Foreign Office Issues Urgent Warning to UK Tourists Visiting Caribbean Islands
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a critical new warning for UK tourists planning trips to Antigua and Barbuda, stating that smoking in public places is now illegal with immediate effect. The FCDO updated its travel advice on Friday, March 13, 2026, alerting travellers to the strict enforcement of this law.
Zero-Tolerance Policy Implemented with Immediate Effect
Deputy Commissioner of Police Albert Wade confirmed this week that authorities are moving to a zero-tolerance policy regarding public smoking. The grace period that previously spared people fines has been completely removed, meaning anyone caught smoking in public will face arrest without warning.
"We're deeply concerned about the prevalence of smoking in public places," Wade stated. "This is an unlawful practice, and it should cease immediately. With immediate effect, any person found smoking in a public place will be arrested and taken before the court."
Substantial Financial Penalties for Violators
Persons found in breach of this law on summary conviction may be fined up to $2,000 Eastern Caribbean dollars, which equates to approximately £560 in British sterling. The legal amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act repealed the entire section dealing with ticketing, eliminating any warning system.
"Last year, an amendment was made to the Misuse of Drugs Act, and the entire section that deals with ticketing was repealed," Wade explained. "So there's no warning, there's no ticketing. It's just caught smoking in public, you're arrested, taken before the magistrate."
Expanded Legal Responsibility for Premises Management
The law extends beyond individual smokers to include those responsible for managing public premises. Any owner, occupier, or person responsible for managing premises classified as public places who knowingly permits another person to sell, supply, or smoke cannabis or cannabis resin on those premises also commits an offense and may face similar penalties.
Wade offered specific advice to the public: "My suggestion to the general public, especially if you're claustrophobic, do not smoke in public. You will be arrested, notwithstanding our limited space. All residents and visitors are urged to comply with the law of the land."
Updated FCDO Travel Guidance
The FCDO has prominently featured this information on its "Safety and security" page for Antigua and Barbuda, clearly stating: "It is illegal to smoke in public places. You may face arrest for doing so." This represents a significant change in enforcement policy that UK tourists need to be aware of before travelling to these popular Caribbean destinations.
