Anguilla travel guide
About Anguilla
Beyoncé. Paul McCartney. Denzel Washington. Expect to keep good company if you’re holidaying in Anguilla, which has become something of a hangout for the rich and famous in recent years.
Though not the most accessible Caribbean island (geographically and financially speaking), that is precisely why this British Overseas Territory is so appealing for the jet set. There are other reasons, of course. Anguilla also lays claim to some of the finest beaches in the region, as well as some of the most luxurious hotels. Suffice to say, it’s not the place to be penny pinching.
That said, some visitors do just that: favourable tax rates have earned Anguilla a reputation as a place to squirrel away the dollars. However, the island’s true riches lie below the waves, where you will find spectacular coral reef formations and a staggering diversity of marine life: from stingrays to sharks, turtles to tropical fish, there’s as much to see on the seafloor as there is on the shore.
Sailing is another popular pastime in Anguilla and it doesn’t take long to navigate the tiny island and its eight largely uninhabited cays.
If it sounds like a playground for the rich that’s because it is, but that’s not to say more wallet-friendly options don’t exist. There are a range of holiday villas and midrange hotels to suit more modest budgets. A night out needn’t cost the Earth either: potent cocktails go for reasonable prices in Anguilla’s ubiquitous beach bars.
Those who like their food are in for an unexpected treat. The restaurant scene is excellent and there is a surprising range of cuisine, from fine French fare to local dishes. Don’t leave without feasting on buttery Anguillan lobster.
For the culturally minded, Anguilla has many galleries showcasing local art, not to mention a delightfully eccentric museum. Wherever you are though, those beautiful beaches are only minutes away.
Key facts
91 sq km (35 sq miles).
14,764 (UN estimate 2016).
164 per sq km.
The Valley.
British Overseas Territory.
Chief Minister Ellis Webster since 2020.
Travel Advice
Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory, so there is no British Embassy, and the Royal Anguilla Police Force or other relevant local authorities will support you if you need help.
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
- see general advice for women travellers
- read our guide on disability and travel abroad
- see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
- read about safety for solo and independent travel
- see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
About FCDO travel advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Anguilla’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Anguilla set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Anguilla’s Immigration Department.
Passport validity requirements
To enter Anguilla, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Visa requirements
You can visit Anguilla without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business. To apply to extend your stay, contact the Immigration Department after your arrival.
Work permits
There are specific rules about working in Anguilla – information is available from Anguilla’s Department of Labour.
Email: labour.mailbox@gov.ai
Departure tax
You must pay a departure tax when leaving Anguilla at Clayton J Lloyd International Airport and Blowing Point ferry terminal. The amount you pay depends on:
- your age
- if you are travelling to St Martin, St Maarten or elsewhere
- the length of your trip
Vaccine requirements
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Anguilla guide.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Anguilla. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty
Some marine and animal specimens cannot be taken from the island. Check with the local customs authorities.
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in Anguilla
Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Anguilla, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Crime
Crime levels in Anguilla are low, but take sensible precautions to protect yourself and belongings, including:
- avoiding isolated areas after dark, including beaches
- not showing resistance if you’re attacked
- keeping doors and windows in your accommodation locked when out or at night
- not carrying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive-looking jewellery
- keeping valuables and travel documents in safety deposit boxes and hotel safes
Laws and cultural differences
Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory and has its own laws.
Illegal drugs penalties
Similar to the UK, there are harsh penalties in Anguilla if you’re caught with illegal drugs.
Public nudity
Topless and nude sunbathing is illegal in Anguilla.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Anguilla but there’s no provision for marriage or civil partnership. Hotels and resorts are generally welcoming of same-sex couples. Local attitudes can be conservative and same-sex couples showing affection in public may receive unwanted attention.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Swimming safety
See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
Scuba diving
Diving schools may have limited resources and do not always observe safety and maintenance standards. Always:
- ask to see a dive operator’s credentials
- check the conditions on your insurance policy – some policies require dive instructors to have certain qualifications
- make sure safety equipment looks to be in good condition
- make sure oxygen is available on the boat
There are no facilities for treating decompression sickness in Anguilla. Get advice on the safe depth for your dive.
If you have not had any previous diving experience, check what to do if something goes wrong, including how to call for help while at sea.
Transport risks
Road travel
There is no public transport in Anguilla, except for taxis. Hire cars are available. You need:
- your UK driving licence
- to buy a 25 US dollar local licence from a rental company, valid for 3 months
In Anguilla vehicles drive on the left, and some cars are left-hand drive.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
Hurricanes
The hurricane season in the Caribbean officially runs from 1 June to 30 November, though stormy weather can happen outside this period.
Follow the advice and evacuation orders of local authorities. Monitor the Facebook pages of the Governor’s Office and the Department for Disaster Management in Anguilla for updates.
Follow local news and check World Meteorological Organization weather reports for Anguilla and the US National Hurricane Center.
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to hurricanes.
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 911 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest vaccine recommendations for Anguilla
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
See what health risks you’ll face in Anguilla, including:
- Zika virus
- dengue
- biting insects and ticks
- schistosomiasis
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Healthcare in Anguilla
There are limited healthcare facilities in Anguilla – 2 small hospitals and a few clinics, similar to a GP surgery. You’ll be charged for any basic medical treatment.
If you need major surgery, or decompression treatment for diving accidents, you may be transferred to a neighbouring island. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory, so there is no British Embassy, and the Anguilla authorities will support you if you need help.
Emergency services in Anguilla
Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire and rescue, police)
Contact your travel provider and insurer
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Refunds and changes to travel
For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
- where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
- how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim
Support from the Anguilla authorities
If you’re in Anguilla and you need emergency help, contact the Anguilla authorities:
- general emergency number: 911
- Princess Alexandra Hospital: + 1 (264) 497 2551
- maritime emergencies: + 1 (264) 497 2871
- natural disasters: + 1 (264) 497 2926
- Judicial Department: + 1 (264) 476 2377
- Department of Disaster Management: +1 (264) 497 2926 and www.facebook.com/ddmaxa/
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