Is Antigua Safe? Things to Know When Traveling to the Island

Safety is a primary concern for many travelers visiting the Caribbean. This raises the question, ‘Is Antigua safe?‘ for those planning a trip to Antigua and Barbuda. Given the numerous island territories and sovereign states in the Caribbean, crime levels, warning flags, and the quality of medical services vary. Learn more in this guide about Antigua safety in 2024, with contributions from Antigua destination experts.

Antigua Safety Overview

Antigua is considered one of the safest Caribbean islands for travelers. Whether solo travelers, same-sex couples, or families with children, the island’s progressive laws, including LGBTQ+ protections and a strong emphasis on public safety, ensure a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

Antiguan and Barbuda citizens are known for their hospitality, often greeting visitors and foreigners living in Antigua warmly and offering respectful, helpful advice when approached.

Being in the Eastern Caribbean, the island is prone to hurricanes, especially from June to November. Travelers should monitor local weather updates and have a plan in case of emergencies.

Important safety resources and contacts in Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda Royal Police Force: Responsible for maintaining public safe and law enforcement. Contact: +1 268-462-0125. Emergency contact: 911

Fire Department: Responsible for fire incidents, rescues, and hazardous materials emergencies. Contact: +1 268-461-2807. Emergency contact: 911

Mount St John’s Medical Centre (Main Hospital): Primary medical facility providing emergency services and healthcare. Contact: +1- 268-484-2700. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) contact: 911

National Office of Disaster Services (NODS): Responsible for disaster management and response, including issuing evacuation orders. Contact: +1 268-462-4206

Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services: Issues weather updates, storm and hurricane forecasts, and alerts for potential natural disasters. Contact: +1-268-463-4638

Crime and safety comparison with other Caribbean Countries

The crime and safety indexes evaluate crime rates and safety, where a high crime index indicates significant crime levels, and a high safety index reflects strong safety conditions.

Is Antigua safe for Americans?

Travel advisories from travel.state.gov and cia.gov typically classify Antigua and Barbuda as a safe destination for American travelers. Travel advisories are categorized into four levels:

1. Exercise normal precautions
2. Exercise increased caution
3. Reconsider travel
4. Do not travel

With a travel advisory level of exercising sensible precautions, Antigua and Barbuda is classified as a safe destination to visit. US citizens are advised to exercise normal security precautions, such as being aware of their surroundings, using secure and reliable transportation, and avoiding risky areas associated with crime and drug activity.

Driving in Antigua

Public transportation is limited in Antigua and Barbuda, and most Americans turn to Google or browse forums for contacts of private transfer services and local taxes. Visitors planning to rent a vehicle to discover the best things to do in Antigua and Barbuda should know that driving in Antigua and Barbuda is on the left side of the road. American drivers should also acquaint themselves with local driving customs and traffic regulations to avoid accidents and interactions with traffic police.

US driver’s license holders must apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Antigua and Barbuda, allowing them to operate a vehicle legally during their stay.

American drivers should be aware of unique risks when driving on a small Caribbean island, such as encountering local wildlife, navigating narrow or poorly maintained roads—especially in rural areas—and dealing with limited lighting at night. Additionally, drivers should heed warnings from Antigua destination forums and local authorities regarding natural disasters such as hurricane season to avoid flooded roads, landslides, and sudden road closures that can occur due to severe weather conditions.

Vaccine Considerations for Antigua

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for visiting Antigua and Barbuda:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Typhoid
• Rabies
• Meningitis
• Polio
• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella (MMR)
• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)
• Chickenpox
• Shingles

Although the yellow fever vaccine is not mandatory for entry into Antigua and Barbuda, travelers coming from a country with a yellow fever risk within the past six weeks must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate issued at least ten days before arrival.

Health precautions

Antigua healthcare provides adequate medical facilities, but like most small island nations, services are limited. Visitors should bring sufficient prescription medications, if necessary, and take out travel insurance with cover for medical evacuation. Applying strong mosquito repellant will also reduce the risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases.

