Travel To Antigua: What Americans Need To Know

Antigua is a popular destination for American travellers, with its 365 beaches, vibrant culture, and well-preserved Spanish architecture. It is known for its lively but relaxed nightlife and offers a range of activities, including the Acatenango Volcano hike. Antigua is easily accessible from the US by air and sea, with several flights operating from New York to Antigua weekly. When travelling to Antigua, Americans must hold a valid passport, with at least 180 days of validity beyond their intended departure date. Additionally, travellers must carry proof of sufficient funds and may be required to present a negative COVID-19 test result and/or proof of vaccination.

What are the entry requirements for US citizens?

US citizens travelling to Antigua by plane must hold a valid passport, as is the requirement for international travel. This requirement applies to people of all ages. The passport should meet the following criteria:

• It should have at least 180 days of validity past your intended date of departure.
• It should have a blank page for the entry stamp. Passports that don’t have blank pages are not accepted.
• It should be in good condition. Immigration authorities will not accept damaged or altered passports.
• It should be in your possession. You cannot use your lost or stolen passport details.

If you are travelling on a closed-loop cruise to Antigua, you may not need a passport. However, it is still recommended as it can help you evacuate the island in an emergency.

If you want to tour Antigua for a short period, you can enter without a visa. However, you must present the following documents:

• A valid passport.
• An onward or return ticket.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Evidence of sufficient funds: Carry bank statements that prove your ability to maintain yourself while on the island.

The length of stay for visitors is up to six months, which may be extended for further periods (not exceeding six months) upon application to the Chief Immigration Officer.

As of July 2022, there are no longer any COVID-19 restrictions for passengers travelling by air. However, those travelling by sea should abide by the cruise line requirements, which may include vaccinations or RT-PCR tests. There may still be some requirements in hotels, banks, and other public areas, so it is recommended to check for current COVID-19 updates before leaving the US.

What are the best ways to get to Antigua?

Antigua is a popular destination for tourists worldwide, known for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, vibrant culture, and tropical climate. The island is easily accessible from America and Europe, and there are several ways to get there. Here are some of the best ways to travel to Antigua:

• By Plane: The most common way to get to Antigua is by air. V.C. Bird International Airport is the main gateway for visitors to the island, with direct flights from London, Miami, Atlanta, and multiple Caribbean islands. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Delta, American Airlines, and United all offer flights to Antigua. It takes approximately 8-9 hours to fly to Antigua from London and about 4 hours from New York.
• By Boat: Another option for getting to Antigua is by boat or cruise ship. The main ports of entry include English Harbour, Jolly Harbour, Deepwater Harbour, and Heritage Quay. Private boaters can enter at St. John's Harbour, English Harbour, or the St. James Club. Yachts wishing to visit Barbuda, Antigua's sister island, must first clear at one of the official ports of entry in Antigua.
• By Car: If you are already in the Caribbean, you can drive to Antigua via the Caribbean Sea or the Atlantic Ocean. However, this option may not be feasible for most travellers.
• By Rail: It is unclear if there is a direct rail option to get to Antigua.

Once you arrive in Antigua, there are several ways to get around the island, including renting a car, taking a taxi, using the local bus service, or even renting an electric bike.

What are the top attractions?

Top Attractions in Antigua

Antigua is a tropical paradise with vibrant culture and a rich culinary scene. With 365 beaches, there's no shortage of things to do and see. Here are some of the top attractions:

• Dickenson Bay Beach: One of the most popular beaches in Antigua, Dickenson Bay offers a mix of nature and indulgence. It's also a great spot for water sports enthusiasts.
• Stingray City: Get up close and personal with friendly Southern Stingrays in their natural habitat. A short boat trip will take you to this unique interactive experience.
• Prickly Pear Island: This serene, uninhabited island is a great escape for a day of snorkelling, sunbathing, and swimming. There's also a seafood/West Indian buffet for a taste of local cuisine.
• Antigua Donkey Sanctuary: A safe haven for rescued donkeys, this sanctuary allows visitors to interact with and feed the donkeys while learning about conservation efforts.
• Ffryes Beach: One of Antigua's most secluded and gorgeous beaches, Ffryes Beach offers calm waters, fine golden sand, and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Great Bird Island: Take an eco-tour to Great Bird Island to swim, snorkel, explore nature trails, and venture into caves. Boat tours also offer local food and drinks.
• Galley Bay Beach: A visitor favourite, Galley Bay Beach offers clean sand, surf, and a relaxed vibe. It's a great spot for surfing, turtle watching, and soaking in the views.
• Valley Church Beach: Located on the west coast, Valley Church Beach provides a tranquil setting with convenient amenities like bathroom rentals, beach chairs, and water sports options.
• Hell's Gate Island: This uninhabited island is known for its unique rock formations that rise dramatically from the sea. It's a popular spot for wildlife spotting, snorkelling, and diving.
• Half Moon Bay: A scenic stretch of soft white sand and rich blue waters, Half Moon Bay is a favourite among surfers and snorkelers. The northern side offers calmer waters for snorkelling, while the Atlantic Ocean side provides consistent waves for surfing.
• Darkwood Beach: With a relaxed atmosphere, golden sand, and lush greenery, Darkwood Beach is perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and beach photo shoots.
• Pillars of Hercules: These awe-inspiring rock formations sit in the ocean, with gentle waves crashing against them. It's a popular spot for sailing and snorkelling, especially at sunset.
• Shirley Heights Lookout: Offering panoramic views of English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour, this former military lookout is a great spot for sunset views and lively Sunday night parties.
• Nelson's Dockyard: A national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nelson's Dockyard was once a naval base. Now it houses shops, restaurants, and hotels, and presents the island's history.
• 17 Mile Beach, Barbuda: A short boat ride away, this serene beach on Antigua's sister isle, Barbuda, is known for its pink and white sand and quiet atmosphere.

