Location
Antigua is around 8hrs 30mins hours direct flying time from London.
Covid Travel Information
View entry requirements here
All arriving and transiting passengers aged 18 and over, must provide evidence of having received both doses of a two-dose WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccine, or a full dose of a single-dose WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccine. All COVID-19 vaccines administered in the UK are WHO-approved.
Fully vaccinated passengers are not required to present a negative COVID-19 test but may be required to submit to a RT PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 upon arrival at their own expense if they are displaying symptoms. Instructions on permissible activities while awaiting results will be provided by Port Health officials.
Unvaccinated or partially-vaccinated non-residents and non-nationals will not be permitted entry to Antigua and Barbuda.
On arrival, you will be subject to health screening. The Ministry of Health and Wellness of Antigua and Barbuda advise that all arrivals will be monitored for coronavirus for up to 14 days and that ultimately it is the decision of the Quarantine Authority on who must self-isolate or quarantine on arrival.
From 18th March, when you travel to England from abroad you:
do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive
do not need to fill in a UK passenger locator form
do not need to quarantine when you arrive
This applies whether you are vaccinated or not.
It includes people who are transiting through England.
Updated 13 APR 2022
Weather and Climate
The best time to visit Antigua is between mid-December and mid-April (peak season), making it the perfect destination to escape wintery conditions in the US or Europe. A good secondary option is to go to Antigua in May or June, just before the wet season from July to November.
Carnival is towards the end of July, so can be a great reason to travel off season.
Travel
Flight options
There are direct flights from London to Antigua with BA, typically daily in the Winter and most days over the summer seasons.
We are able to book most major airlines. If you have a specific airline you prefer to fly with, simply let us know in your booking request. A supplement may apply for regional departures. Times and any applicable supplements will be confirmed by your travel consultant before you finalise your holiday.
If you wish to make your own flight arrangements to Antigua, let us know and we can remove the cost of the international flights from your quote. We are unfortunately not able to redeem airmiles on your behalf. Please do not confirm any flight arrangements yourself before your holiday is confirmed by us.
Stopovers
Flights are direct to Antigua, but from here you can fly to several other Sandals resorts for a longer holiday. Talk to us about island hopping itineraries
Arrange before you go
Regular Entry Requirements
British Passport holders do not need a visa to visit Antigua and Barbuda. On entry, you will be granted a specified period to stay as a tourist only.
Do ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with immigration. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Regulations can change: please review current FCO advice: click here
Insurance
Scuba Travel requires all of our customers to have diving insurance. Please make sure that you have appropriate cover for your diving activities.
We also strongly recommend you have travel insurance. It's worth taking out travel insurance once you have paid your deposit to ensure you are covered for unforeseen events and cancellation.
Find out more about our combined dive and travel policy click here
Immunisations
Your covid proof of vaccination must match your passport name and flight ticket name. Please speak to your local GP or check out the latest NHS advice on updating your NHS details or for other travel immunisations: click here
Preparing to fly
Seating
You will be able to manage your booking online once you have been ticketed (after you have paid your holiday balance). Most airlines will now enable you to select your seating at this point. There may be a small charge for prebookable seating before online check in opens. Please speak to the airline for more information about charges.
Check in
As you are flying with a scheduled airline, you will be able to check in online with your airline. Please visit their website for more information about when online check in opens.
Lounge
An airport lounge is a great way to start your holiday or to while away flight connections in comfort. Scuba Travel works with Lounge Pass to offer a huge range of affordable airport lounges around the world.
click here
Parking
Prebook your airport parking to save money! If you have a long way to travel, why not also look at booking an airport hotel. These aren't as expensive as you might think.
click here
What happens when I arrive?
On arrival in Antigua, you will need to clear immigration and collect your baggage. You will then be met by a representative of Sandals Grande Antigua. They will be clearly identifiable at the airport.
If you have any issues at all locating your rep, please contact us. We have an emergency contact, manned by a member of the team here in the UK. Please call 0044 7747 488 002. We will be able to help your rep locate you in the airport.
Transfers
Sandals Grande Antigua is around 15mins transfer from the international airport.
Departures
At the end of your holiday, your return transfer details will be advised locally.
Info
Tipping
All Sandals holidays include tips and taxes as part of your package. Any applicable departure tax at the airport is payable in cash locally
Currency
USD, credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but you should check with your bank about any additional overseas charges they may levy for using your card.
Phone coverage
Phone coverage is generally good - do check with your phone provider about any applicable overseas charges. Alternatively, you may wish to purchase a local SIM for making calls or data use
Plugs and electricity
Electrical outlets in The Bahamas are 60 cycles / 120 volts, which is compatible with all American devices. British and European appliances require a two-pin flat adapter and a 220-volt converter.
Extras
Hire equipment
Kit hire is arranged in resort and is included in your package price
Extras
Entry level PADI courses and scuba reviews are booked and paid for in resort
Souvenirs
Sandals resorts have a wide range of shops on site with a variety of gifts and souvenirs
Nitrox/Gas
Limited - please ask at the time of booking if nitrox may be available
Payments
Deposits and Balances
Sandals holidays departing more than 71days in advance can be secured with a £175 deposit pp. If departing less 71 you will need the full balance to be paid at the time of booking.
Ways to pay
We accept mastercard and visa debit or credit cards. If you would like a pay by link to complete check out via email please let us know and it can be set up for you. All non sterling card payments and UK business debit cards will be subject to the 3% surcharge. We do not take AMEX.
Alternatively, you are welcome to pay via bank transfer. Overseas bank transfers must add £6 to the sterling total to cover international handling fees.
We are not able to accept PayPal transactions or personal cheques.
Group Payments
If you have booked as part of a group, you can still call and pay directly without needing to go via your group leader. Please have your trip reference number to hand to help us locate your holiday as quickly as possible. You will receive a transaction receipt - your group leader will forward your ATOL certificate and booking confirmation
Included
7 nights all inclusive in your chosen room grade - all inclusive with meals, drinks (inc selected premium liquors), in resort entertainment schedule and a wide range of selected and and water sports. Golf is not included in Antigua resort package.
Sandals resorts include complimentary scuba diving for certified divers, with two 1-tank
dives, or one 2-tank dive, every day of your stay (except arrival and departure days)
Use of the Red Lane Spas plunge pools, steam baths and saunas (all of which are free to use)
Your holiday includes flights to Antigua ANU from the UK - please ask for a competitive quote to upgrade your flight option from economy. Return airport transfers are included
Excluded
Spa services, candlelight dining and selected excursions/sports are booked and paid for in resort
Additional diving, any PADI courses or scuba reviews are booked and paid for in resort
All Sandals holidays include tips and taxes as part of your package. Any applicable departure tax at the airport is payable in cash locally
Sandals new Platinum Protocol of Cleanliness encompasses added health and wellbeing requirements across all points of contact at every resort, including common areas, all restaurants and kitchens, bars, guest rooms, activities, fitness centers, spas, and includes all behind-the-scenes operations. They are leaving no stone unturned as they prepare to welcome guests back to the beauty and warmth of the Caribbean in a friendly, clean and, most importantly, safe environment.