- Local time
- 07:37
- Currency
- East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
- Capital
- The Valley
- Calling code
- +1264
- Drive on the
- left
Overview
A flat, low-lying British Overseas Territory just north of Saint Martin, with long white-sand beaches, coral reefs for snorkelling and a quiet pace. Most visitors arrive by boat from Saint Martin.
Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory a few miles north of Saint Martin. It is a flat limestone island about 16 miles long and 3 miles across at its widest, and its highest point, Crocus Hill, is only 65 metres high. What brings people here is the coast: there are 33 beaches, all of them public, and coral reefs close to shore that are good for snorkelling and diving.
The island's economy depends heavily on upmarket tourism, and that shows in the resorts and villas along the western beaches. There is no public transport apart from taxis, so most visitors rent a car to move between beaches and restaurants. The local currency is the East Caribbean dollar, but places used by tourists price in US dollars and accept them everywhere.
- Shoal Bay: A long, usually calm beach protected by a reef, with snorkelling at its eastern end.
- Meads Bay and Rendezvous Bay: Two long beaches in the west: Meads Bay lined with resorts, Rendezvous Bay partly undeveloped.
- Little Bay: A tiny beach under a cliff, reached by boat from Crocus Bay, popular for snorkelling.
- Sandy Ground: The village of beach bars and restaurants, next to an old salt pond.
- Island Harbour: The fishing village, with a boat ride out to the tiny island of Scilly Cay.
- Turtle nesting: From April to November leatherback, green and hawksbill turtles nest on many beaches.
Places to visit
Cities
- The Valley: The capital and commercial centre, with the island's hospital and police station.
- Blowing Point: The ferry terminal for boats from Saint Martin.
- Sandy Ground: A village of bars and restaurants along the beach, beside the old salt pond.
- Island Harbour: Home to a small fishing fleet, and the starting point for Scilly Cay.
Beyond the cities
- Shoal Bay (East) (coast): About a mile of beach protected from the surf by reefs; a good family beach.
- Meads Bay (coast): Less sheltered than Shoal Bay, with several resorts and restaurants.
- Rendezvous Bay (coast): A mile-long beach with a view of Saint Martin; the eastern end, by the salt pond, is undeveloped.
- Little Bay (coast): A tiny beach under a cliff, reached by boat, with good snorkelling near the rocks.
- Savannah Bay (coast): A mile-long beach with no hotels; you may have it to yourself.
- Sandy Island (island): A tiny offshore island with a beach bar, not far from Sandy Ground.
- Scilly Cay (island): A tiny island in Island Harbour, reached by boat, with a restaurant and bar.
- Scrub Island (island): A small island for solitude, with only the birds for company.
- Crocus Hill (site): The highest point of the island, with the remains of the Old Court House and a view over the bay.
Things to do
See
- Watch nesting turtles Maundays, Meads, Captains and Limestone Bay: Leatherback, green and hawksbill turtles nest on the beaches from April to November.
- Wallblake House Near the airport: Built in 1785, the island's only surviving plantation house, open for tours at irregular hours.
- Heritage Collection Museum On the road to the East End: Photographs, objects and documents on the island's history, from the Arawak people to today.
- Sunset from Crocus Hill: The highest point of the island, with a wide view over the bay below.
- Birdwatching Sandy Ground salt pond: Pelicans and brown boobies dive along the beaches, and ducks and wading birds gather at the salt ponds.
- Boat races: The island's big events: the races recall the return of workers from the cane fields of the Dominican Republic.
Do
- Snorkelling on the reefs Shoal Bay and Little Bay: Coral reefs lie just off the coast; a glass-bottomed boat is the alternative if you do not swim.
Drink
- Rum punch on a tiny island Sandy Island and Scilly Cay: Two small islands reached by boat, with a bar and a lazy afternoon on the sand.
Shop
- Art galleries: Several galleries sell work by Anguillan and other Caribbean artists, at prices from a few dollars to thousands.
After dark
- Beach bars with live music Sandy Ground: Open-air bars on the beach, some with local bands at night.
Itineraries
Five days of beaches on Anguilla (5 days)
- Meads Bay (3 nights): The western beaches, Rendezvous Bay and a boat trip to Little Bay from Crocus Bay.
- Shoal Bay (East) (2 nights): Reef snorkelling, then Island Harbour and Scilly Cay.
A long weekend from Saint Martin (3 days)
- Blowing Point (0 nights): Arrive by ferry from Marigot or by fast boat from Princess Juliana Airport.
- Sandy Ground (2 nights): Beach bars, the salt pond and Sandy Island.
- Shoal Bay (East) (1 night): A last day on the reef before the boat back.
