Barbados Travel Advisory: Staying Safe and Informed in 2024

Barbados – Take Normal Security Precautions

Barbados is generally a safe destination for travelers, but it’s important to stay informed and take normal security precautions to ensure a trouble-free trip. This comprehensive Barbados Travel Advisory provides essential information on safety and security, health, local laws, and natural disasters, empowering you to travel with confidence.

Safety and Security in Barbados

Crime

While Barbados is known for its friendly atmosphere, petty and violent crime do occur. Being aware of your surroundings and taking preventative measures can significantly reduce your risk.

Petty Crime

Petty crimes such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and burglaries can occur, particularly in tourist areas and during peak tourist season (November to April).

To minimize your risk of petty crime:

Keep your personal belongings secure at all times, especially in crowded areas.
Don’t leave valuables unattended on beaches, in rental cars, or in public places.
Ensure your accommodation doors and windows are always locked, even when you are inside.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or displaying expensive jewelry and electronics.
Use hotel safes for passports, travel documents, and valuable items.

Violent Crime

Unfortunately, violent crime, including gun violence, has been on the rise in Barbados in recent years. Incidents of armed robbery, sexual assault, gang-related shootings, and murder have been reported. While tourists are not typically targeted, it’s crucial to be vigilant and take precautions.

To enhance your safety and security:

Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions like smartphones when walking in public.
Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in less populated areas.
Stay away from isolated areas, poorly lit streets, and avoid wandering off the beaten path.
Refrain from displaying signs of wealth, which can make you a target for criminals.
If confronted by robbers, do not resist; your safety is paramount.
Be cautious in nightclubs and bars, and never leave your drinks unattended.

Fraud

Credit card, debit card, and ATM fraud can occur in Barbados, as in many tourist destinations.

Protect yourself from financial fraud:

When using ATMs, choose machines located in well-lit, public areas, preferably inside banks or reputable businesses.
Inspect ATMs for any signs of tampering or skimming devices before use.
Shield the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN at ATMs and payment terminals.
Be wary of anyone offering assistance at ATMs.
Keep your credit and debit cards in sight when making purchases, and be alert when cards are handled by others.
Regularly monitor your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.
Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, emails, or messages requesting personal or financial information.

Overseas fraud

Spiked Food and Drinks

Protect yourself from drink spiking, which can lead to robbery or sexual assault.

Take these precautions:

Never leave your food or drinks unattended, even for a moment.
Be cautious about accepting drinks or snacks from strangers or new acquaintances.
If you notice your drink tastes or looks unusual, don’t consume it.
Travel in groups and look out for each other in social settings.

Women’s Safety

Women traveling alone in Barbados may experience harassment, verbal abuse, and even sexual assault.

Safety tips for women travelers:

Be assertive and confident in your demeanor.
Avoid walking alone at night, especially in isolated areas.
Be cautious when interacting with strangers, and trust your instincts.
Share your itinerary with a friend or family member and check in regularly.
Consider using reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps, especially at night.
If you experience harassment, remove yourself from the situation and seek help if needed.

Advice for women travellers

2SLGBTQI+ Persons

While Barbados is becoming more tolerant, 2SLGBTQI+ persons may still face discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.

Considerations for 2SLGBTQI+ travelers:

Be aware of local laws and social norms, which may be less accepting than in Canada or other Western countries.
Public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention.
Research 2SLGBTQI+ friendly establishments and areas.
Exercise discretion and avoid overly public displays of your identity if you feel uncomfortable.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Demonstrations

Demonstrations and public gatherings can occur in Barbados, though they are not frequent.

If you encounter demonstrations:

Avoid areas where demonstrations or large gatherings are taking place.
Even peaceful demonstrations can become violent unexpectedly.
Demonstrations can cause disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
Follow the instructions of local authorities and police.
Monitor local media and news for updates on any ongoing demonstrations.

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Water Activities

Barbados offers beautiful beaches and water activities, but the coastal waters, especially on the Atlantic side, can be dangerous due to strong currents and riptides.

Water safety precautions:

Exercise extreme caution when swimming, particularly on Atlantic-facing beaches.
Riptides are common and can be very powerful.
Swim only at beaches with lifeguards and heed any warning flags.
Be aware that rescue services may not meet international standards in all areas.
Never swim alone, after dark, or outside of designated swimming areas.
Consult with locals or tour operators about safe swimming spots and potential hazards.
Respect flag warnings and instructions from lifeguards and local authorities.
When participating in scuba diving or other water sports, choose reputable and well-established companies.
Monitor weather forecasts, as sea conditions can change rapidly.

