause you to think it is not as hot as it really is.

Drinking Water

The tap water on the island is relatively safe and if often used for ice cubes. That being said it can still cause upset stomachs due its difference in composition to the water you would normally drink. It is therefore best to drink bottled mineral or purified water to guard against unnecessary illness while on vacation. Drinking ice cold water can cause stomach upsets so where possible it is best to skip the ice, or even wait until your water has warmed up before drinking it.

Exercising

If you want to run or walk while vacationing in Antigua be sure to take water with you as the heat will cause you to perspire much more quickly than normal. If you intend to run for long distances ensure you start out as early as possible in the morning or wait until nearer sundown – 4pm in the winter, 5pm in the summer until setting out for your daily constitutional. You will need to vastly increase your normal water intake to ensure that you do not become dehydrated.

The Sun

Whatever the time of day, ensure that when leaving your accommodation that you are protected with a high U.V factor sun cream. The suns rays are extremely harmful and exposure to them without adequate protection is risking your own long term health. Be also particularly careful with children – ensuring that you re-apply not only your own but their sun creams throughout the day, especially after having been in the sea or swimming pool. To ensure your sun creams protection factor is optimised, apply 20 minutes before exposure to the sun – otherwise you may be burnt.

Be particularly careful on hazy or cloudy days – this does not reduce the ability of the sun to burn, and in fact can be worse as people tend to be less vigilant on cloudy days. Finally if you are spending a day on the water on a tour ensure you liberally re-apply cream throughout the day and try to sit in the shade for part if not all of the tour. The cooling effect of the breeze can lull you in to a false sense of security that it is not hot. Just wait for the boat to stop and you soon find out how warm it is! It makes good sense to wear a hat to reduce the possibility of heat exhaustion.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke is very easy to get – you feel hot, feel dizzy, feverish, flushed and have a head ache. If you have any of these symptoms seek medical advice.

Insects

There are three main culprits – mosquito’s, sand flies and  fire ants which cause problems. The mosquito’s are most prevalent at sunrise and sunset and in to the evening, as are sand flies, and fire ants are around all day and night. The best ways to avoid problems are as follows:

• Use a good mosquito repellent with DEET, the local brand is OFF and is readily available in supermarkets and pharmacies island wide.
• Alternatively buy any fragrance free body crème and add a few drops of citronella oil to it – shake well and apply. You can also add it to your sun tan lotion. This is a good natural repellent.
• Be particularly vigilant if it has been raining excessively – this is perfect conditions for mosquito’s to increase their number!
• While in your accommodation refrain from leaving doors and windows open, especially early morning and late afternoon into evening.
• When leaving the room for dinner close all the doors and windows and spray liberally with an insect repellent. Local brands available are Baygon and BOP. They don’t smell good but if you spray them before leaving the room for a few hours most of the odour will have dissipated on your return.
• Plug in repellent or mosquito coils can also be used in room.
• Rooms with air conditioning tend to have less problems as you need to keep doors and windows sealed to get the benefit of air conditioning. Those with fans however are also excellent – generally a fan switched on will stop them landing on you.
• If you are bitten ensure that you bring a cream, lotion or spray with you to stop the itching. You can also buy other gadgets to stop the itch once bitten as you inevitably will be while on holiday. Try not to scratch them as this can cause infection.
• For sand flies – ensure that if you are on the beach in the late afternoon or are taking a moonlit stroll along a beach that you have applied your mosquito repellent– the same repellents will work well as those for mosquito’s.
• Fire ants can be found anywhere and often are only discovered when you feel a burning itch on your foot. Just be aware when putting your feet on the ground barefoot, or if lying directly on the sand with a towel.

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Flora, Fauna and Sea life

There are some beautiful birds, fish, flowers and plants in Antigua. You can take a look at many of them in our Explore Antigua category. Not many offer a real hazard to humans but below we list the main contenders:

• Sea Urchins - Be careful when walking on rocky beaches or near corals in case there are sea urchins. They are black , very spiky and small. One of their spines can easily pierce your foot or even foot wear in some cases. They are not harmful other than the initial shock they cause and the sting –which will remain for a few hours. They naturally are absorbed in a few days but you may seek medical assistance.
• Manchioneel Tree – often found on or near beaches as excellent shade these trees should not be sat under as shelter from rain, as the sap from the fruit is poisonous and can cause painful blistering. If you do accidentally find you are under a tree wash yourself immediately in the nearest source of water.
• Dogs – many Antiguans have dogs as pets and keep them in their yards (gardens) however there are many who escape and long with the many stray dogs these can be an issue in certain areas. Be careful when walking early mornings and late afternoons and watch for any angry dogs. Generally just the threat of having a stone thrown at them will make even the biggest Antiguan dog retreat in terror. They are all bark – but it is better to be vigilant. Ask at your hotel reception or you agent to check if it is an issue on the area you are staying.
• Mongoose – these very cute looking mammals are usually seen scurrying at high speed across a road or garden, or sitting straight up on their hind legs reviewing their next move. Essentially shy animals, originally from India these animals have killed all snakes that existed on the island. The only snake you will find is on some of the islands of the North Sound – the Antiguan Racer Snake. They are no longer than 6 inches long. With mongoose if confronted do not attempt to catch one, they have a nasty bite if cornered. For more information on the Antigua Racer Snake visit www.antiguanracer.org
• Spiders – as every where in the world Antigua has its fair share of spiders. In Antigua the largest ones are called horse spiders. They can be as large as the palm of your hand but are very rarely seen, not poisonous and are more scared of you then you are of them. The most common time to see them is following VERY heavy rains when their holes in the ground become flooded.  
• Centipede – Very black and anything up to a few inches long, these creatures are not often seen but their bite can be painful.

