Antigua and Barbuda EDIA Resources

Antigua is relatively small in size, with an area of about 108 square miles (280 sq km). Distance between major areas can be short, but accessibility supports and barrier-free infrastructure may be more limited and inconsistent than in large urban centres. 

Antigua’s main international gateway is V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU). The airport notes that it has elevators at transition levels, handicapped/family restrooms, and that wheelchair services should be arranged by contacting your airline in advance. If you anticipate needing mobility assistance, it is strongly recommended to notify your airline early so assistance can be scheduled for arrival and departure. 

Antigua’s main public transit option is the local bus/minibus system, which generally operates between St. John’s and surrounding villages (often from about 5:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.), with schedules that can be unpredictable. Student should plan extra time and note that public buses may not reliably provide accessibility features for travelers with mobility devices. Note that students will not be required to rely on public transportation. The program will arrange group ground transportation, including a group transfer from the airport to the hotel, and group buses for field trips and excursions. 

Taxis are a common way to get around, especially if you need a more direct route than buses. In a small-island context, vehicle accessibility features (e.g., ramps, low-floor entry, wheelchair tie-downs) may not be consistently available, so students with mobility needs should plan to ask about vehicle type and boarding requirements in advance and allow extra time to arrange transportation. Note that Uber does not currently operate in Antigua and Barbuda. 

Antigua is described as mostly low and undulating, with higher volcanic terrain in the west. This means students may encounter uneven surfaces, hills and intermittent slopes, depending on where activities occur. Students with mobility-related concerns should plan for varied walking conditions and consider supportive footwear for longer or hiller routes. 

Antigua and Barbuda has a warm tropical climate. In July, for example, Saint John’s (the capital area on Antigua) typically has daily highs around 31 degrees Celsius. Students should prepare for sustained heat and humidity by packing breathable, lightweight clothing (e.g., cotton/linen), and prioritizing sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses) and hydration for field activities and walking outdoors. 

Students are expected to stay at Hawksbill Resort in Five Islands, Antigua, and the resort confirms that rooms are air conditioned. 

• If you anticipate persistent or ongoing health needs, speak with your family doctor, counsellor, or healthcare provider before traveling to develop a continuity-of-care plan.
• If you require academic or disability related accommodations, register with U of T Accessibility Services in advance to ensure proper documentation and support are in place before departure.
• Be flexible with appointment time slots and consider telehealth options to increase availability.
• If you are unsure where to start, contact the Summer Abroad office at summerabroad.edi@utoronto.ca.

Equaldex notes that Antigua and Barbuda decriminalized same-sex sexual activity in 2022, but does not legally recognize same-sex marriage. IGLTA recommends that 2SLGBTQ+ travellers review local laws and the local social environment in advance, and use judgement about context-specific visibility and personal safety while travelling. 

The Government of Canada’s travel advice for Antigua and Barbuda highlights general safety considerations related to crime (including theft) and road safety. While these risks apply to all travellers, they can be particularly relevant for women travelling alone or in unfamiliar settings. For women travellers, especially if exploring independently, try to avoid walking alone late at night, stay in well-lit areas, keep valuables out of sight, and consider travelling with a friend. If taking a taxi, use a reputable provider where possible and confirm the fare in advance. Keep drinks in sight in social settings and trust your instincts if a situation feels uncomfortable. Note that all program transportation (airport transfer and field trips) is arranged as group travel, so students are generally not expected to rely on public transportation; these precautions mainly apply if you choose to travel independently during free time. 

The Antigua Planned Parenthood Association (APPA) notes that emergency contraception (the “morning after pill) can help prevent pregnancy when taken within 3 days after unprotected sex. If you need emergency contraception, contact APPA directly to confirm availability and access options. 

Antigua and Barbuda is a predominantly Afro-Caribbean country. It is estimated that the population is largely of African descent, with smaller proportions identifying as mixed, Hispanic, White, and other groups. The national context may feel less racially diverse than large Canadian cities, particularly outside of major tourist areas. Depending on your racial identity, you may occasionally experience curiosity, staring, or unsolicited questions because you are perceived as “not local”. While this is not necessarily hostile, it can feel uncomfortable. Students may find larger centres and tourism-facing areas more accustomed to international visitors. 

Antigua and Barbuda’s religious landscape is predominantly Christian, with multiple denominations represented (including Anglican and other Protestant traditions, as well as Roman Catholic communities). Smaller groups may include other faith communities and individuals with no religious affiliation. 

Christianity: Churches are common across Antigua. In St. John’s, the Anglican Cathedral Parish of St. John the Devine (St. John’s Cathedral) is a central option for worship and community services. 

Islam/Judaism: Antigua is a small island destination, so non-Christian faith infrastructure may be limited and services may require more advance planning. For Muslim students, the Antigua and Barbuda International Islamic Society provides information to confirm prayer space and service times, noting that worship location may be outside central/downtown areas. For Jewish students, the Commonwealth Jewish Council notes that organized Jewish life may be very limited locally, so students may need to plan ahead. For travel planning, directories such as Totally Jewish Travel’s Antigua and Barbuda guide can be helpful. 

Students in the program will stay at the Hawksbill Resort with a full meal plan (breakfast, lunch, and dinner; alcohol excluded under the group booking). The resort notes that dining includes vegetarian, vegan, and special requests as available options, and meals are served buffet-style with some à la carte service. Students with dietary restrictions should flag need early and confirm ingredients and preparation methods directly with resort staff, including any cross-contamination concerns. 

Halal: Dedicated halal options may be limited on a small island, and availability can vary. If halal observance is essential, students are encouraged to (1) confirm ingredients and preparation methods directly with the resort/restaurant (including cross-contamination considerations), and (2) use halal restaurant directories (e.g., Zabihah), then verify details with the venue. Where possible, students may also ask the resort about special request in advance. 

Kosher: Kosher food options may be limited, and students who keep kosher may need to plan to self-cater where possible. It is recommended to bring some shelf-stable kosher items from home (subject to travel and customs rules) and confirm ingredients/preparation methods in advance when dining out. 

Vegetarian/Vegan: Vegetarian-friendly meals are often easier to access, and the resort identifies vegetarian/vegan and special requests as available options. For independent dining off-site, students can use HappyCow to locate vegetarian/vegan-friendly restaurants and check user-updated details (hours, maps, and reviews).