Anguilla Travel Guide

☀️🌴 The best time to visit Anguilla is December through May, when days are bright and dry 🌞, humidity stays low 💨, bugs are barely an issue 🦟❌, and the risk of hurricanes 🌀 and sargassum 🌊🚫 is minimal. 🌺✈️ This prime season is perfect for pristine beach days, snorkeling and sailing, romantic getaways, weddings, and island festivals—delivering the most comfortable and beautiful conditions to experience Anguilla at its best.

Before arriving in Anguilla, travelers are required to complete the online Immigration & Customs form (ED Card) prior to travel. You’ll need to provide passport details, flight information, and accommodation details, and you’ll receive a confirmation or QR code to present on arrival. Be sure to declare any alcohol, tobacco, cash, or restricted items to ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry.

🚗🌴 Getting around Anguilla is simple and convenient, with taxis 🚕, rental cars 🚙, and hotel shuttles 🚌 widely available. Driving is on the left, and the island is small, making distances short and easy to navigate. Visitors may drive using their home country driver’s license, but rental agencies require the purchase of a temporary Anguilla driving permit, which is arranged at the time of rental. Ride-hailing is limited, so taxis and rental cars remain the most reliable ways to explore the island at your own pace.

🗣️🇬🇧 The official language of Anguilla is English, making travel easy and completely stress-free ✨. English is spoken everywhere—from 🏨 hotels and 🍽️ restaurants to 🚐 tours and 🚦 road signs. While locals may speak with a smooth Anguillian island accent in everyday conversation 🌴😊, visitors will have no language barriers during their stay and can explore the island with total ease.

✈️🌴 Anguilla is served by Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) 🌍, welcoming regional flights from nearby Caribbean hubs ✈️. Many travelers also arrive via ferry from St. Maarten ⛴️, followed by a short boat ride or regional flight to the island.

🎒🚫 When packing, avoid camouflage clothing, weapons 🔫, pepper spray, and restricted items like fresh produce or plants 🌱. 🚁📸 Drones may require prior approval, and 💵📄 large amounts of cash should be declared at customs to ensure a smooth arrival on this laid-back Caribbean gem 🏖️✨

🛂✈️ Visitors to Anguilla must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond their travel dates 📅 and at least one blank page for entry stamps 🖊️. 🌍🇺🇸🇨🇦🇬🇧 Travelers from the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and many other countries typically do not need a visa for short stays ✅, but 📄🎟️ proof of onward or return travel is usually required upon arrival.

💉✈️ For travelers from the U.S. visiting Anguilla, there are no required vaccines for entry ✅. It’s recommended to be up to date on routine vaccines such as MMR, flu 🤧, and COVID-19 🦠, and many travelers also choose Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B for added protection 💪. 🌍🟡 A yellow fever vaccine is not required when arriving from the United States.

💍🌴 Getting married in Anguilla is beautifully simple and a favorite for destination weddings. Couples are typically required to be on the island for at least 24 hours before applying for a marriage license, which serves as the waiting period ⏳. A marriage license generally costs around $300 USD, and required documents include passports, birth certificates, and (if applicable) divorce decrees or death certificates 📄🛂. Civil ceremonies can be arranged quickly, and many resorts and local wedding planners handle the paperwork for you—making it effortless to say “I do” against Anguilla’s stunning turquoise waters 🌊✨

🛍️🌴 Shopping in Anguilla is relaxed, stylish, and boutique-focused, perfectly matching the island’s laid-back luxury vibe. 🏝️✨ Visitors will find duty-free jewelry 💎, local art 🎨, handmade crafts, beachwear 👗, and island-inspired gifts 🎁 throughout the island, especially near popular resorts and beach areas. 🏖️🌺 The capital, The Valley, offers charming shops and local boutiques, while beach clubs and resorts often feature curated stores with unique Caribbean finds—ideal for bringing home a little piece of Anguilla’s effortless elegance 🌊🤍

🚫👕 In Anguilla, camouflage clothing is illegal for civilians and should not be packed or worn. 🌿🚫 Marijuana remains illegal, even in small amounts, and penalties can be strict. 🚷🏖 Public nudity and topless sunbathing are not permitted, including on beaches. 🔫⛔ Firearms, ammunition, pepper spray, and certain self-defense items are prohibited without special permits. 🚁📸 Drones may require prior approval, and violations can result in fines or confiscation—so it’s best to check regulations before bringing one. 🍹🔞 The legal drinking age is 18.

📱🌴 Cell phone service in Anguilla is reliable, with strong coverage across the island, especially in towns, resorts, and popular beach areas 📶. Major U.S. carriers such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile typically work with international roaming enabled 🇺🇸, and many European carriers also offer roaming options 🇪🇺. Since roaming fees can add up 💸, many travelers choose a local SIM card from Digicel or Flow 📲 or use a travel eSIM for more affordable data and calls while enjoying the island 🌍

🌴🌊 Island hopping from Anguilla is easy and incredibly rewarding, with stunning neighbors just a short journey away. ⛴️ Travelers can take regular ferries between Anguilla and St. Martin / St. Maarten, making day trips or overnight stays simple and convenient. ✈️🛥️ From there, regional flights and private boats open the door to nearby gems like St. Barth, Saba, and St. Eustatius. Whether you’re staying on Anguilla or arriving by cruise or yacht, the island is a peaceful, upscale hub for exploring multiple Caribbean destinations in one unforgettable escape 🛳️🏝️✨