Water safety abroad

Adventure Tourism

Adventure activities like hiking and mountain biking can be enjoyable but carry inherent risks if you are unprepared.

Safety guidelines for adventure tourism:

Never engage in adventure activities alone.
Inform someone of your plans, including your route and expected return time.
Obtain detailed information about your chosen activity and the environment before setting out.
Ensure you are physically fit enough for the planned activity.
Weather conditions can change quickly; stay informed about forecasts.
Purchase travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, including helicopter rescue if necessary.
Do not use equipment if you have any doubts about its safety or condition.
Stick to marked trails and avoid venturing into unfamiliar or dangerous terrain.
Bring necessary safety gear, such as a helmet for biking and appropriate footwear for hiking.

Road Safety

Road safety in Barbados can be variable. Roundabouts are common, and accidents involving tourists at roundabouts have been reported.

Driving safety tips:

Exercise extra caution when approaching and navigating roundabouts.
Be aware that traffic drives on the left side of the road in Barbados.
Road conditions can be challenging, especially on rural roads.

Road Conditions

Major roads can become slippery after rain. Driving hazards include:

Narrow rural roads with limited visibility.
Blind curves and hills.
Inadequate street lighting in some areas.
Lack of or unclear road signs.
Unmarked roads, particularly in rural areas.
Pedestrians walking along roads, sometimes without sidewalks.
Potholes and uneven road surfaces.
Drivers stopping abruptly without signaling.

Public Transportation

Buses

Barbados has public buses operated by the Barbados Transport Board (blue or yellow with “B” license plates).

Bus travel considerations:

Public buses can be unreliable and may not adhere to strict schedules.
Buses are often crowded, especially during peak hours.
Some buses may travel at high speeds.

Mini-buses

Privately-owned mini-buses (with “Z” license plates) are also available.

Mini-bus travel considerations:

Mini-buses are often overcrowded.
They are known to travel at high speeds and may be involved in accidents more frequently.

Taxis

Taxis in Barbados are generally reliable.

Taxi travel tips:

Use only licensed taxis.
Taxis do not typically use meters; agree on a fare with the driver before starting your journey.
Standard fares exist for most destinations; confirm the fare in advance to avoid overcharging.
Have small bills available for payment, as drivers may not always have change for larger denominations.
Be particularly cautious when taking taxis late at night.

Ride-sharing Apps

Ride-sharing apps are available in Barbados and can be a convenient transportation option.

Air Travel

There are no assessments available regarding the compliance of domestic airlines in Barbados with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and Exit Requirements for Barbados

Entry and exit requirements for Barbados can change. Always verify the most up-to-date information with Barbadian authorities or the nearest embassy or consulate.

Passport

Ensure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay in Barbados.
Transportation companies may have stricter rules regarding passport validity than the country’s entry requirements. Check with your airline or cruise line before travel.

Regular Canadian Passport

A valid Canadian passport is required for entry into Barbados.

Passport for Official Travel

Different entry rules may apply if you are traveling with an official passport.

Official travel

Passport with “X” Gender Identifier

While Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, some countries may not recognize it, potentially leading to entry restrictions.
Check with the nearest foreign representative of Barbados before traveling if you have a passport with an “X” gender identifier.

Visas

Tourist visa: Not required for stays up to 180 days for many nationalities, including Canadians.
Business visa: Not required for many nationalities.
Work visa: Required for employment in Barbados.
Student visa: Required for studying in Barbados.

Immigration Form

You will need to complete an immigration arrival form upon arrival in Barbados.

Immigration

As a tourist, the maximum permitted stay in Barbados is generally 6 months, with the exact duration determined by immigration officers upon arrival.
Immigration officers also decide if business travelers require a work permit.

Other Entry Requirements

Immigration officials may request to see:

A return or onward travel ticket to demonstrate your intention to leave Barbados.
Proof of accommodation, such as hotel booking confirmations.
Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay.

Children and Travel

Children traveling unaccompanied or with only one parent may need to present:

A notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) confirming permission for the child to travel.
Proof of parentage, such as a birth certificate showing both parents’ names.

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow Fever

Refer to the health section for information on yellow fever and potential entry requirements related to vaccination.

