Anguilla

Many restaurants and hotels add a service charge to the bill. Check your bill before you add a tip. Tipping is common on the island.

English is the official language and is spoken everywhere. Many local people also speak an English-based Creole, often called "dialect". You can use standard English with everyone.

Healthcare is limited. The UK government describes two small hospitals and a few clinics. Serious cases may need transfer to a neighbouring island, so buy travel health insurance that covers medical evacuation.

• Dengue and Zika are health risks. Use insect repellent.
• Check vaccine advice with your health service at least 8 weeks before you travel.
• Take enough of any regular medicine with you. Rules for some medicines differ from your home country.

Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory. Its own Immigration Department manages entry.

• Your passport must be valid beyond your departure date. You also need a return or onward ticket.
• Visa rules depend on your nationality. British citizens can visit for up to 90 days without a visa (UK government). For other nationalities, check the length of stay with the Immigration Department. Extensions can be requested after arrival.
• Holders of a UK, US or Canadian visa, or a US Green Card, do not need to apply for an Anguilla visa.
• Other nationalities may need a visa. Apply online at Anguilla eVisa. The Government of Anguilla says processing takes 8 to 10 business days, so apply well ahead of travel.
• You must clear customs and immigration at Blowing Point ferry terminal or at the airport.
• Some marine and animal specimens cannot be taken out of the island.

More information: Anguilla Tourist Board: entry requirements.

Visa and entry requirements change frequently. Verify current requirements with the official immigration authority or your country's embassy before travel.

• Topless and nude sunbathing are illegal.
• Penalties for drugs are severe.
• Same-sex activity is legal, but local attitudes can be conservative. Public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention.

Expect many shops and offices to close on public holidays. When a fixed-date holiday falls on a weekend, it is usually taken on the next working day.

Public holidays include Good Friday, Easter Monday, Whit Monday and the King's Birthday in June. In early August, three holidays fall together: August Monday, August Thursday and Constitution Day. They coincide with Carnival, called the Summer Festival, so expect closures. Boat racing is a national pastime. Island Harbour hosts the Festival del Mar at Easter weekend.

• Taxis: Taxis are easy to find. Rates are fixed, and there is a published rate guide for trips across the island. Many drivers also offer island tours.
• Rental car: Rent from a company on the island. Bring your home driving licence. You must also buy a temporary Anguilla licence. The Anguilla Tourist Board lists US $25 for 3 months or US $15 for a 3-day day-tripper licence. Rental companies issue it.
• Bikes and ATVs: You can rent bikes and ATVs through hotels and outfitters. The island is flat.
• Boat trips: Small boats reach the cays. Sandy Island is a 10-minute shuttle from Sandy Ground. Scilly Cay is a 3-minute shuttle from Island Harbour. Prickly Pear is about 20 minutes from Sandy Ground. Scrub Island is about 20 minutes from Island Harbour. Boats to Sombrero, an uninhabited island 54 km north-west, usually take about 1.5 hours. Ask a local operator about trips, especially for Sombrero.
• From Saint Martin: The public ferry runs from Marigot on the French side to Blowing Point, about 20 minutes. You cannot book the public ferry in advance. Private ferries also run from Sint Maarten. There are also short flights from Sint Maarten, and flights from Puerto Rico.

For local history, visit Wallblake House or the Heritage Collection Museum.

• Drive on the left. This is different from the US and most of Europe. Take extra care at junctions.
• The island is about 16 miles long. Crossing it takes roughly 45 minutes.
• Rental companies sell the required temporary local licence. See Getting around for costs.

Seafood is the main local food. Lobster fishing is important to the local economy. The fishing village of Island Harbour is a good place to see the boats.

Many visitors have a long lunch on a cay. Scilly Cay is a short boat ride from Island Harbour. It serves lunches of lobster, prawns, chicken and red snapper, with live music. Meals there can take about an hour to prepare, so plan your day around it.

Anguilla is a good base for short island trips.

• Saint Martin lies south of Anguilla and has a French and a Dutch side. The ferry from Marigot leaves for Blowing Point.
• Saint Barthelemy is another French island south-east of Saint Martin.

Each island has its own entry rules. Check them before you go.