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Hurricane season

The hurricane season runs from June to November. You should follow and monitor local and international weather updates from theÌýÌýand follow the advice ofÌý, including any evacuation orders. SeeÌýExtreme weather and natural disasters.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:Ìý

• ²õ±ð±ðÌýgeneral advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• ²õ±ð±ðÌýgeneral advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read aboutÌýsafety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations andÌýget appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find outÌýmore aboutÌýFCDOÌýtravel advice.

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Sign up to�get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.�

Follow FCDO: â¶Ä¯Ì�

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizenâ€� passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.Ìý

The authorities in Barbados set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact theÌýBarbados High Commission in theÌýUK:

1 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3N

Phone: 020 7299 7150
Fax: 020 7323 6872
Email: [email protected]

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must be valid for the planned length of your stay.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.ÌýÌý

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.Ìý

Visa requirements

You do not need a visa to visit Barbados.

You will be told how long you can stay when you arrive. If you want to extend your stay, you must apply and pay for an extension through theÌý.

It’s illegal to overstay or work without aÌý. The Barbados authorities could fine or detain you if you overstay.

Immigration and customs form

All travellers must before they arrive.

Children and young people

Check the from the Barbados Immigration Department.

Departure taxÌýÌý

All passengers aged 2 years and older must pay a departure tax of 55 Barbados dollars (27.50ÌýUSÌýdollars). Passengers travelling outside the Caribbean region pay an additional 70ÌýUSÌýdollars per person, and those travelling within the Caribbean pay an additional 20ÌýUSÌýdollars per person.

Most airlines include the cost within the ticket price. Check details with your airline or tour operator.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Barbados, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a .

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see .

Customs rules

There are strict rules aboutÌý. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affectingÌýUKÌýinterests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view theÌýUKÌýand British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice onÌýÌýand what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find outÌýhow to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Barbados

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Barbados, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Crime

There have been incidents of violent crime, including:

• armed robbery
• sexual assault
• gang-related shootings

There has been an increase in gang-related murders involving guns. Some incidents have taken place in populated and public areas.

Take sensible precautions to protect your personal safety:

• make sure your accommodation is secure
• take care when walking alone off busy main roads and taking money fromÌýATMs
• avoid isolated areas, including beaches, particularly after dark
• only use licensed taxis
• take particular care around large gatherings, including street and beach parties, especially after dark or during the festival season
• do not carry large amounts of cash or wear expensive-looking jewellery
• leave valuables and travel documents in a safety deposit box or secure hotel safe

Laws and cultural differences

Illegal drugs penalties

It is illegal to possess drugs. There are severe penalties for all drug offences. Pack your luggage yourself and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else.

Camouflage clothing

It is illegal for anyone, including children, to wear camouflage clothing.

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In the Caribbean, attitudes towards theÌýLGBT+Ìýcommunity are mostly conservative. It is uncommon for opposite or same-sex couples to show affection in public, for example, holding hands or kissing. Doing this may attract unwanted and negativeÌýattention. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Swimming safety

Always take great care when swimming. Currents can be deceptively strong, including on some of the popular beaches on the south and west coasts. Some beaches do not have lifeguards or warning flags.

Swimming is not recommended on many of the east-coast beaches where currents are particularly strong. Follow local warnings.

See from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Barbados, see information on driving abroadÌý²¹²Ô»åÌý.

You must get a Barbados driving licence to drive in Barbados. You can buy one from a car hire company or online from theÌý. You must also carry yourÌýUKÌýdriving licence.

Driving is on the left. If you have an accident, call the police and do not move the vehicle.

Taxis

Taxis do not have meters. There are standard fares for most destinations. Agree the fare in Barbados dollars with the driver before you set off. Drivers do not always accept card payments, so carry cash with you.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.Ìý

Hurricanes

The hurricane season normally runs from June to November. Monitor local news and check and the .

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are a potential risk in Barbados, and there are occasional tremors. Follow the advice of the local authorities.

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about .

Volcanic eruptions

Check theÌý, located 5 miles off the coast of Grenada. Observe any maritime exclusion zones and follow the advice of the local authorities if there is increased activity or an eruption.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you haveÌýappropriate travel insuranceÌýfor local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 511 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risksÌý

At least 8 weeks before your trip:ÌýÌý

• check the latest
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the

See , including:ÌýÌý

• Zika virus
• dengue
• chikungunya

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in theÌýUKÌýcan be different in other countries.

¸é±ð²¹»åÌý.

Healthcare in Barbados

The Barbados healthcare system is not as extensive as theÌýUK. Queen Elizabeth Hospital can cope with many types of treatment, but serious cases may need emergency evacuation. You can to speak with a healthcare professional.

Medical treatment in Barbados can be expensive. Check private clinics� prepayment policies, as they may not accept medical travel insurance as payment.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Barbados.

Travel and mental health

¸é±ð²¹»åÌýFCDOÌýguidance on travel and mental health. There is alsoÌý.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Barbados

Ambulance: 511

Fire: 311

Police: 211

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more aboutÌýchanging or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support fromÌýFCDO

FCDOÌýhas guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• ´Ú¾±²Ô»å¾±²Ô²µÌýÌý²¹²Ô»åÌý in Barbados
• dealing with aÌýdeath in Barbados
• ²ú±ð¾±²Ô²µÌýarrested in Barbados
• getting help if you’re aÌývictim of crime
• what to do if you’reÌýin hospital
• if you’reÌýaffected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

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Help abroad �

SeeÌýÌýincluding in an emergency.Ìý

Help in the UKÌýÌý

You can call�FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad. �

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours) �

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates �

Sign up to�get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. �

Follow FCDO:�

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Barbados on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.