Barbados
Barbados
O D K E N H U T C
Exercise normal precautions in Barbados.
Reissued with updates to health information.
Exercise normal precautions in Barbados.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Barbados.
If you decide to travel to Barbados:
- Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
- Review the Country Security Report for Barbados.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
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Quick Facts
PASSPORT VALIDITY:
Must be valid at time of entry
BLANK PASSPORT PAGES:
1 page required for entry stamp
TOURIST VISA REQUIRED:
Not required for stays under 6 months
VACCINATIONS:
None
CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR ENTRY:
None
CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR EXIT:
None
ALL / ALL /
U.S. Embassy Bridgetown
Wildey Business Park
Wildey
St. Michael BB 14006
Barbados, W.I.
Telephone: +(246) 227-4399
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(246) 227-4000
Fax: +(246) 431-0179
BridgetownACS@state.gov
Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.
U.S. citizens must have a valid U.S. passport to enter Barbados. No visa is needed for stays up to 6 months.
NOTE:Generally, all U.S. citizens are required to present a valid U.S. passport when traveling to Barbados, as well as proof of anticipated departure from Barbados. This includes travelers arriving by airplane and by private sea-going vessel. Those traveling to Barbados on a cruise may use another Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document. However, we strongly recommend visitors obtain a passport before travel in case of an unforeseen emergency that requires a cruise passenger to disembark and return by air.
HIV/AIDS:The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Barbados.
Find information ondual nationality,prevention of international child abductionandcustoms regulationson our websites.
Crime:U.S. citizens are not specifically targeted for crime in Barbados. However, crimes of opportunity such as petty larceny, burglary, automobile break-ins; as well as incidents of violent crime, such as murder, sexual assault, robbery, shootings, and drug related crimes do occasionally occur. As you would in any major metropolitan area of the U.S., use the below personal security measures while traveling:
- Do not leave valuables unattended in public areas, on beaches, unsecured in hotel rooms, or in rental homes.
- Avoid walking alone, especially at night, on beaches, and in isolated or poorly lit locations.
- Go out in groups or with a companion and limit nighttime activities to established safe and reputable venues.
- Use only clearly marked taxis and avoid rides with strangers.
- Stick to well-lit and well-traveled routes.
- Avoid displaying flashy jewelry, expensive electronics, and large amounts of cash.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times. If you see something suspicious or unusual contact local police at #211 to report immediately.
- Use added caution when shopping in crowded areas, especially during the holiday season.
- Use added caution when attending crowded events, such as Crop Over, Kadooment celebrations, music festivals, etc.
- Do not leave drinks unattended in public venues as this could create a potential vulnerability for the use of “date rape” drugs in furtherance of criminal activity.
- Do not be predictable; vary your daily routes and schedules.
- Prostitution and drug use (to include marijuana) is illegal, do not engage in illegal activity.
- Do not wear camouflage as it is illegal to wear in public.
In Barbados exercise extra vigilance at night on party cruises and in the downtown area.
Do not buy counterfeit or pirated goods. These are illegal in the United States, and you may also be breaking local law.
Firearms:Do not enter Barbados with firearms or ammunition without prior express consent from the Barbados government. Please contact theEmbassy of Barbadoswith questions regarding travel with firearms.
See theDepartment of Stateand theFBIpages for information on scams.
Victims of Crime:Report crimes to the local police at 211 and contact the U.S. Embassy at (246) 227-4000.
The emergency lines in Barbados are: Fire: 311, Police: 211, Ambulance: 511.
Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.
See our webpage onhelp for U.S. victims of crime overseas.
We can:
- help you find appropriate medical care
- assist you in reporting a crime to the police
- contact relatives or friends with your written consent
- explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
- provide a list of local attorneys
- provide our information onvictim’s compensation programs in the United States
- provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
- help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
- replace a stolen or lost passport
Domestic Violence:U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance at (246) 227-4000.
Watersports Advisory:Carefully assess the potential risks of recreational water activities and consider your physical capabilities and skills. Never venture out alone, particularly at isolated beaches or far out to sea. Avoid entering the water above your waist if you have been drinking and always be mindful of jet ski and boat traffic in the area.
