Trip readiness checklist for Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua is friendly, British-flavoured and strict about exactly two things: camouflage and manners. Here's the trip-readiness checklist for Antigua and Barbuda: what to pack, when to go, entry rules for your passport, and the official sources to confirm before you fly.
Build my checklistEntry rules for a US passport
Visa-free for tourist stays, up to 6 months at the officer's discretion
Visa-free for tourist stays, up to 6 months at the officer's discretion.
- US passport valid for your whole stay (six months' validity is the safe habit; some airlines enforce it at check-in even where the country doesn't)
- Proof of onward or return travel — a booking on your phone is enough
- Where you're staying
Source: U.S. Department of State, checked September 14, 2026. Other passports get their own answer in the app. Confirm at the official source before you book.
What to pack
Antigua claims 365 beaches, one for every day, and the sailing crowd claims the rest. Pack for sun and salt, something smart for English Harbour's evenings, and nothing in camouflage.
Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
Antigua is one of the drier, sunnier islands, with little shade on the best beaches. Reapply after every swim.
Water shoes
Several of the best snorkelling spots have rocky or coral entries, and Barbuda's beaches hide the odd urchin.
A light layer for the breeze
The trade winds make evenings on the water cooler than the thermometer admits, and boats run cold.
Smart-casual for the evening
English Harbour and Nelson's Dockyard dress up a little for dinner; the Sunday party at Shirley Heights does not.
When to go
December to April is peak, with Sailing Week in late April filling English Harbour and every room near it. Carnival runs the last week of July into early August, the island's biggest party. Hurricane season is June to November; May, June and November are warm, quieter and noticeably cheaper.
Money & getting around
Antigua uses the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), pegged at 2.70 to the US dollar; US dollars are accepted nearly everywhere, with change in EC. Cards work at hotels and restaurants; beach vendors and buses are cash. Tipping is 10 to 15 percent, and a 10 percent service charge is common on bills, so check before adding. Taxis charge fixed government rates by route, so ask before you get in; rental cars drive on the left and need a local permit sold at the rental desk.
Local quirks worth knowing
Antigua is friendly, British-flavoured and strict about exactly two things: camouflage and manners. Keep both in mind and the rest is beach.
Camouflage is illegal to wear
Military-print clothing and bags are reserved for the armed forces by law. Customs will take it off you at the airport.
Say good morning first
Shops, buses, the beach bar: greet before you ask for anything. Skipping it marks you as rude, not busy.
Sunday means Shirley Heights
The barbecue and steel-band party above English Harbour starts around four, with the sunset as the headline act. Go early for a spot on the wall.
Drive on the left and expect goats
Roads are narrow, potholed and unlit outside St. John's. Daylight driving only for the first day or two.
Beachwear is beach-only
Cover up in town, in shops and in restaurants. Topless and nude bathing are not permitted anywhere.
A week in Antigua and Barbuda, the list starts here
Quantities scale with your dates, the weather groups arrive once we have your travel days, and your own plans add their gear on Trip Pass.
- Passport & travel documents1
- Phone charger & adapter1
- Wallet, cards & some local cash1
- Toiletries bag1
- Any daily medicationsenough for the trip
- Underwear7
- Socks7
- T-shirts / tops5
Entry, advisories & health
These change. Confirm at the official source before you book.
Entry and visa requirements depend on your nationality. Confirm the current rules for Antigua and Barbuda with the official source below before you book.
U.S. State Department travel advisory for Antigua and Barbuda — check the current level and any alerts before you go.
CDC traveler health page for Antigua and Barbuda — recommended vaccines, health notices, and a packing checklist.
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