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Historically there has been some confusion about yacht visitors to Barbuda having to clear customs in Antigua first and then leave Barbuda within 24 hours but this is not always the case. The government protocols for Covid do not mention Barbuda as a port of entry, so if you wish to come direct to Barbuda, or come here before Antigua, or stay longer than 24 hours, contact these numbers below for up to date information.

Contact the Controller of Customs in Antigua preferably 48 hours before, by e-mail at or Tel: (268) 462 0829 and you will quickly get the required up to date information and permissions.

Matthew John, our own Customs Officer at Barbuda Customs is on Tel: (268) 464 5012 or e mail [email protected].

Immigration is Hildena Gore on Tel: (268) 736 5446

Both services operate out of Customs House in Codrington which is opposite Tilly’s bakery near the airport fence. Our friendly taxi drivers will also have the most up to date information and many of them offer a service which can come to you to collect passports etc and knowing exactly where to go.

Additionally there are updates on Noonsite regarding Covid 19 Special Procedures for visitors sailing on private boats or yachts in the Caribbean, with a page of information on Antigua and Barbuda. The Antigua and Barbuda Marine Association have their own information on their pages for marine visitors. And on Barbuda in the past we have had additional restrictions (lockdown) and checks implemented by the Barbuda Council.

Barbuda is regularly visited by experienced sailors who like to keep the secret to themselves; the island also has almost 400 historic wrecks around the coast which are enough to put off casual sailors. We have lost boats in recent times too, it is so flat that it is very difficult to see until you are dangerously close to the reefs.

A regular visitor to Barbuda, Chris Doyle is very familiar with the coastline and comes to Barbuda to update his essential guide. Most of those who do make the effort to visit us are delighted when finally anchored off a stunning beach without a soul in sight. But please ask a local person for advice if you are new to Barbuda and need to know where to moor your boat, and please do not anchor to our reefs, fish in the restricted areas or use jet skis, spear guns and other destructive equipment.

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