Tourism:The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, hospitals are able provide urgent medical treatment, though very serious injuries often require medical evacuation. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.
Criminal Penalties:You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.
Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs or firearms are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
It is illegal, even for children, to wear camouflage clothing or carry items made with camouflage material.
Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website oncrimes against minors abroadand theDepartment of Justicewebsite.
Arrest Notification:If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See ourwebpagefor further information.
Firearms:Do not enter Barbados with firearms or ammunition without prior express consent from the Barbados government. Please contact theEmbassy of Barbadoswith questions regarding travel with firearms.
Faith-Based Travelers:See the following webpages for details:
- Faith-Based Travel Information
- International Religious Freedom Report– see country reports
- Human Rights Report– see country reports
- Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad
LGBTI Travelers: Same-sex sexual relations, even when consensual, are criminalized in Barbados. Although this law is rarely enforced, potential penalties include life imprisonment.
SeeourLGBTI Travel Informationpage and section 6 of ourHuman Rights reportfor further details.
Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:Access to buildings, pedestrian paths, and transportation is extremely difficult for persons with mobility issues. Sidewalks (if they exist) are very uneven and will only occasionally have ramps at intersections. Pedestrian crossings are also very infrequent and can be poorly marked. Buses and taxis do not have special accommodations.
The Town and Country Planning Department set provisions for all public buildings to include accessibility infrastructure. As a result, many new buildings have ramps, reserved parking, and special sanitary facilities.
Students:See ourStudents Abroadpage andFBI travel tips.
Women Travelers:See our travel tips forWomen Travelers.
Medical care is good for the region, but medical transport can take hours to respond, and ambulance attendants are prohibited from applying lifesaving techniques during transport.
We do not pay medical bills.Be aware that U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not apply overseas.
Medical Insurance:Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. We strongly recommendsupplemental insuranceto cover medical evacuation.
If traveling with prescription medication, check with thegovernment of Barbadosto ensure the medication is legal in Barbados. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.
The following diseases are present:
- Chikungunya
- Dengue
- Zika
Vaccinations:Be up-to-date on allvaccinationsrecommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Further health information:
Road Conditions and Safety: Main roads are generally safe and well-marked, though they often have potholes. Secondary rural roads tend to be narrow, are sometimes inadequately marked, are potholed and rough, and have frequent blind curves. Use caution on these roads, especially at night. Slow down if you see a stopped vehicle, whether traveling in the same or the opposite direction, as this could mean that pedestrians are crossing. Drivers often stop in the middle of the roadway without warning. Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you and watch for signs of sudden braking.
Traffic Laws:Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. Barbados traffic law requires that vehicles involved in an accident remain unmoved until the police arrive.
Public Transportation:Registered taxis and large public buses are generally safe. Private vans and small buses are often crowded and tend to travel at excessive speeds. Avoid private minibuses, known as “Zed buses” because of license plates which begin with the letter Z, as drivers frequently drive erratically.
See ourRoad Safety pagefor more information. Visit the website ofthe Barbados national tourist office.
Aviation Safety Oversight:As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Barbados, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Barbados’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on theFAA’s safety assessment page.
Maritime Travel:Mariners planning travel to Barbados should also check forU.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to theU.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and theNGA broadcast warnings.
Fact Sheet
Please see Fact Sheet for this country/area.
FAQs
Can I travel to Barbados with less than 6 months on my passport? ›
Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required.
What travel documents do you need to go to Barbados? ›U.S. citizens must have a valid U.S. passport to enter Barbados. No visa is needed for stays up to 6 months. NOTE: Generally, all U.S. citizens are required to present a valid U.S. passport when traveling to Barbados, as well as proof of anticipated departure from Barbados.
Does Barbados accept Covid recovery certificate? ›Required Documents. We only require your passport ID page, and your positive Covid-19 test report. Please check the Barbadian Government's latest rules on recovery certificates before you apply. Most countries require a positive test between 10 and 90 days ago.