Health in Barbados

Travel Health Notices

It is essential to be informed about potential health risks when traveling. Consulting a healthcare provider or travel health clinic 6 weeks before your trip is recommended for personalized health advice.

Routine Vaccines

Ensure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date before traveling to Barbados, including:

Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (Tdap)
Polio
Varicella (Chickenpox)
Meningococcal Disease
Seasonal Flu

Provincial and Territorial Immunization Information

Pre-Travel Vaccines and Medications

Discuss your travel plans with a healthcare provider to determine recommended or required vaccines and medications for Barbados.

Vaccines and diseases to consider:

Yellow Fever:
- Risk: No risk of yellow fever in Barbados.
- Entry Requirement: Vaccination is generally not required for entry from most countries, but requirements can change. Always verify current regulations.
- Recommendation: Vaccination is not generally recommended for Barbados unless you are arriving from a yellow fever risk country.
Hepatitis A:
- Risk: Hepatitis A is a risk in Barbados, transmitted through contaminated food and water.
- Recommendation: Vaccination against Hepatitis A is recommended for travelers to Barbados. Practice safe food and water precautions.
Hepatitis B:
- Risk: Hepatitis B is a risk worldwide, including Barbados, spread through blood and bodily fluids.
- Recommendation: Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travelers, especially those potentially exposed to blood or bodily fluids (e.g., medical procedures, sexual contact).
Measles:
- Risk: Measles is highly contagious and a risk for unvaccinated individuals traveling internationally.
- Recommendation: Ensure you are fully protected against measles before traveling.
COVID-19:
- Risk: COVID-19 remains a global concern.
- Recommendation: Complete recommended COVID-19 vaccine series and boosters before travel. Check Barbados’s specific entry/exit requirements related to COVID-19 vaccination.
Influenza (Flu):
- Risk: Flu is present year-round in tropical regions like Barbados.
- Recommendation: Get an annual flu vaccine, ideally at least 2 weeks before travel.
Rabies:
- Risk: Rabies may be present in wildlife, including bats.
- Recommendation: Rabies vaccination may be recommended for travelers with a high risk of animal exposure (e.g., working with animals). Seek medical attention immediately if bitten or scratched by an animal.

Safe Food and Water Precautions

Food and waterborne illnesses are a risk in Barbados.

Take these precautions:

Food Safety: Eat only food that is properly cooked and served hot. Peel fruits and vegetables yourself, or avoid raw produce.
Water Safety: Drink bottled water or water that has been boiled. Avoid ice cubes in drinks unless you are certain they are made from safe water.
Swimming Water: Avoid swallowing water when swimming in pools or the sea. Be cautious of freshwater sources, which may be contaminated.

Eat and drink safely abroad

Tick and Insect Bite Prevention

Mosquito and insect-borne diseases are present in Barbados.

Protect yourself from bites:

Insect Repellent: Use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin on exposed skin and clothing, following product instructions.
Clothing: Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that covers as much skin as possible, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Mosquito Nets: Sleep under mosquito nets if your accommodation is not adequately screened or air-conditioned.
Tick Checks: If hiking or spending time in grassy or wooded areas, check your body for ticks afterwards.

Insect bite and pest prevention Personal insect repellents

Specific insect-borne diseases in Barbados:

Chikungunya: Transmitted by mosquito bites, causing fever and joint pain. Protect against mosquito bites at all times. A vaccine (IXCHIQ) is available in Canada; discuss with your healthcare provider.
Chikungunya
Dengue Fever: A risk in Barbados, also spread by mosquitoes, causing flu-like symptoms and potentially severe dengue. Protect against mosquito bites, especially during daytime, sunrise, and sunset. No vaccine available in Canada.
Dengue
Zika Virus: Present in Barbados, primarily mosquito-borne but also sexually transmitted. Can cause serious birth defects. Prevent mosquito bites and practice safe sex, especially if pregnant or planning pregnancy.
Zika virus
Oropouche Virus Disease: Spread by midges and possibly mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, headache, and joint pain. Protect against insect bites. Pregnant women should take extra precautions.
Insect bite and pest prevention

Animal Precautions

Avoid contact with animals to reduce the risk of animal-borne diseases like rabies and avian influenza.

Minimize animal contact:

Avoid stray animals, livestock, monkeys, rodents, birds, and bats.
Do not eat undercooked meat.
Supervise children closely to prevent them from touching animals.
Be cautious in rural or forested areas, caves, and places where live animals are sold.

Person-to-Person Infections

Reduce the risk of respiratory and sexually transmitted infections.

