Anguilla Travel Guide
Useful Tips
Average Trip Cost
N/A
When To Go
December to April
Currency
Eastern Caribbean Dollar
Ideal length Of Stay
7 to 14 days
About Anguilla
Anguilla is a slice of paradise. Set in the clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, this island gem offers much to the traveler interested in rest, relaxation, and luxury. This 35 square mile island offers a welcomed respite from the hustle and bustle of the neighboring island, such as the tourist hotspot St. Martin/Sint Maarten, replacing it with a tropical flair that is felt as much as it is seen. A favorite for island hoppers on a day trip and private luxury vacations alike, Anguilla’s beauty is unparalleled.
This gorgeous island originally settled in 2000 B.C. by the Amerindian people, Anguilla remains quaint. The island’s capital, named The Valley, is home to only 300 residents. Anguilla itself has about 15,000 inhabitants.
Anguilla is known for being a throwback to a simpler past, but the gastronomic experience found on Anguilla is second to none. Chefs on the island win region and international awards for their masterful preparation of fine cuisine. From casual beachfront dining to the finest of restaurants set along a picturesque cove, foodie travelers will find meals that stimulate the mind as well as the palate.
Secluded beaches, a vibrant art community, and the incomparable beauty of nature surround you when you visit this casual, laid back island. Anguilla also has six outer islands of its own that can be explored during day trips: Scrub Island, Sombrero, Dog Island, Sandy Island, Prickly Pear, and Anguilliate. Fantastic diving, luxuriously appointed villas, and personalized massages await.
Where To Stay In Anguilla
Visitors to Anguilla stay in a wide variety of accommodations, including private rental, guesthouses, and luxurious all-inclusive hotels. Some of the best hotels in Anguilla include:
- Belmond Cap Juluca
- Carimar Beach Club
- Covecastles Anguilla Villa Resort
- CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa
- Frangipani Beach Resort
- Four Seasons Resort and Residence Anguilla
- Malliouhana, Auberge Resorts Collection
- Meads Bay Beach Villas
- Shoal Bay Villas
Activities In Anguilla
Major tourist activities in Anguilla include:
- Checking out historical sites like the Heritage Museum Collection and Wallblake House
- Spending the day relaxing at one of Anguilla’s beautiful white sand beaches including Junk’s Hole
- Diving at Stoney Bay Marine Park to check out El Buen Consejo, an 18th-century Spanish galleon
- Exploring Fountain Cavern National Park, one of Anguilla’s top archaeological site
- Taking a day trip to one of the offshore islands including Anguillita, Sandy, and Prickly Pear Islands
Facts About Anguilla
Size:
35 square miles
Population:
15,000
Official Language:
English
Demonym:
Anguillans
Capital City:
The Valley
Government:
British Overseas Territory
Telephone Country Code:
264
Driving:
left side of the road
Local Beer:
Carib
National Dish:
Lobster & Crayfish and BBQ via popular weekend tents.
Main Airport:
Wallblake Airport (AXA)
Electricity:
110v / 60Hz – plugs are US standard two-prong
Visa Information For Anguilla
Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory, and as such, the United Kingdom immigration rules apply. That said, visitors from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom do not need a visa to visit Anguilla.
Visitors to Anguilla from the United States and Canada need to have a valid passport or a birth certificate and a photo I.D. as well as an onward or return ticket in their possession. Travelers from the United Kingdom, Commonwealth countries of the Caribbean, the Republic of Ireland, and European Union countries need a current passport. Visitors from most other countries require a visa to enter Anguilla.
There is a departure tax of US$20 charged to travelers at the airport and US$3 to those at the ferry port.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Visa For Anguilla
With a valid passport and supporting documents, it typically takes two weeks for visa application to be processed by the nearest British Consulate or Embassy. An approved visa application grants entry to Anguilla for three months.
Is It Safe To Travel To Anguilla
In comparison to major American and European cities, Anguilla is relatively safe, and crime levels are low. That said, it is vital to be vigilant at all times, especially when away from the major hotels and tourist areas.
How To Get To Anguilla
Most visitors to Anguilla enter the country via the Clayton J Lloyd International Airport (IATA: AXA, ICAO: TQPF). However, there are no nonstop flights from the United States, Canada, or Europe to Anguilla.
From the United States and Canada, book flights to Anguilla via:
- Airlines flying to San Juan Airport (IATA: SJU) in Puerto Rico. Then take a flight to Anguilla via Air Sunshine, Seaborne Airlines, or Tradewinds Aviation. Another option is to fly to St Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport (IATA: SXM) and then take the half-hour ferry across to Anguilla.
