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Antigua and Barbuda - Consular Information Sheet
September 14, 1999
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Antigua and Barbuda is a developing
island nation. Tourism facilities are widely available.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport or certified birth
certificate and picture identification, such as a drivers license,
are required of U.S. citizens entering Antigua and Barbuda. A
return ticket is sometimes requested. Immigration officials are
strict about getting exact information about where visitors are
staying. There is no fee for entering the country, but there is
a $13 departure tax. For further information on entry requirements,
travelers can contact the Embassy of Antigua and Barbuda, 3216
New Mexico Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20016, telephone (202)
362-5122, or the consulates in Miami or New York.
CRIME INFORMATION: Violent crimes and armed assaults
have been perpetrated against tourists. Petty street crime also
occurs, and valuables left unattended on beaches are subject to
theft.
The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported
immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or
consulate. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's
pamphlet A
Safe Trip Abroad for ways to promote a more trouble-free
journey. This publication and others, such as Tips
for Travelers to the Caribbean are available by mail from
the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs,
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S.
citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which
sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States
and may not afford the protections available to the individual
under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe
than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating
Antigua and Barbuda laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested
or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in
illegal drugs in Antigua and Barbuda are strict, and convicted
offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical care is limited. Serious
medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation
to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more. Doctors
and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services,
and U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United
States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment
for medical services outside the United States.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: Uninsured travelers who require medical
care overseas may face extreme difficulties. Check with your own
insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas,
including provision for medical evacuation. Ascertain whether
payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether
you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance
policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for
disposition of remains in the event of death. Useful information
on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs,
is provided in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs
brochure Medical
Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available
via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax: (202)
647-3000.
OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations
and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international
travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX
(1-888-232-3299), or via their Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign
country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ
significantly from those in the United States. The information
below concerning Antigua and Barbuda is provided for general reference
only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location
or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation: fair
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: fair
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: fair
Driving in Antigua and Barbuda is on the left-hand side of the
road, as in the United Kingdom. Roads are narrow and in poor condition.
There is relatively little police enforcement of traffic regulations.
The condition of the roads (in urban areas, fair to poor and in
rural areas, poor) and the speed at which many persons drive lead
to serious traffic accidents. The relative safety of public transportation
is fair to poor. Buses and vans are frequently crowded and travel
at excessive speeds. More detailed information on roads and traffic
safety can be obtained from the Antigua Tourist Board, telephone
(262) 462-0480, or the Director General of Tourism, telephone
(262) 462-1005.
For specific information concerning Antigua and Barbuda driver's
permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance,
contact the Antigua and Barbuda National Tourist Organization
offices in New York via the Internet at the Embassy website.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) has assessed Antigua and Barbuda’s Civil
Aviation Authority as Category 2 --not in compliance with international
aviation safety standards for oversight of Antigua and Barbuda’s
air carrier operations. While consultations to correct the deficiencies
are ongoing, Antigua and Barbuda’s air carriers are permitted
to conduct limited operations to the U.S. subject to heightened
FAA surveillance. For further information, travelers may contact
the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873,
or visit the FAA Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/.
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) does not permit its personnel
to use carriers from Category 2 countries for official business
except for flights originating from or terminating in the U.S.
For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers,
travelers may contact DOD at 618-229-4801.
CHILDREN’S ISSUES: For information on international adoption
of children, international parental child abduction, and international
child support enforcement issues, please refer to our Internet
site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html
or telephone (202) 736-7000.
REGISTRATION/EMBASSY AND CONSULATE LOCATIONS: Americans
living in or visiting Antigua and Barbuda are encouraged to register
at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados,
which has jurisdiction over Antigua and Barbuda, and obtain updated
information on travel and security in Antigua and Barbuda. The
Consular Section is located in the American Life Insurance Company
(ALICO)) Building, Cheapside, Bridgetown, Barbados, telephone
(246) 431-0225 or FAX (246) 431-0179. The hours of operation are
Monday-Friday, except local and U.S. holidays, 8:00am-4:00pm.
U.S. citizens may also register with the U.S. Consular Agent in
Antigua, whose address is Bluff House, Pigeon Point, English Harbour,
telephone (268) 463-6531, FAX (268) 460-1569, or email (no caps)
ryderj@candw.ag. The Consular Agent’s hours of operation are Monday-Friday,
except local and U.S. holidays, 9:00am-4:00pm (please call for
appointments).
This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated June 11, 1999.
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