Antigua & Barbuda

Recommended Vaccinations For Antigua & Barbuda

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country. The vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

The risk of acquiring hepatitis B in Antigua and Barbuda is low, so discuss vaccination with your health care provider to ascertain any risk factors, as it may not be necessary.

For Some Travellers

Yellow Fever Vaccine

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Travellers transiting for more than 12 hours through an airport in a country/territory at risk for yellow fever transmission would also require a certificate.

Rabies Vaccine

Rabies vaccination is recommended for travellers who may come in contact with bats (i. e. cavers, adventure travellers, researchers, and anyone working with bats).

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Recommended Medications For Antigua & Barbuda

There are no recommendations for Antigua & Barbuda at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Antigua & Barbuda

For Most Travellers

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred frequently on many Caribbean islands, including Antigua and Barbuda.

Hepatitis B

The risk of acquiring hepatitis B in Antigua and Barbuda is low, so discuss vaccination with your health care provider to ascertain any risk factors, as it may not be necessary.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

Hepatitis A

There is a high risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Antigua and Barbuda through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

For Some Travellers

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Antigua and Barbuda, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Travellers transiting for more than 12 hours through an airport in a country/territory at risk for yellow fever transmission would also require a certificate.

Rabies

Rabies may be present in bats.

Zika Fever

Zika fever occurs in this country.

Safety & Security in Antigua & Barbuda

Personal Safety

Most crime in Antigua and Barbuda is petty theft. Pickpocketing and purse snatching occur, especially around annual festivities and in crowded areas like St. John’s. Violent crime does happen, including armed robbery, murder, and sexual assault, but these incidents rarely involve tourists. The homicide rate rose from 2.4 per 100,000 in 2019 to 10.7 in 2022. By the first half of 2024, crime increased 9% compared to 2023, driven mainly by theft and burglaries. Most violent incidents occur in specific communities outside tourist zones. Tourist areas like Dickenson Bay, English Harbour, and Jolly Harbour have regular police patrols and Tourist Safety Units introduced in 2023. Gated communities benefit from private security and controlled access. Avoid walking alone off main roads after dark and stay clear of isolated beaches at night. Some areas of St. John’s, such as Grays Farm and The Point, are best avoided after dark unless with a local. Resisting robbery can lead to violent responses involving weapons. Drug offenses carry severe penalties. Wearing camouflage clothing is illegal, even for children.

Extreme Violence

Violent crime occurs but remains relatively rare compared to other Caribbean nations. The homicide rate fluctuates significantly due to the small population. It rose from 2.4 per 100,000 in 2019 to 10.7 in 2022 and stood at 17.16 in 2021. Six murders were reported in the first half of 2024 compared to two in the same period in 2023. Most violent crime occurs in specific neighborhoods, not in tourist zones or gated residential areas. Incidents include armed robbery, murder, and sexual assault. Gang activity is not widespread compared to some neighboring countries. Gun crime doubled between 2020 and 2021, though rates remain low compared to other Caribbean nations. There are reports that firearms may be trafficked into the country by criminal networks from nearby Jamaica via maritime routes. Organized crime targeting tourists is not a known pattern as of 2025. Resisting robbery can lead to violent responses with weapons.

Political Unrest

Antigua and Barbuda is a stable parliamentary democracy. The 2023 general elections were held peacefully. Political power alternates between the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party and the United Progressive Party. The country has no history of terrorism. Protests are rare and generally peaceful. In 2021, protests occurred over COVID-19 restrictions, with demonstrators marching despite being denied permission. These were politically charged but did not result in widespread violence. Demonstrations may occur and even peaceful ones can turn violent at any time, leading to traffic disruptions. The main political tension involves disputes between Antigua’s central government and the Barbuda Council over communal land ownership following Hurricane Irma in 2017. While emotionally charged, these disputes are handled through legal channels. In 2020, the Barbuda Council sought secession, but the resolution failed in parliament. Freedom of assembly is guaranteed. Civil liberties, including freedom of the press, are upheld. The country is rated as free in global democracy indexes. Political stability index scored 0.96 points in 2021, above the world average.

Areas To Avoid

Tourist areas like Dickenson Bay, English Harbour, Jolly Harbour, and Nelson’s Dockyard are well-patrolled and secure. Popular beaches and resorts maintain a safe atmosphere. Gated communities such as Jolly Harbour, Sugar Ridge, and Cedar Valley are among the most secure residential areas with private security and controlled access. In St. John’s, areas outside the main commercial zone should be approached with caution. Parts of St. John’s, including Grays Farm, The Point, and neighborhoods around the West Bus Station on Market Street, are best avoided after dark unless with a local or on guided transport. Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay can encounter petty crime and aggressive panhandling. Isolated beaches like Carlisle Bay, Darkwood Beach, Half Moon Bay, and Coco Bay can be dangerous at night, especially if alone. Avoid these areas in groups and stay away after dark. Deserted beaches and remote areas late at night pose risks if you’re not with locals familiar with the area. Well-lit, populated areas are safer, particularly around hotels and major tourist spots.