Holidays and events
- 1 January 2026 · New Year's Day
- 2 March 2026 · James Ronald Webster Day
- 3 April 2026 · Good Friday
- 6 April 2026 · Easter Monday
- 1 May 2026 · Labour Day
- 25 May 2026 · Whit Monday
- 1 June 2026 · Anguilla Day
- 15 June 2026 · Sovereignty Day
- 3 August 2026 · August Monday
- 6 August 2026 · August Thursday
- 7 August 2026 · Constitution Day
- 21 December 2026 · National Heroes' Day
- 25 December 2026 · Christmas Day
- 28 December 2026 · St. Stephen's Day
Getting around
| Main airports | AXA |
|---|
There is no public transport apart from taxis. Taxis are unmetered and charge set rates; at the airport a dispatcher gives you a slip with the fare. Drivers also offer island tours of a few hours.
For most visitors a rental car is the easiest way to reach the beaches. There are no rental desks at the airport, but companies deliver cars to your hotel. You drive on the left, and some cars are left-hand drive. An International Driving Permit is not recognised: you need your own licence to buy a local permit from the rental company, which the UK travel advice (last updated May 2025) gives as US$25, valid for 3 months. Main roads are paved, though some are in poor condition, and many secondary roads are sand or dirt. Road names are not always posted, so pick up a map on arrival. Roads have no shoulders, which makes cycling unpleasant.
Flying to Anguilla? PartnerCompare fares and find the cheapest datesSearch flightsWhere to stay
- Luxury resorts: Mostly on the beaches of the West End, such as Maundays Bay, Meads Bay, Barnes Bay and Rendezvous Bay.
- Villas: Many private villas, some with their own pool.
- Beach clubs and suites with kitchens: Studios and suites with kitchens on the beach at Shoal Bay and Meads Bay.
- Guest houses and B&Bs: A few small places, for example in The Valley and South Hill; you will need a car for the beach.
| Tourist tax | Room rates are usually quoted in US dollars without taxes, which Wikivoyage gives as 20% plus US$1. |
|---|
Accommodation on Anguilla leans towards the top end of the market, and the high season runs roughly from January to April. Check whether a quoted price includes taxes before you compare.
Eat and drink
Dishes to try
- Pigeon peas and rice: Often called the signature dish of the island.
- Lobster and crayfish: Lobster fishing is part of the island's economy, and restaurants serve both.
- Local barbecue: Inexpensive barbecue, for example on Shoal Bay beach and at Blowing Point.
Drinks
- Rum punch: The classic drink at the beach bars and on the small islands.
Eating out ranges from bakeries and barbecue stands to fine dining in the West End resorts. Sandy Ground and Shoal Bay have clusters of beach bars, some with live bands on certain evenings; ask locally for the current schedule.
Entry requirements and visas
| Passport validity | Valid for your whole stay according to the UK; Canada advises at least 3 months beyond your departure date |
|---|
| Passport | Entry | Max stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Visa free | 90 days | Up to 90 days for tourism or business; extensions through the Immigration Department. |
| Canada | Visa free | 90 days | No tourist visa for stays up to 90 days. |
| United States | Visa free | 90 days | Visa-free stay of up to 3 months, according to Wikivoyage. |
| EU / EEA | Visa free | 90 days | Visa-free stay of up to 3 months, according to Wikivoyage. |
| Australia | Visa free | 90 days | Visa-free stay of up to 3 months, according to Wikivoyage. |
Other nationalities: check the official source below.
Visitors from the UK and Canada can stay up to 90 days without a visa, and Wikivoyage lists US, EU, EEA and Australian citizens among those allowed up to 3 months. According to Wikivoyage, holders of a valid UK, US or Canadian visa, or of a US Green Card, also do not need a visa. Customs officers may ask for a return or onward ticket, proof of where you are staying and enough money for your stay.
A departure tax is charged at the airport and at the Blowing Point ferry terminal; the amount depends on your age, your destination and the length of your trip. Rules depend on your passport and can change: check the official link before you book.
Money and payments
| Currency | East Caribbean Dollar (XCD) |
|---|---|
| Cards | Common |
The currency is the East Caribbean dollar (XCD, EC$), pegged at US$1 = EC$2.70. Most places used by tourists price in US dollars and all of them accept dollars, so you may get change in a mix of the two currencies. Hotels and restaurants take credit cards, with Visa and Mastercard more widely accepted than American Express.
Card and ATM fraud happens sometimes: cover the keypad and use machines inside banks or shops. Do not carry large amounts of cash.
Health
| Recommended vaccines | Routine vaccines, including measles (MMR), Hepatitis A, recommended for all travellers, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, for some travellers: rural areas, long stays or visiting friends and relatives, Rabies, if you will work with wildlife |
|---|
No vaccination certificate is required to enter. Dengue, Zika and chikungunya are spread by mosquitoes, so protect yourself from bites at all times; if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk to a doctor about Zika before you go. Check with a travel health professional at least 6 to 8 weeks before your trip.