Do I need the BIMSafe app to travel to Barbados? ›(Ministry of Health and Wellness)
The BIMSafe App has been updated. Travellers to Barbados are encouraged to use the App to upload their COVID-19 vaccination certificate and COVID-19 PCR test results before travelling, using one of the following file formats: Adobe Portable Document Format file (PDF)
You'll need to renew your passport if either: there's less than 3 months left on your passport when you travel - check your passport to find out when it expires. your passport is 10 years old or more on the day you enter the EU country - count this from the date your passport was issued.
Do I need 6 months on my passport? ›Rules state that your passport should be valid for at least 30 days from the date of exit, but it's recommended that you have at least six months on your passport before it expires.
How much is Barbados visa fee? ›Single Entry ------- US$107.00 (Permission to make one (1) entry within a three-month period) Multiple Entry ------ US$211.00.
Is Barbados part of the US? ›...
Barbados–United States relations.
| Barbados | United States |
|---|---|
| Embassy of Barbados, Washington, DC | Embassy of the United States, Bridgetown |
| Envoy | |
| Ambassador John Beale | Ambassador Linda S. Taglialatela |
The Barbados passport ranking is 23; the number of visa free destinations accessible with a Barbados passport is 163. Please note, the list of visa-free countries is calculated to reflect the number of countries Barbados passport holders can enter without a visa, through a visa on arrival, and through the eTA.
Do I need to wear a mask in Barbados? ›The Government's COVID-19 protocols may be subject to change at short notice and you should therefore review these regularly. In moving around Barbados, although mask wearing is now optional, many still follow social distancing protocols.
Is Barbados in Covid lockdown? ›
Update 2021-02-18: The lockdown in Barbados has been extended until at least the end of February.
How do you get a Covid Test in Barbados? ›AZOVA brings you authorized COVID-19 testing services in Barbados for travel. Find an authorized testing location or request on-site concierge testing services to come to you.
When should BIMSafe be completed? ›On the BIMsafe app homepage (click the house icon bottom left) then click on the box named Travel Form. You are advised to complete the travel form at least 24 hours before your DEPARTURE but not more than 72 hours beforehand.
Is the BIMSafe App necessary? ›It is required for use by all travellers from High- and Medium-Risk countries and has a number of features to improve your travel experience: Up-to-date quick guide for current travel protocols.
How do I fill in BIMSafe? ›Download the App prior to your trip to Barbados from Google Play and the Apple Store. BIMSafe will allow you to complete your online ED form, upload your negative COVID-19 PCR test result and complete your health questionnaire, all from one centralised place.
Which countries do not need 6 months of passport validity? ›Countries commonly use the three-month passport validity rule, including Spain, Italy, Sweden, Denmark, and Belgium. In the Schengen Agreement area, there is a tola of 26 different countries that require a three-month validity rule.
How long must my passport be valid for international travel? ›How long must my passport be valid for international travel? Most countries require that a passport be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of a trip. If your passport expires sooner than that, you must apply to renew your passport.
How close to expiration can I use my passport? ›Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met. Check our Country Information to learn about entry and exit requirements for the country or countries in which you are traveling.
Can I travel while my passport is being renewed? ›Answer: As an American citizen, you are now required to leave and return to the United States with a valid U.S. passport. You cannot travel while your U.S. passport application is still in pending or in process. The only way you can get a passport issued sooner is by applying in person at a regional agency.
What does 6 months validity on a passport mean? ›The 6-month passport rule states that your passport must be valid for another six months before you depart for international travel. Depending on which country you are traveling to, the six-month period may begin from the date you leave that country or the date you arrive.
Can I travel to Spain with 4 months left on my passport? ›
1. Valid passport or travel document: The document must be valid until three months after the planned date of departure from the Schengen territory, and must have been issued during the ten years immediately before the date of entry. 2. Visa: For certain nationalities, a valid visa is required.
Is it easy to get a job in Barbados? ›Due to the popularity of the island as a destination, competition for employment is quite stiff, but a range of jobs are to be found, including many in the tourism and hospitality sectors – the island is a popular tourist destination, too.
Which countries need visa for Barbados? ›...