Antigua Safety at Night

Generally, Antigua is safe to walk around at night, but like any travel destination, visitors must be vigilant at all times, especially at night. It’s wise to stick to well-lit, populated areas to avoid contact with potentially dangerous individuals or attacks. The best towns in Antigua to live or visit as cited in Antigua forums, like Saint John’s, English Harbour, and Jolly Harbour, are well protected and offer a safe experience, with a noticeable police presence at night and facilities catering to night-time activities.

Frequently Asked Questions about Safety in Antigua and Barbuda

Are tourists safe in Antigua?

Antigua and Barbuda is among the Caribbean’s safest countries. Besides pickpocketing and petty theft, serious crimes such as sexual assault or attacks are very uncommon. However, visitors should exercise caution at all times.

Concerning outdoor activities, beaches in Antigua are safe for swimming and snorkeling. Still, beachgoers must heed warnings of adverse weather from news reports and relevant local authorities like the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services before entering the sea.

Popular tourist attractions like Devil’s Bridge can also be dangerous due to the powerful forces of nature surrounding it. The choppy waters form strong currents and rough seas in the area, so the best way to experience attractions like this is with a local guide.

Is Antigua safe to walk around?

Antigua is generally safe to walk, whether night or day, particular in towns with popular Antigua hotels like Saint John. Like most places, tourists should stick to well-lit and populated areas and avoid exposing valuables like large amounts of cash.

Can you drink tap water in Antigua?

Although water in Antigua is typically safe for drinking, visitors are recommended to drink bottled or filtered water to minimize the risk of stomach upset or reactions to unfamiliar water sources.

What to avoid in Antigua?

Despite Antigua’s reputation as one of the safest places in the Caribbean, there are several things and places to avoid in Antigua to ensure personal safety:

• Isolated areas and beaches
• Unlicensed taxis
• Displaying valuables such as large amounts of money
• Illegal drugs

It’s important not to bring camouflage clothing to Antigua and Barbuda, as wearing it is prohibited, a rule that applies in Jamaica, Barbados, and numerous other Caribbean countries as well. Foreigners can brows forums related to Antigua to find more recent history and trip updates on things to avoid in the country.

Which is safer, St Lucia or Antigua?

Both Antigua and St Lucia are safe Caribbean destinations for solo tourists and families, with relatively similar crime rates, infrastructure, and risks of natural disasters. Antigua and Barbuda cost of living is slightly more expensive but the country highly-ranked for safety.

When not to go to Antigua?

Antigua is a pleasant destination year-round, but between September and November, the island experiences its highest rainfall and is more prone to severe weather conditions due to the Caribbean hurricane season.

Budget-conscious travelers or those looking to avoid the crowds should consider visiting Antigua outside the peak Caribbean season from mid-June to mid-August when both visitor numbers and costs tend to rise.

Is Antigua safe for female travelers?

Solo female travelers are typically safe in Antigua and Barbuda. For safety, female travelers should follow general precautions, such as not walking alone at night, using only registered taxis, and leaving valuable items like travel documents at accommodations.

Is Antigua safe to live in?

As one of the Caribbean’s safest islands, Antigua is both safe to live in and visit. Numerous Antigua destination forums highlight its safety, and successful applicants of Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship by investment program live peaceful lives, rarely encountering crime or major safety issues.

Are there risks of using ATMs in Antigua

Given the widespread issue of ATM fraud, often mentioned in Antigua and other country’s destination forums related stories, it’s advisable that visitors use ATMs located in Antigua banks or other secure, well-monitored areas. Having a small amount of Eastern Caribbean Dollars on hand for daily expenses can help limit ATM usage and reduce the risk of encountering fraud.

Is the English Harbour in Antigua safe?

English Harbour in Antigua island is generally safe, with low instances of crime according to Antigua forums and official crime statistics.

Is Antigua safe for families?

Antigua is safe for families, including those with young children. Children are beloved by locals who will often stop and interact with you and your little ones. Many resorts on the island are family-oriented and offer child-friendly facilities.