When it comes down to it, the reasons to love Antigua are all tied into the things the island is most known for: its beautiful white sand beaches, sailing, the 18th century Nelson’s Dockyard, its culinary delicacies, the largest nesting colony of frigate birds in the Caribbean, and much more!

Known as the “middle passage,” this sea voyage could range from one to six months, depending on the weather. On large ships, several hundred slaves could be packed below decks. Branded and chained together, they endured conditions of squalor, and disease and starvation claimed many lives.

Slaves soon made up the majority of Antiguan population—85 percent by 1736, when there were 24,400 of them on the island. Slave resistance did occur on Antigua.

Antigua was visited in 1493 by Christopher Columbus, who named it for the Church of Santa Maria de la Antigua in Sevilla, Spain. It was colonized by English settlers in 1632 and remained a British possession although it was raided by the French in 1666.

English

Top 7 Things to Eat in Antigua

• Conch.
• Ducana.
• Fungee and Pepperpot.
• Souse.
• Saltfish.
• Local Lagers.
• Tamarind Balls.

Antigua and Barbuda is one of the Caribbean’s most prosperous nations, thanks to its tourism industry and offshore financial services. Antigua has tangled with the United States over its online gambling industry, which at its height employed more than 4,000 people and was a major contributor to the economy.

North America

Travelers should avoid all nonessential travel to Antigua and Barbuda. Because of the current situation in Antigua and Barbuda even fully vaccinated travelers may be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 variants and should avoid nonessential travel to Antigua and Barbuda.

NOTE: Generally, all U.S. citizens are required to present a valid U.S. passport when traveling to Antigua and Barbuda, as well as proof of anticipated departure from the country.

Residents of Antigua and Barbuda benefit from no capital gains tax or estate taxes, and no personal income taxes.

The benefits of tax residency in Antigua & Barbuda include: No income tax on worldwide income or assets. No capital gains tax on worldwide income or assets. No inheritance tax on worldwide or assets.

VAT (standard) 15 percent; VAT (reduced) 0 percent; 12.5 percent for hotel accommodation. Certain supplies are exempt.

Q: As a bona fide visitor, how long can I extend my lawful stay in Antigua and Barbuda? A: Under the provisions of the Immigration and Passport Act 2014 the maximum period for an extension of stay for any bona fide visitor is a maximum of ninety days (90).

ninety days

Eastern Caribbean dollar

The best time to visit Antigua is between mid-December and mid-April when it’s peak season, making it the perfect destination to escape wintery conditions in the US or Europe.

The best way to get around Antigua is by car or taxi. Having a car can save you money, especially on longer visits, but the island can be difficult to navigate due to bumpy dirt roads and hilly areas that flood easily.

Visiting Antigua in June – August The official hurricane season is July to November, and while the risk is very small, you might encounter some tropical storms. However, lower prices make it a great value time to travel, and you may be able to see turtles nesting along the beaches.

December to April is Antigua’s high season and the coolest, driest time of year, with an average daily maximum temperature of around 28.5°C. The wet season runs from mid-June to mid-November and can have short spells of heavy rainfall and nighttime thunderstorms.

While the island nation of Antigua and Barbuda is generally safe, petty crime can still challenge travelers – even the most experienced. You may have read about violent robbery and murder on the main island Antigua, but attacks on tourists are extremely rare.

In Antigua and Barbuda we drive on the left hand side of the road as they do in England and most cars are right hand drive. Speed limits are posted in miles.