Is Antigua safe?
Safe for visitors with normal care. Theft from beaches, rentals and cars is the main issue; violent crime is uncommon and mostly local.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2026-05-19.
- Homicide rate in Antigua and Barbuda: 10.7 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Antigua and Barbuda: 0.0 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 999 · All emergencies 911.
Safety in Antigua at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Theft from beaches, rental cars and holiday homes, and occasional robberies in quiet areas at night. |
| At night | Most areas are quiet and safe. St. John's empties after dark; take a taxi, and avoid isolated beaches at night. |
| Solo women | Comfortable for solo women. Some catcalling in St. John's; avoid deserted beaches at night and use registered taxis. |
| Other risks | Hurricane season Jun–Nov, peak Aug–Oct; Sunburn and dehydration; Rip currents on the Atlantic coast |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Unlicensed taxi drivers quoting inflated fares
- Beach vendors braiding hair or selling trinkets, then asking for payment
- Boat-trip touts pushing hurried deals at the cruise terminal
Take care
- Leaving valuables in rental cars at beaches
- Poorly lit roads at night: livestock, potholes
- Swimming at unguarded Atlantic-side beaches
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Camouflage clothing is illegal for civilians.
- Drug possession can bring a fine or prison.
- Working without a permit is prohibited.
Quick answers
Is Antigua safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable for solo women. Some catcalling in St. John's; avoid deserted beaches at night and use registered taxis.
Is Antigua safe at night?
Most areas are quiet and safe. St. John's empties after dark; take a taxi, and avoid isolated beaches at night.
What is the crime rate in Antigua?
Theft from beaches, rental cars and holiday homes, and occasional robberies in quiet areas at night. Nationally, Antigua and Barbuda records 10.7 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Antigua?
Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 999 · All emergencies 911.
More about Antigua
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.