Moving to Antigua and Barbuda

The CARICOM Skills Certificate (CSME) is the main route to live and work in Antigua and Barbuda without a work permit. See the CSME steps for Antigua and Barbuda for the full application process.

No. Four CARICOM countries have gone further than the standard CSME certificate and implemented full free movement between themselves: Barbados, Belize, Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Nationals of those four can work in each other's countries without a certificate. Everyone else, including anyone moving to or from Antigua and Barbuda, still applies for the CSME Skills Certificate.

Antigua is mid-to-upper range for the Eastern Caribbean. A budget traveller can expect roughly US$100–150/day (guesthouse, local food, limited tours); mid-range roughly US$200–350/day (a 3–4 star hotel or Airbnb, a mix of local and nicer restaurants, a few tours); luxury US$500+/day (resort or boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours). For a longer stay, see the cost-of-living section above for typical monthly rent.

The currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), fixed at EC$2.70 to US$1. US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, though change may come back in XCD. Major cards work in most hotels, restaurants and larger shops, but smaller vendors and markets often prefer cash. ATMs are available in St. John's, major resorts and some villages; let your bank know you're travelling first.

Many nationalities, including the US, UK, Canada, the EU and CARICOM, can enter visa-free for short stays, usually up to 30–90 days, with a valid passport and proof of onward travel. Always confirm current rules with the Antigua and Barbuda Immigration Department or your nearest embassy before travelling.

Taxis are readily available at the airport, cruise port and major hotels; agree the fare in advance. Rental cars are available in St. John's and at the airport; driving is on the left, and roads are generally good but narrow and hilly in places. Local buses connect St. John's with many villages cheaply, though schedules are informal. Water taxis and ferries run for beach hops and trips to Barbuda.

Fungee and pepperpot is the national dish: a cornmeal-and-okra side (fungee) with a spiced stew (pepperpot) of spinach, eggplant, peas and meat. Also look for saltfish (a Sunday favourite), goat water, fresh grilled fish, lobster and conch, and bakes with saltfish or cheese as a street snack. Try the St. John's Public Market or the beach bars around English Harbour and Jolly Harbour.

Most visits are trouble-free. Use normal precautions: don't leave valuables in cars, avoid poorly lit areas at night, and keep an eye on belongings at the beach. Petty theft is the main risk, especially in crowded areas. Check your government's current travel advisory before you go.

December to April is the dry, sunny, busiest and most expensive stretch. May–June and November are shoulder season: good weather, fewer crowds. July–October is the rainier, cheaper, hurricane-season stretch. For reliable sun, aim for December–April; for a better deal with decent weather, May–June or November.

Light, breathable clothing, swimwear, sandals, a hat and sunglasses, plus sunscreen and insect repellent. A light jacket or sweater helps for air-conditioned spaces and breezy boat trips. Bring something a little more modest if you'll visit a church or formal venue, and a rain jacket or umbrella if travelling in the wetter months.

A friendly "good morning" or "good afternoon" before asking a question is expected and appreciated. Dress is generally casual, but modest attire is expected in churches and some villages. Tipping 10–15% in restaurants is standard if a service charge isn't already included, and small tips for taxi drivers and tour guides are welcome. Sunday is traditionally quiet, with some shops and services on reduced hours.