Visas required for Barbados.
| Afghanistan | Democratic People's Republic Of Korea |
|---|---|
| Bolivia | Madagascar |
| Bosnia - Herzegovina | Marshall Islands |
| Cambodia | Federate States Of Micronesia |
| Cameroon | Mongolia |
The Barbados dollar (BD$) is the local currency in Barbados and is tied in value to the US dollar. It is advisable to exchange currency at the bank, as the most favourable exchange rates may not be obtained elsewhere. Many establishments will accept payments in US Dollars with change being given in local currency.
What country owns Barbados? ›Barbados will remain part of the Commonwealth, a voluntary association of 54 countries with roots in the British Empire. On Tuesday, thousands celebrated across Barbados as nearly 400 years of British rule ended.
What language does Barbados speak? ›In Barbados, the official language is English and the majority of residents speak 'Bajan' (pronounced as BAY-jun), an English-based creole, heavily influenced by West Africa.
What nationality is Barbados? ›Destination Barbados, an island in the Lesser Antilles in the eastern Caribbean, northeast of Venezuela, to the east of Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Today it is an independent British Commonwealth nation.
Do Barbados need visa for USA? ›USA tourist visa is required for Barbadian citizens. The stay is usually long with a period of 180 days and visa expires in upto 10 years. Applicant is required to be present when applying for USA tourist visa. A total of 13 documents are required for applying USA tourist visa.
Do Barbadians need a visa for Canada? ›People from Barbados, same as many other nationalities, are exempt from getting a visa whenever they want to travel to Canada. This is because the citizens of Barbados are eligible for a Canada ETA. Fortunately, this type of document can be obtained online, and with iVisa, you can acquire it in as little as 30 minutes.
How powerful is the Barbados passport? ›The Barbadian passport is currently ranked 23rd among global passports, according to the Guide Passport Ranking Index.
Do you have to wear a mask on international flights 2022? ›
Masks are optional for Delta customers and employees for all U.S. domestic flights. Masks are now optional for Delta customers and employees for international travel, except where masks are required by applicable governments for international travel.
Do I have to wear mask on plane? ›As a result of a court order, effective immediately and as of April 18, 2022, CDC's January 29, 2021 Order requiring masks on public transportation conveyances and at transportation hubs is no longer in effect.
Can you fly direct to Barbados? ›Which airlines offer direct flights to Barbados? TUI, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Qatar Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus all fly direct to Barbados.
What are people from Barbados called? ›Barbados People, characters and personalities are no exception to the rule, but Barbadians (also known as Bajans) will surprise with their warmth, casual charm and sophistication.
What makes Barbados special? ›It's no secret that Barbados is known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The serene Caribbean coast on the west is famed for its aquamarine waters and soft sands, while the wilder beaches in Barbados on the east coast are exhilarating to visit, with big rollers and dramatic scenery.
Does Barbados accept rapid PCR test? ›Take a 1 day Rapid Antigen Test or Rapid PCR Test
Purchase one of AZOVA's Rapid Antigen or Rapid PCR and take your test within twenty four hours before your flight to Barbados Islands.
Barbados is an island state on the easternmost edge of the Caribbean. The dwarf state has a total area of only 430 km² (166 mi²) and a total coastline of 97 km (60.3 mi).
Where is Barbados located? ›Barbados, island country in the southeastern Caribbean Sea, situated about 100 miles (160 km) east of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Roughly triangular in shape, the island measures some 20 miles (32 km) from northwest to southeast and about 15 miles (25 km) from east to west at its widest point.
What App do I need for Barbados? ›The receipt will contain the travel code which will be required for access to the BIMSafe App, developed by the Ministry of Health and Wellness to assist in the management of COVID-19 in Barbados. It is intended for use by all arriving passengers.
Where do I get my travel code for BIMSafe? ›This can be accessed by clicking on the “Online ED” button on the home screen or visiting https://travelform.gov.bb Page 3 3. Once you have your Travel Code, Click “Connect” to enter.
How much alcohol is allowed into Barbados? ›
GENERAL DUTY FREE ALLOWANCES: As a general practice, visitors to Barbados are allowed to obtain duty free the following personal effects: 1 litre of potable spirits or wine. All articles in excess of this exemption are subject to the pertinent duty and tax.
