Anguilla Travel Guide

The Caribbean is abuzz with tourists, ports packed with cruise ships, beaches coated with glistening baking bodies and wharfs beset with souvenir stalls and busy bars. There is one place in this bright holiday Mecca, though, where tranquillity reigns supreme and unspoilt beaches spill down from discreet exclusive resorts to the crystal clear sea. This is the island of Anguilla, situated in the British West Indies about 150 miles (241km) east of Puerto Rico, and nine miles (14km) north of St Martin.Anguilla, a British overseas territory, is a tiny, flat sliver of an island with scrubby vegetation, 16 miles (25km) long and three miles (5km) across at its widest point. The main island is surrounded by a collection of low islets and coral cays, all administered from The Valley, the capital of Anguilla.This small landmass boasts 33 amazing beaches that many rate as the best in the world and most certainly in the Caribbean. Each is special in its own way, from Shoal Bay East with its mile of soft sand and wild Windward Bay to serene Little Harbor or secluded Captain's Bay, reached only by a narrow gravel track. The beaches, together with a set of stylish villas, resort hotels and delicious cuisine served up in a disproportionately large number of top class restaurants, have made Anguilla a favourite hideaway for celebrities, particularly movie stars, as witnessed by the private jets often parked on the airport runway.Far from the madding crowd, Anguilla is the perfect retreat for an indulgent, exclusive getaway for the discerning traveller, dedicated to the simple pleasures of basking in the sun, taking sunset strolls, sailing and snorkelling. It is also a popular venue for weddings and honeymoons, and is fast becoming recognised as a useful tax-free haven.

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Anguilla Climate and Weather

The island experiences average temperatures of around 80°F (27°C), with the Trade Winds providing a constant warm breeze. With no high mountains to block the sun's rays and, in the absence of the type of vegetation that attracts rain clouds, Anguilla is a sun-worshipper's paradise. The average rainfall measures 35 inches per year (89cm), much of it arriving in short cloud bursts. Hurricane season runs from June to November.

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Anguilla Currency

Money: The East Caribbean dollar (XCD) is the official currency, although US dollars are widely accepted, with prices on menus etc. generally quoted in American dollars. The East Caribbean dollar is fixed to the US dollar at US$1 = EC$2.68. There are several ATMs throughout the island, and one at the airport. Credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted at most establishments.

Currency Exchange Rates
XCD 1 =	US$ 0.37	£ 0.18	C$ 0.35	A$ 0.40	R 2.40	EUR 0.25	NZ$ 0.48

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

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Anguilla Health Overview

Travellers over a year old arriving from infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Hepatitus A vaccinations are recommended for all travellers as well as Polio and tetanus vaccinations. It is advisable to get a Hepatitus B vaccination if travellers will have intimate contact with the locals, especially if staying for over 6 months. Mains water on Anguilla is chlorinated, but bottled water is available and recommended for visitors. All food on the island is safe to eat. There are three private medical clinics and a small hospital, which can deal with minor emergencies, but serious cases are transferred to neighbouring islands or the USA mainland. Adequate medical insurance is therefore strongly advised.

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Anguilla Passport & Visa Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans: US nationals do not require a visa for a maximum stay of three months. A passport is required.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:UK nationals (regardless of endorsement on passport) do not require a visa for a maximum stay of three months. A valid passport is required.
Entry requirements for Canadians:Canadian nationals do not require a visa for a maximum stay of three months. A valid passport is required.
Entry requirements for Australians:Australian nationals do not require a visa for a maximum stay of three months. A valid passport is required.
Entry requirements for South Africans:South African nationals do not require a visa for a maximum stay of three months. A valid passport is required.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:Irish nationals do not require a visa for a maximum stay of three months. A valid passport is required.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:New Zealand nationals do not require a visa for a maximum stay of three months. A valid passport is required.
Passport/Visa Note:A return or onward ticket is required by all visitors, as well as sufficient funds for the duration of the stay and all documents required for next destination. Since January 2007 all US citizens travelling to and from Anguilla by air require a valid passport; by 1 January 2008 the requirement will be extended to include all land and sea border crossings as well.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

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Anguilla Basics

Time: GMT -4.
Electricity: Electrical current is 110 volts AC with northern American standard two-prong plugs.
Language: English is the official language.
Health: Travellers over a year old arriving from infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Hepatitus A vaccinations are recommended for all travellers as well as Polio and tetanus vaccinations. It is advisable to get a Hepatitus B vaccination if travellers will have intimate contact with the locals, especially if staying for over 6 months. Mains water on Anguilla is chlorinated, but bottled water is available and recommended for visitors. All food on the island is safe to eat. There are three private medical clinics and a small hospital, which can deal with minor emergencies, but serious cases are transferred to neighbouring islands or the USA mainland. Adequate medical insurance is therefore strongly advised.
Tipping: A service charge of 10% is generally added to restaurant and hotel bills, and any tipping over and above this is discretionary.
Safety: Visits to Anguilla are trouble-free. The crime rate is low, but it is wise to take sensible precautions with valuables. Hurricanes usually affect the island between June and November.
Customs: Skimpy dress in public is frowned upon and nudity on beaches is not permitted.
Communications: The international dialling code for Anguilla is +1 264. The island is well covered by a GSM mobile network. The Internet code for Anguilla is 'ai' and an Internet service provider is operating on the island; access is possible in the resorts and large cities.
Duty Free: Goods that may be brought into Anguilla without paying duty are 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225g of tobacco, and 1.1 litres of wine or spirits.

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Anguilla Airports

Wallblake Airport

Location: The airport is situated one mile (2km) south of The Valley.
Time: GMT -4.
Contacts: Tel: +1 264 497 2384.
Transfer to the city: Taxis are readily available.
Car rental: Car rental is not available at the airport.
Facilities: Facilities are limited, but there is a restaurant and a gift shop.
Departure tax: EC$53 (adults), EC$26.50 (children 5-11); payment can also be made in US dollars.

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