The general consensus is that traveling to Antigua and Barbuda is relatively safe for international visitors. Although occasional minor crimes occur, they typically happen during nighttime hours.
Compared to other popular destinations in the Caribbean, these islands maintain a higher level of safety.
Visitor demographics show that the United States comprises 67% of visitors to Antigua and Barbuda, followed by the United Kingdom at 21%, the Caribbean at 7%, and Canada at 3%.
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LATEST NEWS from Antigua and Barbuda:
February 27: Increase in crime in Antigua and Barbuda – more than 30,000 incidents recorded in 2023
Local police reported a total of 30,080 criminal offenses, averaging seven to eight incidents per day impacting citizens in 2023. These figures encompass various crimes, including 1019 break-ins, 1017 theft cases, 70 instances of injury, 383 cases of malicious damage, 19 incidents of sexual assault, 22 shooting occurrences, and 113 reported robberies.
Certain neighborhoods, notably Villa, Point, Cashew Hill, and Grays Farm, have observed a near-daily rise in break-ins.
In response to these challenges, law enforcement authorities made 797 arrests in 2023, underscoring their dedication to addressing the diverse array of criminal activities.
Official Travel Advisory
U.S. Travel Advisory for Antigua and Barbuda
Visitors to Antigua and Barbuda only need to exercise normal precautions when visiting this Caribbean location.
The U.S. State Department urged citizens to register on its Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get warnings and facilitate finding you in case of an emergency.
Canada Travel Advisory for Antigua and Barbuda
As with other governments, Canadian authorities only advise citizens to take regular precautions when visiting
On the other hand, they inform us that minor crimes like pickpocketing, stealing purses, and armed attacks on tourists can happen.
Areas to Avoid
Antigua and Barbuda do not have any particular areas that one should deliberately avoid visiting. Yet, break-ins in the Villa, Point, Cashew Hill, and Grays Farm neighborhoods have increased in recent years.
Common Scams
These are the primary tourist scams to be cautious of when in Antigua and Barbuda.
Hair Braiding Scams: Ensure to negotiate the final price upfront to avoid any misunderstandings. Instances have been reported where individuals ended up paying over US 100 for their braids due to unclear pricing agreements.
Bump and Grab Scam: In this scheme, a thief will intentionally bump into you, creating a distraction to rob you while you’re distracted. To prevent falling victim to this scam, avoid storing your wallet or any valuables in easily accessible pockets.
The Soccer Team Scam: There have been reports of a UK individual soliciting donations for the local youth soccer team. Needless to say, the money is never sent to the players.
Safety Tips for Antigua and Barbuda
To ensure a safe journey while in Antigua and Barbuda, consider the following recommendations:
- Refrain from displaying your affluence or carrying substantial amounts of cash or excessive jewelry.
- Secure valuables and travel documents in a safety deposit box or hotel safe, and retain copies with you at all times.
- Avoid walking in secluded areas, including beaches, especially after nightfall, particularly if you’re traveling alone.
- Utilize only licensed taxis or your own rented vehicle.