Beaches, bays and island charm
Antigua is ringed by soft white beaches and calm turquoise bays, with the historic dockyard at English Harbour and lively Sunday sunsets at Shirley Heights. Add a day or two on Barbuda for its long pink-tinged sands, and you have one of the Caribbean’s most relaxing escapes.
Where to go
Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with yachts, waterside dining and views from Shirley Heights.
Dickenson Bay, Jolly Beach and the calm west-coast bays — perfect for swimming and sunsets.
Quiet, unspoilt and home to a long pink-sand beach and a frigate bird colony.
Sweeping views over English and Falmouth harbours, best known for its Sunday-evening sunset gathering.
Catamaran trips around the island, snorkelling stops and sheltered anchorages.
Culture and customs
Antiguans are friendly and relaxed, and a courteous greeting goes a long way.
Leave camouflage at home. It’s illegal for anyone, including children, to wear camouflage clothing in Antigua and Barbuda.
No smoking in public places. Smoking in public places is against the law and can lead to arrest.
Zero tolerance on drugs. Possessing drugs is illegal and penalties are severe. Pack your own bags and never carry anything through customs for someone else.
Keep affection discreet. Public displays of affection are uncommon for any couple, so it’s best to keep things low-key in public.
Licensed taxis only. Use licensed taxis, keep valuables in your hotel safe and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or jewellery.
How far is Antigua and Barbuda from you?
Distances are great-circle estimates and flying times are typical, not timetabled. Message us for live fares and routes.
Antigua and Barbuda, month by month
Hover overTap a month for average day and night temperatures, sunshine and rainy days.
Long-term averages from national weather services (St. John's). Actual weather varies year to year.
Ready-made holidays, coming soon
We’re adding Antigua and Barbuda packages you can browse and filter by trip type, length and budget. Until then, tell us what you’d like and we’ll send ideas and prices — usually the same day.
Tell us about your Antigua and Barbuda trip
Holiday, flights only or just a hotel — send us the details and our team will come back with options and prices, usually the same day during opening hours.
- Flights issued by our own IATA-accredited team
- Internal flights, transfers and tours arranged
- Visa and passport help from our documents team
- One team to message before, during and after
Read the full official entry requirements
See the official GOV.UK entry requirements for Antigua and Barbuda.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Updated automatically from GOV.UK travel advice.
Travelling to Antigua and Barbuda — quick answers
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Do I need a visa for Antigua and Barbuda with a British passport?
No. British passport holders can enter without a visa and are allowed to stay for a maximum of 90 days on entry; longer stays need an extension from the Immigration Department. You must show an onward or return ticket, and your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive. Complete the ArriveAntigua immigration and customs form at ArriveAntigua.com within 72 hours of your flight — GOV.UK describes it as not mandatory, but the airport says all arriving passengers will be asked for its QR code at customs.
How long is the flight from the UK to Antigua?
Nonstop flights take about 8½ to 9 hours. British Airways flies from Gatwick, and Virgin Atlantic flies from Heathrow in the winter season. From other UK airports, you would usually connect in London or via a US hub.
When is the best time to visit Antigua?
December to April is the driest and most popular time. The Caribbean hurricane season normally runs from June to November, so if you travel then, keep an eye on forecasts and follow local advice.
Is Antigua safe to visit?
FCDO does not advise against travel to any part of Antigua and Barbuda. As anywhere, take sensible precautions: use licensed taxis, keep valuables in the hotel safe and avoid isolated areas, including beaches, after dark. Read the latest GOV.UK travel advice before you go.
Can Travel Style book my whole Antigua trip?
Yes. We’re IATA accredited, so we issue flights ourselves and can add hotels, transfers and island trips in one booking — with one team to message before, during and after your trip.
Please note: the information on this page is a general guide, checked when it was published. Entry rules, health advice, weather, seasons, flight routes and local conditions can change at any time and vary from person to person, so we can’t accept responsibility for changes or for decisions based on this page alone. Always check the latest GOV.UK travel advice and official travel health advice before you travel. It is your responsibility to check the entry, health and travel requirements that apply to you before you travel. See our terms and conditions.