Anguilla
About Anguilla
| Currency | East Caribbean dollar (XCD) |
| Language | English |
| Capital | The Valley |
Anguilla is a British overseas territory located in the Caribbean Sea near Saint Kitts and Nevis and east of Puerto Rico. The population is about 16,000 people. The chief of state is the Queen of the United Kingdom who is represented by a governour general, and the head of government is a chief minister.
English settlers arrived in Anguilla about 1650. In colonial days, Anguilla was administered by Great Britain. In 1824, the island was administratively incorporated with Saint Kitts and Nevis. In 1967 and again in 1969, revolts occurred with the goal of independence from Saint Kitts and Nevis. In 1980, Anguilla achieved its goal and gained independence becoming a British overseas territory.
Tourism and offshore banking are major contributors to the economy. Travellers can enjoy the ocean and beaches, diving and snorkelling, and boating.
Recommended Vaccinations For Anguilla
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Rabies Vaccine
Rabies may be present in bats. Vaccination may be considered for travellers who might come in contact 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 Anguilla
There are no recommendations for Anguilla at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Anguilla
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B
There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Anguilla.
Chikungunya Fever
Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.
Hepatitis A
There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Anguilla through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.
Dengue Fever
Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.
For Some Travellers
Rabies
Rabies may be present in bats. Vaccination may be considered for travellers who might come in contact with bats.
Typhoid Fever
Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Anguilla, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Zika Fever
Zika occurs in this country.
Safety & Security in Anguilla
Personal Safety
Anguilla maintains a reputation as one of the safer Caribbean islands. The country has low reported crime rates, though some petty crime occurs. Pickpocketing and bag snatching happen occasionally in tourist areas, while violent crime against tourists is rare. Between 2023 and 2024, the island experienced several shooting incidents among local residents, typically linked to gang and drug-related activity. These incidents rarely affect visitors as the violence remains predominantly local-on-local disputes. Tourist areas, resorts, and beaches maintain strong safety records. Government advisories from multiple countries recommend normal security precautions. You can explore beaches and tourist areas day and night, though isolated areas after dark warrant more caution. Taxi drivers are known by name in this small community of approximately 15,000 residents, which contributes to a sense of accountability. Card fraud occurs sometimes at ATMs and payment terminals. Emergency services respond to 911 calls across the island.
Extreme Violence
Violent crime in Anguilla remains low overall, particularly against visitors. The island recorded six homicides in 2024, a significant number for a population of approximately 15,000. Gun violence increased during 2023 and 2024, with multiple shooting deaths occurring between January and July 2024. These incidents involved local residents in disputes typically connected to gang activity and drug trade. The violence occurs in populated areas including The Valley, Blowing Point, and along major roads, though tourist-focused establishments rarely experience such incidents. Police investigations face challenges, with only one suspect charged across the six 2024 homicide cases as of September 2024. Despite these local incidents, tourists experience very low risk of violent crime. The island’s economy depends heavily on tourism, providing motivation for community protection of visitor safety. Major resorts employ security personnel. Avoid isolated areas after dark, including beaches. The Royal Anguilla Police Force maintains approximately 120 officers serving the island.
Political Unrest
Political stability characterizes Anguilla as a British Overseas Territory. The island experienced its defining political moment during the 1967 Anguilla Revolution, when residents rejected union with Saint Kitts and Nevis, ultimately securing separation in 1980. Since then, political life has remained calm with democratic transitions between parties. Demonstrations may occur occasionally but disruptions to traffic and public transportation remain minimal. The island maintains a functioning parliamentary democracy. Recent years show no significant protest movements or civil unrest. Political discourse happens through established channels rather than street demonstrations. The 2007 demonstrations by Indian construction workers represented an isolated labor dispute that resolved through negotiation. Current political tensions or organized opposition movements do not threaten visitor safety or operations. Government operations continue normally, with the Governor representing the British Crown and an elected local government managing internal affairs.
Areas To Avoid
Anguilla presents no specific high-risk areas that require complete avoidance. The entire island remains accessible to visitors. The Valley, as the capital and most populated area, sees higher general activity and some incidents have occurred there at night. Sandy Ground and Island Harbour host numerous popular tourist restaurants and beach bars that operate safely, despite some discussion about evening caution in residential sections away from tourist establishments. Blowing Point serves as the main ferry terminal with regular tourist traffic. Captain’s Bay and other remote beaches can feel isolated but remain safe during daylight hours. All 33 beaches are public property and generally safe. Exercise standard awareness when visiting less-populated areas after dark. No neighborhoods are off-limits during the day. Tourist-focused establishments across the island maintain strong safety records regardless of location. The small island size means you’re never far from help, and locals generally provide assistance when needed.