Do you need BIMSafe to enter Barbados? ›You are required to download the BIMSafe app prior to your arrival into Barbados. This will help monitor your quarantine once you arrive.
Does Barbados accept Covid recovery certificate? ›Required Documents. We only require your passport ID page, and your positive Covid-19 test report. Please check the Barbadian Government's latest rules on recovery certificates before you apply. Most countries require a positive test between 10 and 90 days ago.
Do you need a visa to go to Barbados from UK? ›British passport holders don't need a visa to visit Barbados. On entry, you will normally be granted a specified period to stay. If you wish to stay longer, you must apply and pay for an extension of stay through the Barbados Immigration Department.
What parish is Sandals Royal Barbados in? ›Sandals Royal Barbados- Christ Church Parish, Barbados Hotels- GDS Reservation Codes: Travel Weekly.
How long do you need on your passport to fly to Barbados? ›First, check the current validity of your passport.
All travelers will need a passport valid for at least 90 days following your departure date from Barbados.
On arrival your passport will be stamped with a visitor's stamp stipulating how long you are allowed to stay. Generally this is a minimum of 28 days but varies depending on a number of factors including your country of origin (Barbados has arrangements with various countries concerning length of stay their citizens).
Can I travel to Caribbean if my passport expires in 3 months? ›Yes, you will be denied entry abroad if your passport is about to expire. Additionally, if you need a visa, you won't receive one with a passport with a validity of less than six (sometimes three) months. For this reason, you have to make sure that your passport is up-to-date before you travel.
Which countries require a 6 month passport validity? ›Some countries that apply the six-month passport validity include primarily Asian countries, like China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia. A handful of countries in South America also use the six-month passport validity. These South American countries include Venezuela, Bolivia, and Brazil.
How many months do you need on a passport to travel? ›Rules state that your passport should be valid for at least 30 days from the date of exit, but it's recommended that you have at least six months on your passport before it expires.
How long should your passport be valid to travel? ›
How long must my passport be valid for international travel? Most countries require that a passport be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of a trip. If your passport expires sooner than that, you must apply to renew your passport.
Which countries do not need visa for Barbados? ›...
Visas required for Barbados.
| Afghanistan | Democratic People's Republic Of Korea |
|---|---|
| Bhutan | Macedonia |
| Bolivia | Madagascar |
| Bosnia - Herzegovina | Marshall Islands |
| Cambodia | Federate States Of Micronesia |
The Barbados visa is stamped on your passport and will become one of your passport pages. Visa requests cannot be processed without your original passport.
What islands can you go to without a passport? ›- St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. ...
- St. John, US Virgin Islands. ...
- St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. ...
- San Juan, Puerto Rico. ...
- Culebra, Puerto Rico. ...
- Key West, Florida. ...
- Miami, Florida. ...
- Anna Maria Island, Florida.
The Barbados passport ranking is 23; the number of visa free destinations accessible with a Barbados passport is 163. Please note, the list of visa-free countries is calculated to reflect the number of countries Barbados passport holders can enter without a visa, through a visa on arrival, and through the eTA.
What does 6 months validity on a passport mean? ›The 6-month validity rule is when some countries require that your passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met.
Can I travel back to my home country with an expired passport? ›Recently expired passports cannot be used to travel from the United States to an international destination or to travel to a foreign country for any length of stay longer than an airport connection en route to the United States or to a United States territory.
What if my passport expired? ›You cannot travel abroad nor apply for a travel visa with an expired passport. If your passport has passed the expiration date and you need to travel internationally for any reason, you will need to get it replaced. This leaves travelers with two options: apply for a passport renewal or apply for a new passport.
Can I travel if my passport expires in 1 month? ›Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met. Check our Country Information to learn about entry and exit requirements for the country or countries in which you are traveling.
Can I travel to the Bahamas with a passport that expires in 3 months? ›No; passports must have a minimum of six months validity from the date of departure from The Bahamas. In addition, airlines would not let passengers board with expired travel documents.