What are the best restaurants?

Best Restaurants in Antigua

Antigua's restaurant scene reflects the island's diversity, with a mix of chef-curated resort restaurants and locally-owned spots. From fine dining to beachside barbecue, here are some of the best restaurants the island has to offer:

Cecilias High Point Cafe is one of the most popular restaurants in Antigua, serving up dishes like lobster salad, beef, and lobster risotto. The restaurant offers beautiful views of the island, with colourful walls and a cozy ambience.

The Fox House Restaurant & Bar is a great option for families, with a varied menu that includes the signature burger and chicken Caribbean curry. The restaurant has a colourful, Caribbean-style decor and is known for its friendly service.

Hemingway's Caribbean Cafe & Restaurant is a family-run diner housed in a green and white wooden structure that dates back to the 1800s. The restaurant serves traditional Antiguan food, including conch fritters, Caribbean seafood chowder, and grilled Antiguan lobster. Be sure to save room for the rum-infused bread pudding!

Papa Zouk is a rum bar and seafood joint owned by German transplant Bert Kirchner. The signature dish is the pan-fried red snapper, but the butternut fish and grouper in garlic sauce are also excellent choices. With over 250 types of rum on offer, you might find yourself dancing the night away.

Sheer Rocks is a stunning cliffside restaurant at the adults-only CocoBay Resort. The menu features a delightful fusion of international flavours, including spiced lamb meatballs, beer-battered lobster, and miso-baked aubergine. The food is incredibly fresh, sourced directly from local farmers and fishermen.

Roti King is a local favourite, serving up curry-stuffed roti with a variety of fillings like pork, beef, chicken, and tofu. The portions are generous, and the service is friendly.

BOOM Restaurant and Pool is located in Nelson's Dockyard, offering scenic views of English Harbour. The menu features mostly seafood dishes, with crowd favourites like the Thai shrimp cake salad and Alaska seafood salad. Be sure to make a reservation, especially during the summer months.

Le Bistro is Antigua's first French restaurant, expertly fusing French and Caribbean cuisine. The restaurant is known for its buttery escargot, homemade mushroom ravioli, and lobster medallions. With a romantic and airy setting, it's the perfect spot for a special occasion.

Lemongrass Thai Kitchen and Lounge is a relatively new addition to the Antigua dining scene, serving up well-known Thai dishes like prawn spring rolls, Thai coconut soup, and chicken pad Thai. The dishes are artfully plated and served under string lights and decorative umbrellas.

Darkwood Beach Bar and Restaurant is an Antiguan institution, serving up beachgoers since 1981. Located on Darkwood Beach, one of the island's top beaches, the restaurant offers a simple menu with the star dish being the lobster served with a buttery garlic sauce.

Pillars Restaurant & Bar is located in Nelson's Dockyard, offering amazing views of the harbour. The menu includes items like Thai shrimp cakes and a Mediterranean eggplant caprese sandwich. It's a great spot for lunch, with stunning views and a varied menu.

Trappas Bar & Restaurant is a cozy, cramped eatery decorated with painted hibiscus flowers. The prix-fixe menu offers a wide range of options, including a rich and spicy seafood chowder, crispy calamari, and creamy seafood pasta. It's a popular spot for both yachties and locals.

What are the best beaches?

Antigua is known for its beaches, with locals claiming there are 365 beaches to choose from, some with calm waters and others with choppy waters. The sand is silky soft and comes in shades of white and pink. Here are some of the best beaches in Antigua:

Jolly Beach

Jolly Beach is arguably the longest and widest of all the beaches in Antigua. It has soft white sand, crystal-clear blue water, and palm trees. Facing westward into the Caribbean Sea, this is a picturesque spot to watch the sunset.

Dickenson Bay

Dickenson Bay is one of Antigua's most beautiful beaches, with a mile of white sugar sand sloping gently into sparkling turquoise waters, protected by an offshore reef. Swaying palm trees and cooling trade winds top off the allure.

Valley Church Beach

Valley Church Beach has powdery white sand and crystal-clear blue water. This popular beach can get very crowded, but it stretches to over a mile in length, so you can find some separation. There is also a small shack that rents out every kind of water sports equipment.

Darkwood Beach

Darkwood Beach is one of the most beautiful and largest beaches on the southwest coast of Antigua. On a clear day, you can get beautiful panoramic views across to the neighbouring islands of Montserrat and Guadeloupe. The waters here are immaculate, and the marine life is abundant, making it a snorkeller's and scuba diver's paradise.

Ffryes Beach

Ffryes Beach has sparkling turquoise waters and is considered by some to be the prettiest beach in Antigua, and perhaps in the whole Caribbean.

Pigeon Point Beach

Pigeon Point Beach is set in a very natural setting with great views of the harbour and hills in the distance. It is a fabulous clean beach, great for snorkelling, and family-safe, with lifeguards on duty.

Galley Bay Beach

Galley Bay Beach has soft white sand, tremendous views, and calm waters. It is a fantastic mix of resort and public beach.

Frequently asked questions