Montserrat / Island Essentials

All travellers to Montserrat will need to know the essential island facts. The information on Montserrat shown below is current (2011).

Airport

As the old airport was situated in Plymouth it was completely destroyed by the volcano eruption. The new smaller John A Osbourne airport (MNI) opened in 2005, and was built on the safer northern side of the island. At the moment the only way to reach the island is via neighbouring Antigua or Anguilla. 

Check-in/Check-out

As a general rule check-out times are around 12 noon and check-in is seldom prior to 3pm. This is not usually a problem though, as international arrivals into Montserrat tend to be in the late afternoon. If you are travelling from within the Caribbean and will arrive earlier in the day then contact your hotel in advance and they may well be able to let you into your room early. Similarly, if your departure is late and occupancy is not high, then they may be able to provide you with a day room or shower facilities until your departure. If you are staying in a villa then departure time may be flexible unless there is a party coming in after you, in which case the villa will need to be made ready for the new arrivals.

Departure Tax/Taxes

A new airport has been built in the aftermath of destructive volcanic activity. Previously called Gerald’s Airport, the facility was recently renamed the John A. Osborne Airport, in honour of one of the island’s most illustrious political figures. Departure and airport security tax from Montserrat is EC$35 (US$13) for CARICOM nationals and EC$55 (US$21) for other nationals. 

A ferry links Port Little Bay in Montserrat and Heritage Quay in St John’s (Antigua) twice a day. It takes about 1hr 20mins to make the crossing. There is a departure tax of EC$45 (US$16) on this service.

Electricity

The voltage in Montserrat is 220 AC and 60Hz. Some buildings are wired for both 220 and 110 volts to suit North American appliances.

Embassies/Consulates

Canada
For Embassies and High Commissions, please see the Definitive Caribbean Guide to Barbados

UK
Montserrat is a British Overseas Territory. UK citizens are referred to the British High Commission in Antigua, Price Waterhouse Centre, 11 Old Parham Road, St John’s, t 462 0008/9

US
For Embassies and High Commissions, please see the Definitive Caribbean Guide to Barbados

Emergencies

Fire – 911 
Operator Assistance – 411 
Police – 999

Nudity

The people of Montserrat are quite conservative and any form of nudity is unacceptable, even toplessness. Swimwear and revealing clothing should be reserved for the beach and not worn when in the settlements.

Service Charge/Tipping

A 10% service charge is added to most restaurant bills, if not then a small amount will be appreciated.

Time Zone

Montserrat is on Atlantic Standard Time, which is four hours behind GMT(Britain in winter) and five behind Europe. During the winter it is an hour ahead of the eastern seaboard of the USA. 

Montserrat has no summer daylight saving time, so when the clocks change for the summer farther north, the island is five hours behind Britain and on the same time as the eastern seaboard.

Water

Montserrat has one of the purest supplies of drinking water in the world, and it's perfectly safe to drink from the tap. Bottled or mineral water is also available in grocery stores