Antigua and Barbuda

In 1784, Admiral Horatio Nelson chose Antigua, situated in the centre of the Leeward Islands, as the base for Great Britain's Caribbean Fleet. It is hard not to see why, as the island boasts a varied coastline with secure docking points, a protective coral reef and steady trade winds. Add to that shimmering sandy beaches, bright sunshine and a laid-back attitude and it is no surprise that Antigua, together with its smaller sister island Barbuda, is today one of the Caribbean's most popular tourist spots.

Along with the uninhabited Redonda Island, Antigua and Barbuda form a tiny nation with a population descended largely from African slaves and a mix of Europeans. Visitors flock to enjoy the stretches of beach and miles of excellent hikes on Antigua, the protected nature reserve of Redonda, the exclusive resorts and superb bird sanctuary on Barbuda, and world-class snorkelling and scuba diving among wrecks along the nation's coral reefs. The warm winds that Nelson relied on to bring his ships safely into harbour now contribute to one of the world's biggest maritime events, Sailing Week.

The nation's largest city is the popular cruise destination of St John's, situated on Antigua. With a strong maritime history, the city is filled with related attractions and also offers visitors a chance to shop, dine and unwind. Codrington (named after sugar plantation Christopher Codrington) is Barbuda's main city and acts as a base for explorations of the many coastal shipwrecks, as well as the island's frigate bird population. Ultimately, however, visitors to this island nation come to enjoy the expanse of sandy beaches and the unique atmosphere of the Eastern Caribbean.

Climate

Antigua and Barbuda have a pleasant year-round climate. The average daily temperature drops a few degrees in winter (December to March) from the usual high of around 81°F (27°C). Antigua and Barbuda are fairly dry throughout most of the year except during the rainy season (mid-September to November) when daily showers can be expected. Hurricane season runs from June to November and visitors are advised to keep an eye on the weather forecast during this period.

Money

The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) is the main form of currency in Antigua and Barbuda, and it is tied to the US Dollar, with US$1 equal to EC$2.65 (long-standing, pegged rate). US currency can be used nearly everywhere. Major currencies and travellers cheques can be exchanged at the international banks in St John's and at many hotels. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted but there are not many ATMs in the area, so it is best to make arrangements around this.

Passport Visa

All nationalities must hold confirmed onward or return tickets and sufficient funds to cover their period of intended stay. Extensions are possible on visas. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities.

Entry Requirements

• United States passport holders must have a valid passport or a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as an original or certified birth certificate. A visa is not required for stays of up to one month.
• UK nationals require a passport. A visa is not required for stays of up to six months.
• Canadians require a passport, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. A visa is not required for stays of up to one month.
• Australians require a passport. A visa is not required for stays of up to one month.
• South African nationals must hold a passport. A visa is not required for a stay of up to one month.
• Irish nationals require a passport. A visa is not necessary for stays of up to one month.
• New Zealand nationals require a passport. A visa is not needed for a stay of up to one month.

Health

There are no special health requirements for visitors to Antigua and Barbuda, except for yellow fever immunisation for those over one year of age arriving from an infected country. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended but not mandatory. The Dengue Fever mosquito is found throughout the islands, and incidents of the disease are on the increase; care should be taken to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Travellers should be aware that some types of tropical reef fish are poisonous, even when cooked. Health insurance with provision for medical evacuation is strongly recommended, as medical treatment is expensive. There is no hyperbaric chamber; divers requiring treatment for decompression illness must be evacuated from the island. The private hospital, Adelin, requires a substantial credit card deposit before treating visitors, who then have to personally reclaim the cost from insurance on their return home.

Embassy Consulates

• Embassy of Antigua and Barbuda, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 362 5122.
• High Commission for Antigua and Barbuda, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7258 0070.
• High Commission for the Countries of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 236 8952.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Consular Agent, St John's, Antigua: +1 268 463 6531.
• British High Commission, St John's, Antigua: +1 268 5615046.
• Canadian High Commission, Bridgetown, Barbados (also responsible for Antigua and Barbuda): +1 246 429 3550.
• Australian High Commission, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (also responsible for Antigua and Barbuda): +1 868 628 0695.
• South African High Commission, Kingston, Jamaica (also responsible for Antigua and Barbuda): +1 876 978 3160.