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TOURIST OFFICES

Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Tourism
Queen Elizabeth Highway,
St. John’s
Antigua

Tel: 1-268-462-9522
Fax: 1-268-462-6398

Antigua and Barbuda Department of Tourism
2nd Floor
45 Crawford Place
London
W1H 4LP
England
Tel: 020 7258 0070
Fax 020 7258 3826
Website:
http://www.antigua-barbuda.com

Antigua and Barbuda Department of Tourism and Trade
25 S.E. 2nd Avenue, Suite 300
Miami, FL 33131
Tel:  001 305-381-6762
Fax: 001 305-381-7908

Antigua and Barbuda 
Department of Tourism
#3 Dag Hammarskjold Plaza
305 East 47th Street
Suite 6A
New York, New York, 10017
Tel:  001 212-541-4117
Fax: 001 212-541-4789

Antigua and Barbuda Department
of Tourism & Trade
60 St. Claire Avenue East, Suite 304
Toronto, Ontario
Canada M4T 1N5
Tel:  001 416-961-3085
Fax: 001 416-961-7218

Representing Germany, Australia, Switzerland & Northern Europe:

Antigua and Barbuda
Department of Tourism
Thomasstr. 11
D-61348 Bad Homburg
Germany
Tel:  49-6172-21504
Fax: 49-6172-21513

Antigua and Barbuda Department
of Tourism & Trade
60 St. Claire Avenue East, Suite 304
Toronto, Ontario
Canada M4T 1N5
Tel:  001 416-961-3085
Fax: 001 416-961-7218

Antigua and Barbuda Department of Tourism
Via Santa Maria alla Porta, 9
20123 Milan, Italy
Tel & Fax: (039) 02 877 983
Tel (for travel trade): 
(039) 02 720 987 27
Open to the public from Tuesday to Friday

Office du Tourisme D'Antigua
and Barbuda
43 Avenue de Friedland, 
Paris 75008, France

Tel: 33 (0) 1 53 75 15 71
Fax 33 (0) 1 53 75 15 69

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TRAVELLING WITH PETS

You are able to bring pets into Antigua and Barbuda but an import permit must be obtained from the Antiguan Chief Veterinary Officer before the importation of all animals. In order to obtain this permit, the intended animal must first be micro-chipped and its blood tested for Rabies Titer at an approved laboratory. The result of such tests must then be forwarded to:

The Acting Chief Veterinary Officer
PO Box 1282
St. Johns, Antigua
Tel/Fax: (268) 460-1759

For more details on exact requirements of testing and paperwork please visit
http://www.antigua-barbuda.org/Agtip01.htm  

Please note the following when travelling with pets:

• Always seek the advice of your veterinarian before flying any pet
• Please check with your airlines for list of requirements i.e. proof of vaccinations, a current health certificate, etc.  Airlines have specific requirements designed to ensure your pet's safety.
• Make sure that the kennel in which the animal is confined is approved for air travel. 
• ALWAYS leave a collar on your pet that has a tag with your name, your address and your pet’s name on it. 

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ACCOMMODATION

There are thousands of hotel rooms, villa rooms, rooms among guest houses, motels and apartments. There is a type of accommodation to suit every type of traveller. No official classification or grading exists.

If planning on staying at a particular property and you are unsure of the value for money, services, location or any other details then you can ask the agent directly or if you prefer you could use one of the many forums on the internet to research other people’s points of views to re-assure your self. The best forums are as follows:

The Official Antigua and Barbuda Website for Tourists

Trip advisor – At THIS LINK

Accommodation Links

Hotels – for a full listing on www.antiguanice.com
 - CLICK HERE

Villas, Bed and Breakfast, Apartments and cottages
– CLICK HERE

Yacht Charters – CLICK HERE

Accommodation Prices

Most accommodations charge higher rates from the end of November to the end of April or middle of May, as this is considered high season.  You can often get excellent rates and deals through the remaining parts of the year. Expect to pay higher rates for Xmas, Sailing Week and Carnival.

For our current deals check out our
Accommodation Specials

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GETTING HERE

Antigua is not only an international airport but also a regional hub for the Eastern Caribbean. It is well worth considering a dual centre holiday with Antigua as one of the destinations along with one of the other nearby islands. Below are a list of the airlines currently flying into Antigua with local contact telephone numbers.

International Direct

• Air Canada – Tel: 462 - 1147
• American Airlines/American Eagle  - Tel: 462 - 0950
• British Airways – Tel: 462-0876
• British Midland - 0870 6070 222
• Caribbean Airways - . 800-221-1212
• Condor -