Last updated: 23 Oct 2025
Antigua and Barbuda
About
| Low-lying and volcanic in origin, Antigua & Barbuda form part of the Leeward Islands group in the northeast Caribbean and have certainly adopted the notoriously ‘Caribbean' way of life. This is a place to take things easy, stroll around markets, sip the fresh juices of coconuts and pineapple and meet friendly locals. Antigua & Barbuda's way of life is governed by water. Crab-race: ideal for the very lazy, this eccentric sport is staged in certain bars once or twice a week. A punter may win enough to pay for the next round of drinks, but the moderate stakes are unlikely to make anyone a millionaire! Play Antigua & Barbuda’s national game of Warri - an ancient board (‘count and capture’) game that was traditionally played using shells placed in cups: a National Warri Festival is held every year. Go for a bush safari in Barbuda. Stop for a picnic in the shade and watch for the wildlife amongst the sparkling salt ponds. |
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| Tourism Office: | www.visitantiguabarbuda.com |
| Capital: | St John's (ANU) |
| Currency: | East Caribbean Dollar (XCD) |
| Language: | English. There are some Spanish-speaking communities. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 268 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT -4 (6 hours behind South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Left |
| Best Time to go: | December to April |
| Best For: | Island relaxation |
| Plugs: | 220/110 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style two-pin plugs are standard. Some hotels also have outlets for 240 volts AC; in this case European-style, two-pin plugs are used. |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended, although doctors will require cash payment regardless of whether you have health insurance. |
| Customs: | It is customary to greet before engaging in transactions or conversations (i.e., Good Morning / Good Afternoon / Good Evening). Dress code is informal but conservative. Swimwear should be reserved for the beach / poolside. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Dressing in camouflage clothing is illegal. Homosexuality is illegal. |
| Travel Warnings / Tips: | Tropical reef fish are poisonous to eat. |
| Duty Free: | The following items may be imported into Antigua & Barbuda without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco • 1L of wine or spirits • 170ml of perfume |
| Prohibited Imports: | Prohibited items include arms and non-prescription drugs. Restricted goods requiring a licence include vehicles, plants, fruits and vegetables, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and firearms. |
Issuing Authorities
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Apr 18, 21; May 5; Jun 9; Aug 4-5; Nov 1, 3; Dec 9, 25-26
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Apr 3, 6; May 4, 25; Aug 3-4; Sep 10; Nov 1-2; Dec 9, 25-26
Visa Requirements
Visas are not required by SA passport holders for stays of up to 6 months.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Valid passport, with expiry 6 months after departure date
- Onward or return ticket.
- Confirmation of accommodation.
- Evidence of their ability to maintain themselves in Antigua and Barbuda
Visa information: immigration.gov.ag/
SA Representative
Representation accredited from Kingston, Jamaica
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover) |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