Healthcare is limited: Princess Alexandra Hospital is the main hospital, with a few clinics around the island, and treatment is charged, sometimes in cash on the spot. Serious cases, including diving accidents, may be transferred to a neighbouring island or the United States, and there is no decompression chamber on Anguilla. Take travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. For an ambulance, call 911.
This is general information, not medical advice: check with a travel health professional before you go.
Safety
- United States: Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions (2026-10-20)
- Canada: Take normal security precautions (2026-10-20)
- United Kingdom: No advice against travel (2026-10-20)
Crime is generally low, but the UK advice reports a recent rise in serious gang-related crime involving guns and robbery; risks are lower in tourist areas. Avoid isolated places, including beaches, after dark, lock doors and windows, use the hotel safe and do not resist if you are robbed. Women travelling alone may face harassment.
Coastal waters can be dangerous, so ask locally about conditions before you swim. Check a dive operator's credentials and equipment before you go out. The hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November, and the rainy season from May to October can bring flooding. Water shortages are common in the dry season, from January to April. The emergency number is 911.
Customs and etiquette
Topless and nude sunbathing is illegal. All beaches are public: resorts must provide public access, and many beach bars let you through, so do not hesitate to ask. Some marine and animal specimens cannot be taken off the island, and you must declare goods that may be prohibited or taxed.
Penalties for drugs are harsh. Same-sex relationships are legal and hotels are generally welcoming, but local attitudes can be conservative and public affection may draw unwanted attention. Pets need a health and rabies certificate and an import permit from the Agriculture Department.
Language
| Official languages | English |
|---|---|
| English | Widespread |
What to pack
- Your driving licence: You need it to buy the local permit for a rental car.
- Insect repellent: Dengue, Zika and chikungunya are spread by mosquitoes.
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation: Serious cases are transferred off the island.
- Proof of your return ticket and accommodation: Customs officers may ask for them.
- Seasickness tablets: The ferry from Saint Martin can be rough.
- Snorkel and mask: Reefs lie close to several beaches.
Quick reference
Country facts
| Capital | The Valley |
|---|---|
| Population | 19,079 (2023) |
| Area | 91 km² |
| Time zone | America/Anguilla (UTC-4) |
| Calling code | +1264 |
| Driving side | left |
Staying connected
| SIM and eSIM | Mobile reception covers the whole island and is reliable for emergency calls, according to Canada's travel advice. |
|---|
Emergency numbers
| Emergency | 911 |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Anguilla?
Not for short stays with a UK or Canadian passport (up to 90 days), and Wikivoyage lists US, EU and Australian citizens among those allowed up to 3 months. Check the official link before you book.
How do I get to Anguilla?
Most visitors fly to Sint Maarten and take a ferry from Marigot or a fast boat from Princess Juliana Airport to Blowing Point. There is also a daily flight from St Thomas.
What currency is used in Anguilla?
The East Caribbean dollar, pegged at US$1 = EC$2.70, but tourist businesses price in US dollars and accept them everywhere.
Can I drive in Anguilla?
Yes, with your own licence and a local permit bought from the rental company. Traffic drives on the left and there is no public transport except taxis.
When is hurricane season in Anguilla?
From 1 June to 30 November; follow local authorities and weather reports if a storm approaches.
Is there a departure tax?
Yes, at the airport and at the Blowing Point ferry terminal. The amount depends on your age, destination and length of trip.
Sources This guide was last checked on · 13 sources
- Wikivoyage: Anguilla · Overview, Places to visit, Things to do, Itineraries, Getting around, Where to stay, Eat and drink, Entry requirements and visas, Money and payments, Customs and etiquette, Language, What to pack, Frequently asked questions
- Wikidata: Anguilla · Overview, Money and payments, Country facts
- Nager.Date: public holidays in Anguilla, 2026 · Holidays and events
- UK FCDO: Anguilla safety and security · Getting around, Money and payments, Safety, Customs and etiquette, What to pack, Frequently asked questions
- UK FCDO: Anguilla entry requirements · Getting around, Entry requirements and visas, Customs and etiquette, What to pack, Frequently asked questions
- Government of Canada: Anguilla travel advice (updated 26 May 2026) · Getting around, Entry requirements and visas, Money and payments, Health, Safety, Customs and etiquette, What to pack, Staying connected, Frequently asked questions
- ISO 4217 (SIX), published 2026-09-17 · Money and payments
- UK FCDO: Anguilla health · Health, What to pack
- US CDC: Travelers' health, Anguilla · Health
- US Department of State: Anguilla travel advisory · Safety
- UK FCDO: Anguilla travel advice · Safety
- IANA Time Zone Database, zone.tab · Country facts
- UK FCDO: Anguilla getting help · Emergency numbers
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