The general consensus is that traveling to Antigua and Barbuda is relatively safe for international visitors. Although minor crimes do occur occasionally, they usually occur during the night hours.
Compared to other popular destinations in the Caribbean, these islands maintain a higher level of security.
Demographic data shows that the United States makes up 67% of visitors to Antigua and Barbuda, followed by the United Kingdom with 21%, the Caribbean with 7% and Canada with 3%.
LATEST NEWS from Antigua and Barbuda:
February 27: Crime increase in Antigua and Barbuda – over 30,000 incidents recorded in 2023
The local police reported one a total of 30,080 criminal offencesan average of seven to eight incidents per day impacting citizens by 2023. These figures include various crimes, including 1,019 burglaries, 1,017 theft cases, 70 cases of injury, 383 cases of malicious damage, 19 incidents of assault, 22 shootings, and 113 reported robberies .
Especially certain neighborhoods Villa, Point, Cashew Hill and Grays Farm have seen an almost daily increase in burglaries.
In response to these challenges, law enforcement authorities made 797 arrests in 2023, underscoring their commitment to tackling the diverse range of criminal activities.
Official travel advice
US travel advisory for Antigua and Barbuda
Visitors to Antigua and Barbuda just need to exercise normal precautions when visiting this Caribbean location.
The US State Department has urged citizens to register on its website Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and be able to find you in an emergency.
Canada Travel advice for Antigua and Barbuda
As with other governments, Canadian authorities advise citizens to do this on their own take regular precautions when visiting
On the other hand, they inform us that petty crimes such as pickpocketing, stealing wallets and armed attacks on tourists can take place.
Areas to avoid
Antigua and Barbuda do not have specific areas that one should consciously avoid. Still, burglaries occur the Villa, Point, Cashew Hill and Grays Farm neighborhoods have increased in recent years.
Common scams
These are the top tourist scams to look out for when in Antigua and Barbuda.
Hair braiding scams: Make sure you negotiate the final price in advance to avoid misunderstandings. There have been reported cases where individuals ended up paying over $100 for their braids due to unclear pricing agreements.
Bump and Grab Fraud: In this plan, a thief will deliberately bump into you, creating a distraction to rob you while you are distracted. To avoid falling victim to this scam, do not keep your wallet or valuables in easily accessible pockets.
The football team scam: There have been reports of a British individual asking for donations for the local youth football team. Needless to say, the money is never sent to the players.
Safety tips for Antigua and Barbuda
To ensure a safe trip in Antigua and Barbuda, please note the following recommendations:
- Make sure you don’t show off your wealth or carry large amounts of cash or excessive jewelry.
- Keep valuables and travel documents in a safety deposit box or hotel safe and always keep copies with you.
- Avoid walking in remote areas, including beaches, especially after nightfall, especially if you are traveling alone.
- Only use licensed taxis or your own rented vehicle.
