Travel insurance & safety
Use this page to prepare, then confirm the latest safety and health guidance with official sources before departure.
Check the current safety advisory before you fly
As of May 20, 2026, the U.S. State Department lists Antigua and Barbuda at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. Canada's advice, updated on May 26, 2026, also says to take normal security precautions. Neither means crime is absent: UK guidance records incidents of violent crime, including armed robbery and sexual assault. Check that your travel insurance covers medical treatment and evacuation before you go.
Official safety & health sources
U.S. State Department: Antigua and Barbuda Travel Advisory
The U.S. advisory for Antigua and Barbuda: Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions, as issued on May 20, 2026, with its safety guidance.
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UK Government: Antigua and Barbuda Travel Advice
British government safety, health, and entry guidance, updated as conditions change.
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Government of Canada: Antigua and Barbuda Travel Advice
Canadian advice, updated on May 26, 2026: normal security precautions, health and entry notes, and local laws such as the camouflage ban.
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Why travel insurance matters
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 and peaks in September, according to the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service, so cover for cancellation and trip interruption matters most in those months. A policy should also cover medical emergencies, lost luggage, and flight delays. If you plan to sail, dive, or do other watersports, confirm those activities are covered.
Medical Coverage
Hospital visits, medications, emergency evacuation
Trip Protection
Cancellations, delays, missed connections
Belongings
Lost luggage, stolen items, electronics
Insurers to compare
These are examples to compare, not an official ranking. Read the policy wording carefully for medical treatment, emergency evacuation, water activities, pre-existing conditions, and cancellation rules.
World Nomads
Travel insurance sold online. Which plans and which activities are covered depends on your country of residence, so check the list for your own policy.
Single trips, with activity cover to check
SafetyWing
Travel medical insurance sold as a rolling subscription, aimed at long stays and remote workers. Read what it excludes before relying on it.
Long stays on a subscription
Allianz Travel Insurance
Single-trip and annual plans from a large insurer. Benefits and prices differ by the country you buy in.
Single-trip or annual plans
Health tips
- Water: the U.S. State Department describes tap water in Antigua and Barbuda as generally safe to drink. The public utility, APUA, uses desalination; ask your accommodation whether its own supply comes from the mains or from a cistern or tank
- Use sunscreen: the sun is strong in every month at this latitude, and strongest around the middle of the day
- Mosquito repellent: pack it whatever the month, and read your government's health advice for Antigua and Barbuda before you travel
- Check the vaccine guidance for this destination: requirements can depend on where you are arriving from, not only on your nationality
Safety tips
🏖️ At the Beach
The east coast faces the Atlantic, where the tourism authority describes powerful breakers at Devil's Bridge, although Long Bay on the same coast is protected by its reef. On any coast, UK travel advice warns that currents can be deceptively strong and that beach safety provision varies.
🚗 Transportation
Taxis are not metered and standard fares are set by zone, so agree the fare and the currency before you set off. If you rent a car, remember that traffic drives on the left.
Emergency numbers
| General Emergency (police, fire, ambulance) | 911 / 999 |
| Royal Police Force Headquarters | (268) 462-0125 |
| Emergency Medical Services (direct line) | (268) 562-2432 or 562-2433 |
| Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, formerly Mount St. John's (administrative line, not for emergencies) | (268) 484-2700 |
| National Office of Disaster Services | (268) 462-4206 |
| US Consular Agency in Antigua (main telephone) | (268) 463-6531 |
Explore more travel essentials
Next: how the zone-fare taxis, the buses and the Barbuda ferry work, then money, tipping and what to pack.