Since Abaco Travelers have a tendency to be well traveled, especially to the Caribbean area, this page will carry U.S. State Department Travel Advisories issued for popular Caribbean and near-Caribbean vacation destinations. This page will be updated within 48 hours of the issuance of any relevant advisory.

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Antigua and Barbuda
U.S. Dept of State
Consular Information Sheet June 11, 1999

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Antigua and Barbuda is a developing island nation. Tourism facilities are widely available.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport or certified birth certificate and picture identification, such as a drivers license, are required of U.S. citizens entering Antigua and Barbuda. A return ticket is sometimes requested. Immigration officials are strict about getting exact information about where visitors are staying. There is no fee for entering the country, but there is a $13 departure tax. For further information on entry requirements, travelers can contact the Embassy of Antigua and Barbuda, 3216 New Mexico Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20016, telephone (202) 362-5122, or the consulates in Miami or New York. Internet: http:--www.interknowledge.com-antiguabarbuda.

CRIME INFORMATION: Violent crimes and armed assaults have been perpetrated against tourists. Petty street crime also occurs, and valuables left unattended on beaches are subject to theft.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical care is limited. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and-or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services, and U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties. Please check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation. Please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State9s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure 3Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad,2 available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax: (202) 647-3000.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention9s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1- 877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via their Internet site at http:--www.cdc.gov.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS:
Safety of Public Transportation: Fair to poor. Urban Road Conditions-Maintenance: Fair to poor. Rural Road Conditions-Maintenance: Frequently poor. Availability of Roadside Assistance: fair to poor.

Driving in Antigua and Barbuda is on the left-hand side of the road, as in the United Kingdom. Roads are narrow and in poor condition. There is relatively little police enforcement of traffic regulations. The condition of the roads (in urban areas, fair to poor and in rural areas, poor) and the speed at which many persons drive lead to serious traffic accidents. The relative safety of public transportation is fair to poor. Buses and vans are frequently crowded and travel at excessive speeds. More detailed information on roads and traffic safety can be obtained from the Antigua Tourist Board, telephone (262) 462-0480, or the Director General of Tourism, telephone (262) 462-1005.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed Antigua and Barbuda9s Civil Aviation Authority as Category 2 -- not in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Antigua and Barbuda's air carrier operations. While consultations to correct the deficiencies are ongoing, Antigua and Barbuda's air carriers are permitted to conduct limited operations to the U.S., subject to heightened FAA surveillance. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) does not permit its personnel to use carriers from Category 2 countries for official business except for flights originating from or terminating in the U.S. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the Pentagon at (703) 697-7288.