Anguilla is a small British Overseas Territory located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, part of the Lesser Antilles. It lies east of Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands, and north of the island of Saint Martin. The island is known for its white-sand beaches (like Shoal Bay), coral reefs, turquoise waters and a warm tropical climate. The nation has a relatively flat and low-lying geography compared to many volcanic Caribbean islands, and its economy relies mainly on tourism, fishing and offshore financial services.
Its capital, The Valley, is the political and administrative centre of Anguilla. Despite being a small town rather than a large city, it possesses the island's main administrative buildings, along with key attractions like Wallblake House (a historic plantation house) and the St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church. The Valley reflects Anguilla’s relaxed atmosphere, with colourful Caribbean architecture and a slow-paced island lifestyle.
Hurricanes and tropical storms, along with severe coastal flooding, landslides, flash floods, earthquakes and water scarcity.
For driving/traffic offences, the common fines are as follow;
On the spot fines may be issued by traffic police for some of these offences. You should not pay fines in cash directly. Instead, request a ticket and make the payment as per the terms. But pay before turning the rental to avoid higher penalties.
The official language of Anguilla is English, but Anguillan Creole is also spoken.
Vehicles drive on the left, like in the UK, but some rentals are left-hand drive. The minimum driving age is 18, but drivers need to be at least 21 — or 23/25 for some rental companies — to rent, where a daily young driver surcharge is applied to those under 25. UK drivers don't strictly need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Anguilla, but a local temporary Anguillan driving permit is mandatory for all visitors. One is usually arranged via your rental company for a small fee; EC$67 (~£19).
Main roads, like The Valley Road, are generally paved and well-maintained, but side roads, particularly ones that connects to villas and beaches, can be unpaved with uneven surfaces, potholes and rough patches. Heavy rain can cause roads to temporarily deteriorate, with water and debris on the surface, and some roads have limited lighting, so be careful when driving at night. Also, be sure to take it slowly rather driving at the maximum limit, and be cautious at junctions and roundabouts, especially if driving in a left-hand vehicle.
Anguilla has very limited public transport, so hiring a car is a popular way for tourists to get around. A normal compact car is sufficient for most sightseeing, but if you're staying somewhere reached by a rough/unpaved road, an SUV or higher-clearance vehicle is worth considering.
Unleaded petrol and diesel are the most common fuel types in Anguillan stations. Stations are mainly full-service and accept card as payment, as well as US dollars. However, card terminals/connectivity can occasionally be an issue, so carry cash with you as backup. There are several fuel stations spread across the island — mainly in more populated areas, and since Anguilla's a small island, you wouldn't be far apart from a station. However, it is best advised to fill up before travelling to remote areas. In addition, if your rental agreement requires you to return the car with a full tank, photograph the fuel gauge when you collect and return the vehicle.
The BAC limit is 0.05%.
There is no mandatory requirement for wearing seat belts, but it is strongly encouraged by local authorities and the police. There was an Anguilla Government 2018 Criminal Justice Reform Bill that proposed to make seat belt compulsory, but it was merely a bill, and it was never enacted as law.
There is no legal requirement for child car seats, but it is strongly encouraged by local authorities and safety advocates, who would introduce safety legislations. Rental companies rarely supply child seats, so it is best to travel with your own.
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