Travel Tips for Antigua

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Note: All United States citizens are required to have a valid passport to re-enter the United States.

Size / Population: Antigua is 108 square miles with a population of 75,000.

Political Status: Independent; Member of British Commonwealth of Nations.

Language: English and English patois.

Currency: British West Indies dollar or “beewee.” U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Travelers checks and credit cards accepted almost everywhere.

Electricity: 110 volts in most tourist locations (same as U.S.).

Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (one hour ahead of New York); Daylight Saving Time is not observed.

Communication: Calling Antigua from U.S. dial 1 + 268 + local 7 digit number. Internet service is available in many hotels and cafes. Check with your cell phone provider about your international coverage.

Drinking Water: Generally safe to drink in tourist areas and hotels.

Transportation: Taxis are available throughout the island. Rental cars are accessible and local buses also run on the island. Drivers must be 21-25 depending on rental agency and have a valid U.S. drivers license and a major credit card.

Local Customs: The legal gambling age is 18. Tipping is the same as in the US; 15-20%, depending on the service. Some restaurants and hotels will automatically add a 10% gratuity. If in doubt, just ask. Give porters and bellhops 50 cents per bag, taxi drivers 10%-15% of the fare.

Getting Married: Antigua is a popular destination for weddings and U.S. citizens can legally marry there. Please contact a Vacation Express representative for details on resorts offering special wedding packages and to discuss your particular wedding requirements. Our experienced group department will be happy to assist with travel arrangements for all attendees.

Wedding Requirements
The information below is a general list of requirements to perform a legal wedding ceremony in Antigua. Please check with the Antigua tourism department or wedding coordinator at your resort for additional information on legal requirements and fees for weddings in Antigua. Your wedding coordinator will arrange for a marriage officer to perform a civil ceremony at your hotel or another place the couple selects. All information below is subject to change without notice.
Documentation: The bride/groom must bring original copies of the following documents:
• Original and copy of official birth certificate
• A valid, non-expired passport
• Deed Poll if there has been a name change (If a legal name change has occurred a notarized copy of this is required.)
• Divorce or death certificate if applicable
• Original and copies of the official identification of two witnesses
• Written authorization from the parents guardians if the bride or groom is under 18 years of age
Divorced/Widowed Travelers: Divorced or widowed parties must provide official copies of the divorce decree (Decree Absolute) or a certified death certificate.
Waiting Period/Residency Requirement: It is suggested to mail notarized copies of documents at least 60 days prior to your arrival date at the resort. The bride/groom must be in the destination for at least 24 hours prior to the wedding date and must have one (1) business day in order to apply for a marriage license. However, there is no residency requirement per se.
Witnesses: You must have two witnesses over the age 18 each with official identification credentials.
Fees: A registration fee of US$40 must be paid at the courthouse located in the government buildings on Queen Elizabeth Highway. A couple appears at the Ministry of Justice in the capital of St. John to complete and sign a declaration before a wedding coordinator and pays a US$150 license fee. The fee for the marriage officer is US$50.