Anguilla is the perfect destination for those wishing for a getaway that combines luxurious Caribbean beach holidays, upscale accommodations, and exquisite dining experiences with privacy, seclusion, and a plethora of water sports, including wreck diving and reef scuba diving. No wonder it is a favoured pole of attraction for thousands of celebrities and jet-setters who flock here from across the globe. Before you get on that plane, though, here are some important details that would be great to remember.

Anguilla Fact Sheet

Anguilla is located between the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea, in the British West Indies, east of Puerto Rico. For individuals living in St. Maarten (aka St. Martin), Anguilla is only a short ferry ride away.

The capital of Anguilla is The Valley, and the major airport is the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport. As for its size, the island is 6 kilometres (4 miles) wide and 25 kilometres (16 miles) long.

Other details:

• Currency – Eastern Caribbean Dollar (ECD), although the local businesses widely accept US Dollars (interchangeable with ECD).
• Religion – Most Anguilla residents are Roman Catholic, while a portion of Protestants also exists.
• Weather – Tropical temperatures, moderate trade winds, and partially arid throughout the year.
• Language – The official language spoken in Anguilla is English.

Flights to Anguilla

Numerous flights connect the USA, Europe, Latin America, and other countries with Anguilla. Or you may also take a flight to St. Martin-St. Maarten (through the Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM)) and then take the ferry to Anguilla. USA travellers can fly directly to Anguilla from Miami. You could fly to St. Maarten and take the ferry or plane to Anguilla from Canada, the UK, Europe, and Latin America.

Customs Allowances

Anguilla residents and belongers can spend up to EC$150 (per adult) for gifts and purchases, provided they have been abroad for at least 72 hours. For children and individuals under 18 years of age, the limit is EC$75.

Free of Duty Items (applies to all passengers, visitors or not, above 18 years of age):

• Cigars (50 cigars).
• Cigarettes (200 cigarettes)
• Tobacco (230gr or 1/2lb)
• Foodstuff (up to EC$150 in value)
• Spirits & wines (40oz or 1lt)
• Perfumed spirits (6oz or 170ml)
• Eau de toilette (12oz or 340ml)

Passengers younger than 18 can import perfumed spirits, eau de toilette, and foodstuff (duty-free). The amounts for the first two items are the same as for adults. For foods, the value must be up to EC$75.

Exciting & Must-Know Details

• Passports – Travel visas and passports are taken very seriously in Anguilla. You must take good care of both as they are proof of identity here. This means that you must keep them on you wherever you go, even when visiting other nearby islands. The embassy or your travel agency can provide you with all the needed information concerning must-have travel documents.
• Transportation and Travel around Anguilla – To get from the airport to your hotel room, hire a taxi or shuttle or get a rental car. The latter is a much-preferred option that will enable you to travel with utmost comfort and convenience. Just ensure you book yours ahead of time. Most car rental services are located around the Anguilla airports. In any case, the road infrastructure makes travel easy (for the most part), whichever way you travel, including bicycles.
• Travel Insurance – It is strongly recommended to invest in travel insurance, especially if you regularly travel by plane. If your travel agency cannot provide travel insurance for your Anguilla trip. In that case, you could check out the local plans covering COVID-19 from websites like https://www.visitorguard.com/anguilla-travel-insurance/, where you could compare prices from different insurance providers.
• Accommodations – Anguilla is home to numerous luxury resorts, including top-tier dining venues, wellness programs, and good spa facilities. Besides the world-class beachfront hotels, the island also offers more cost-effective solutions, and a wide range of moderately-priced villas, inns, and hotels, even at popular hot spots.
• Nightlife – Although not among the strongest Anguilla assets, the night scene pampers with lively hopping and beach bars in pristine districts like Shoal Bay. Some of the most vibrant venues are Pumphouse, Johnno's Beach Stop, the Dune Preserve, Rafe’s (for the wee hours), and the Red Dragon. The latter also serves as a disco dance floor.
• Gastronomy – Anguilla treats visitors and locals with more than 70 dining venues, transforming the island into a gourmet’s heaven. Whether you desire to please your taste buds with French cuisine, Asian fusion, Creole, or pizza, you will find your heart’s content in Anguilla. However, it should be noted that dining is rather expensive on the island. You could head to Scilly Cay for an authentic Caribbean BBQ (the rum punch and grilled lobster are fantastic). At the same time, Pimms and Koal Keel at the Cap Juluca resort and the Olde Valley will give you a taste of French-Asian gastronomy and traditional Anguilla flavours.
• Festivals & Events – Anguilla is a massive fan of boat races. This is why there is one going almost every month of the year for lovers of the national sport and those seeking fun. Besides that, the island hosts many other events and festivals, including the much-celebrated Anguilla Cultural Festival, Moonsplash Music Festival, the Anguillian Revolution, the annual Tranquillity Jazz Festival, and the Summer Festival, to name a few.
• Local Attractions – If you are visiting Anguilla and expect a long list of the top landmarks to see, you may miss the point here. Anguilla’s natural beauties are its best bets, meaning its beaches and ponds are ideal for bird-watching, fishing, diving, and sailing! Add to these the exotic restaurants and resorts, along with the historic Olde Valley district and, probably, the best history museum in Anguilla (The Heritage Collection), and you’ve got your list right there.

Insider’s tip: Visit as many Anguilla shores as possible. The island is home to some of the most spectacular beaches ever seen by human eyes. We recommend you prioritise a visit to Meads Bay, Shoal Bay, and Sandy Ground, which also have waterfront bars, resorts, and restaurants. The north coast is perfect for more remote options and wilder waves. Finally, Scilly Cay and Little Bay are charming secluded beaches with amenities like free launch service, beach bars, and more.