English (official), local dialects

Anglican 25.7%, Seventh Day Adventist 12.3%, Pentecostal 10.6%, Moravian 10.5%, Roman Catholic 10.4%, Methodist 7.9%, Baptist 4.9%, Church of God 4.5%, other Christian 5.4%, other 2%, none or unspecified 5.8%

Tourism continues to dominate the economy, accounting for more than half of GDP. Antigua and Barbuda is a dual island nation known for its beaches, and is a favorite destination for yachtsmen.

Royal Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force

Consular Services for Antigua and Barbuda are covered by the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados, which is located in the Wildey Business Park in suburban Wildey, southeast of downtown Bridgetown. The Consular Section can be reached by telephone at 246-227-4193, by fax at 246-431-0179, or by e-mail. After hours the Embassy Duty Officer can be reached by calling 246-227-4000. Hours of operation are 8:30a- 4:00p, Monday - Friday, except local and US holidays.

The US Embassy maintains a Consular Agency in Antigua, located at Suite #2 Jasmine Court, Friars Hill Road, St. John's. The phone number is 268-463-6531, and the Consular Agent can also be reached via cell phone at 268-726-6531. The Agent can assist with routine American Citizens Services and with American citizen emergencies taking place in Antigua and Barbuda.

All Americans traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter the United States.  This requirement will be extended to sea travel (except closed-loop cruises), including ferry service, on June 1, 2009.  Until then, U.S. citizens traveling by sea may present government-issued photo identification and a document showing their U.S. citizenship (for example, a birth certificate or certificate of nationalization).  Starting June 1, 2009, all travelers must present a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document such as a passport or a passport card for entry to the United States.  While passport cards and enhanced driver’s licenses are sufficient for entry into the United States, they may not be accepted by the particular country you plan to visit; please be sure to check with your cruise line and countries of destination for any foreign entry requirements.

Immigration officials are strict about getting exact information about where visitors are staying, and will often request to see a return ticket or ticket for onward travel, as well as proof of sufficient funds to cover the cost of the visitor’s intended stay. There is a departure tax payable when departing the country. For further information on entry requirements, travelers can contact the Embassy of Antigua and Barbuda, 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016, telephone (202) 362-5122, or their consulates in Miami. Additional information may be found on the home page of the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Tourism.

Airports: 3, Airports w/paved runways: 2

Antigua Airport, Antigua & Barbuda, PO Box 1051, Coolidge, Antigua, ANTIGUA & BARBUDA
Tel: +1 268 462-0358, (Handling Services) +1 268 562-0302
Fax: +1 268 462-0642, +1 268 562-3042
Email: vcbia@candw.ag
Telex: 2127 OFPREM AK

Petty street crime does occur, and valuables left unattended on beaches or in hotel rooms are vulnerable to theft.  Violent crime takes place, but tends not to be directed towards tourists.  As everywhere, visitors to Antigua and Barbuda are advised to be alert and maintain the same level of personal security used when visiting major U.S. cities.

Infant MR total: 18.26 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth: TOTAL 72.42 years (male 70.03/female 74.94)

Required: None.  Recommended: Hep A & B, Typhoid. Boosters: MMR, tetanus-diptheria

Dengue is transmitted by mosquitoes in this region.

There are many qualified doctors in Antigua and Barbuda, but medical facilities are limited to a public hospital and a private clinic and are not up to U.S. standards. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services, and U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States.

Country Calling Code:  1 + local number  (no international calling code necessary)
Internet code:  .ag