From the United Kingdom, book flights to Anguilla via:
- British Airways and Virgin Atlantic to Antigua & Barbuda arriving at the V. C. Bird International Airport (IATA: ANU). Then take a flight on to Anguilla with regional service providers, including LIAT and Trans Anguilla Airways.
Within the Caribbean region, book flights to Anguilla via:
- Air Sunshine: Dominica–Douglas-Charles, San Juan, St. Maarten, St. Thomas (Charter: St. Croix)
- Anguilla Air Services: St. Barthelemy, St. Maarten (Charter: Antigua, Barbuda, Nevis, Saba, St. Kitts, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Dominica–Canefield)
- Caribbean Charter Flights: Antigua, Nevis, San Juan, St. Barthélemy, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Virgin Gorda
- Coastal Air: Dominica–Canefield, Nevis, St. Croix, St. Eustatius, St. Maarten
- Rainbow International Airlines (Charter): Antigua, Aruba, Barbados, Barbuda, Bonaire, Curaçao, Dominica–Douglas-Charles, Fort-de-France, Grenada, Kingston, Montserrat, Nassau, Nevis, Port of Spain, Pointe-à-Pitre, Providenciales, St. Croix, St. Kitts, St. Lucia–Vigie, St. Maarten, St. Martin, St. Thomas, San Juan, Tobago, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Dominica–Canefield
- Seaborne Airlines: San Juan
- Sky High: Santo Domingo–Las Americas
- St Barth Commuter (Charter): St. Barthélemy
- Tradewind Aviation: San Juan
- Trans Anguilla Airways: Nevis, St. Barthelemy, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, Tortola, Virgin Gorda (Charter: Antigua, Barbados, Barbuda, Bequia, Canouan, Dominica-Canefield, Dominica–Douglas-Charles, Fort-de-France, Grenada, Montserrat, Mustique, Port of Spain, Pointe-à-Pitre, St. Lucia–Vigie, St. Martin, Tobago, Union Island)
When To Go To Anguilla
The high season in Anguilla is mid-December to mid-April, and hotels charge their highest rates during this period with Christmas and New Year’s rates nearly doubling other times in the year. The low season runs roughly the end of April to early December. Many hotels close for the entire month of September and often October as well.
Major events attracting visitors to Anguilla include:
- March: Moonsplash Music Festival
- March – April: Festival Del Mar Anguilla
- May: Anguilla Regatta
- July-August: Anguilla Summer Fest
Weather In Anguilla
Anguilla’s climate is pleasant year-round. Their high season has temperatures that rarely exceed 90°F (32°C), with low humidity. Because Anguilla is part of the Leeward Islands, they benefit from the trade winds blowing in from the northeast. The high season provides lovely beach weather. Rain showers are incredibly brief. The islanders refer to it as liquid sunshine. The lightest rainfall is generally from February to April and the heaviest from October to December.
Getting Married In Anguilla
Marriage Requirements:
Couples must obtain a special license to get married in Anguilla.
Documents Required:
In addition to the completed application for marriage, both the bride and groom will need their:
- passports or birth certificates along with driver’s licenses or other forms of identification
- certificates of no impediment or single status report
Also, if applicable:
- your divorce papers, i.e., decree absolute and/or death certificate of spouse;
- proof of parental consent if under 18, stamped, and signed by a solicitor.
- proof of name change by Deed Poll, stamped and signed by a solicitor.
For a wedding in the Catholic Church, you will also need a copy of your confirmation papers, baptismal certificate, freedom to marry papers and pre-cana course, 3 to 6 months in advance.
Residency Requirement:
Ideally, three or more days as couples will need to apply for a marriage license at the Court Registry 48 hours before the day of the marriage.
Fees:
EC$100, or it is equivalent of US$38 worth of Anguilla stamps, which can be obtained from the General Post Office in Anguilla. For the marriage license: EC$650, or it is equivalent of US$242. The fees for an Apostille is EC$150 or its equivalent of US$56. The Apostille can be obtained at the Ministry of Finance in Anguilla.
Witnesses:
Two witnesses that are not immediate family members must be present at the ceremony.
Marriage Procedure:
The magistrate can perform marriage ceremonies at the Court House or another location by a minister of religion who is a registered Marriage Officer for Anguilla.
Share with Friends!