💵🌴 Tipping etiquette in Anguilla is appreciated but not mandatory. Many restaurants automatically include a 10–15% service charge, so it’s always wise to check your bill—additional tipping is optional for exceptional service. 🍽️✨ For tour guides, drivers, and boat crews, a tip of 10–20% is customary if you enjoyed the experience. 🛥️🚐 Hotel porters typically receive $1–2 USD per bag, and housekeeping tips of $2–5 USD per day are welcome. 💰 Tipping in U.S. dollars or Eastern Caribbean dollars is widely accepted and always a thoughtful way to say thank you for Anguilla’s warm island hospitality 🌊😊

🎉 Annual Events & Festivals in Anguilla 🇦🇮

Moonsplash Music Festival — March
Anguilla Regatta — May
Anguilla Day Celebrations — May
Summer Festival (Carnival) — July–August
Emancipation Day — August
Anguilla Culinary Experience — April
Christmas & Holiday Festivities — December

🌴⏰ Anguilla is in the Atlantic Standard Time (AST) zone and does not observe Daylight Saving Time. For many travelers from the U.S. East Coast, there’s little to no time difference for part of the year, so jet lag is usually minimal. To adjust smoothly, try shifting your sleep schedule a day or two before travel, stay well hydrated during your flight 💧✈️, get plenty of sunlight upon arrival 🌞, and aim to stay awake until local bedtime. Short naps are okay, but keeping them under 30 minutes helps your body adjust faster—so you can slip into island time right away 🌊✨

🌴🌊 Anguilla is famous for postcard-perfect beaches—soft white sand, crystal-clear water, and a relaxed luxury vibe everywhere you go. Top picks include Shoal Bay East for snorkeling and vibrant beach bars, Meads Bay for upscale resorts and calm swimming, Rendezvous Bay for long, romantic strolls, and Maundays Bay for serene turquoise views—perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and unforgettable sunsets 🌅✨

🌦️🌴 Hurricane season in Anguilla runs from June through November, with the highest risk typically from August to October. Anguilla sits toward the northern edge of the hurricane belt and is less frequently impacted than many Caribbean islands, but travelers should still stay informed if visiting during these months. 🌬️🌀 The best time to avoid hurricanes is December through May, when the weather is sunny, dry, and ideal for beach days, sailing, island hopping, and relaxed Caribbean escapes 🌞🌊

🌦️🌴 Even on a rainy day in Anguilla, there’s plenty to enjoy. Explore the Anguilla National Museum or the Heritage Collection Museum for a dose of island history, browse boutiques and cafés in The Valley ☕🛍️, or indulge in spa time at your resort 💆‍♀️. Foodies can linger over long lunches featuring fresh seafood and Anguillian flavors 🍽️, while art lovers enjoy local galleries 🎨. Showers are usually brief—so you’re often back to the beach before you know it 🌈🏖️.

🌴🦎 Anguilla offers wonderful wildlife experiences both on land and in the sea. Onshore, visitors may spot lizards, iguanas, and a variety of colorful birds 🐦 fluttering around salt ponds and coastal areas, along with butterflies in quieter natural spaces 🦋. Offshore, Anguilla’s crystal-clear waters are home to sea turtles 🐢, tropical fish 🐠, rays, and dolphins, with seasonal humpback whale sightings possible during winter months 🐋. Whether you’re snorkeling, boating, or enjoying a peaceful beach walk, nature lovers will find plenty of unforgettable wildlife moments on and around the island 🌊✨

😋🌴 Anguilla’s cuisine is all about fresh ingredients, bold island flavor, and a strong seafood tradition. Don’t miss local favorites like grilled crayfish or lobster (in season) 🦞, snapper and mahi-mahi, conch fritters, and Johnny cakes served alongside almost every meal. Beach shacks and upscale restaurants alike shine with BBQ ribs, jerk chicken, and flavorful Creole sauces. Sides often include rice & peas, plantains, and fresh salads, while desserts highlight coconut, rum, and tropical fruits 🥥🍍. Pair it all with fresh juices, a rum punch, or Anguilla’s laid-back dining vibe—simple, delicious, and unmistakably island 🍹🌊✨

🌴🎶 Nightlife in Anguilla is stylish, social, and relaxed, with beach bars, live music, sunset lounges, and late-night spots—especially around Sandy Ground, the island’s main nightlife hub. You’ll find beachfront bars, DJ nights, and live bands that keep the vibe fun without feeling overwhelming. There is no island-wide curfew for visitors, though individual venues set their own closing times and may wind down earlier on quieter nights. During festivals and special events, nights often go later. As always, follow local guidance, plan transportation ahead, and enjoy Anguilla’s island evenings responsibly 🌊✨

🔌🌴 Anguilla uses Type G power outlets (the same style as the UK) with 230 volts / 60 Hz electricity. Travelers from the U.S. and Canada will need a plug adapter, and in some cases a voltage converter for devices that aren’t dual-voltage 🔄. Many modern electronics—like phones, laptops, and cameras—are dual-voltage (just check your charger for 100–240V) 📱💻. Some resorts offer adapters, but bringing your own is the easiest way to stay powered up and worry-free while enjoying island life ⚡🌊

🏥🌴 Anguilla offers reliable medical care for visitors, with the main public hospital being Princess Alexandra Hospital in The Valley, providing emergency and routine services. 🩺💊 Pharmacies are easy to find in town and near resort areas—popular options include Best Buy Pharmacy and Island Pharmacy, which stock common prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, sunscreen, and first-aid items. Travelers should bring essential prescriptions with them and consider travel insurance for extra peace of mind while enjoying island life 🌊✨