Prevent person-to-person infections:

Respiratory Infections (Flu, COVID-19):
- Practice good hand hygiene: wash hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
- Wear a mask in crowded indoor settings or if you have respiratory symptoms.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Stay home and limit contact with others if you are sick.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), HIV, Mpox:
- Practice safe sex: use condoms consistently.
- Limit the number of sexual partners.
- Consider mpox vaccination if eligible.

Mpox vaccines Sexual health and travel HIV and AIDS: Travel health advice

Medical Services and Facilities

Medical facilities in Barbados are generally adequate, with polyclinics in each parish for basic services and public and private hospitals in Bridgetown for emergencies.

Medical care considerations:

Public hospitals and clinics may have longer wait times.
Some medical facilities may require immediate cash payment.
Ambulance response times can be slow and limited.
Medical evacuation, especially to the United States for serious conditions, can be very expensive.

Travel insurance is essential: Ensure your travel insurance includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Medication

Check if your prescription medications are legal and available in Barbados.
Bring an adequate supply of your medications in their original containers, packed in your carry-on luggage.
Carry a copy of your prescriptions.

Keep in Mind…

Your personal safety is your responsibility. Be prepared and do not expect healthcare services to be identical to those in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if traveling outside major cities.

Laws and Culture in Barbados

Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs in Barbados and abide by them.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offenses in Barbados are severe.

Drug law information:

Possession, use, and trafficking of illegal drugs carry harsh penalties, including lengthy jail sentences and substantial fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Dual Citizenship

Dual citizenship is recognized in Barbados.
If you are a Canadian-Barbadian dual citizen, Canadian consular services may be limited. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements as a Barbadian citizen.

Dual citizens

Driving

A visitor’s permit is required to drive in Barbados, obtainable with a valid Canadian driver’s license at car rental agencies or the Barbados Licensing Authority. Minimum age to apply is 18.
An international driving permit is recommended.
Traffic drives on the left.
Legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03%.
It is illegal to splash pedestrians with water while driving.
In case of an accident, call the police and do not move the vehicle.

Camouflage Clothing

Civilians are prohibited from wearing camouflage clothing or carrying items made of camouflage material in Barbados.
It is illegal to import or export camouflage items.

Investments

Seek legal advice in both Canada and Barbados before making property or other investments. Resolve any potential disputes before making commitments, as they can be lengthy and costly.

Marriage

To get married in Barbados, apply for a marriage license in person at the Ministry of Home Affairs and Information.
Required documents (in English): valid passports, birth certificates, return flight tickets, divorce decree absolute (if applicable), death certificate and marriage certificate for widowed individuals.

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on International Child Abduction does not apply between Canada and Barbados.
If your child is wrongfully taken to or held in Barbados, act quickly, consult lawyers in both countries, and report to the nearest Canadian government office or Global Affairs Canada.
Canadian consular officials cannot intervene in private legal matters in other countries.

Money

The currency is the Barbadian dollar (BBD).
US dollars and Euros are easily exchanged at banks and exchange bureaus.
Carry cash, as some smaller businesses may only accept cash payments.

Natural Disasters and Climate in Barbados

Barbados is susceptible to hurricanes, heavy rains, earthquakes, and volcanic ashfall.

Hurricane Season

Hurricane season is from mid-May to the end of November.
Tropical storms can rapidly develop into major hurricanes, posing significant risks and disrupting essential services.

Hurricane preparedness:

Be prepared to alter travel plans on short notice, potentially cutting short or canceling your trip.
Stay updated on regional weather forecasts.
Keep emergency contact information for airlines and tour operators readily available.
Follow the advice and instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders if issued.
Know the location of emergency shelters.

Emergency shelters – Barbados Department of Emergency Management

Rainy Season

The rainy season is from June to November.
Heavy rainfall can cause flash flooding and landslides, disrupting overland travel.

During heavy rains:

Avoid flooded areas.
Monitor local media for updates, including road conditions.
Stay informed about weather reports.
Follow instructions from local authorities, including evacuation orders.

Barbados Weather

Earthquakes

Barbados is in an active seismic zone and can experience earthquakes.
Even minor earthquakes can cause damage.
Tsunamis are a risk after nearby earthquakes.

Earthquake safety:

Monitor local media for information after an earthquake.
Follow instructions from local authorities.
If on the coast, familiarize yourself with tsunami evacuation plans.

Volcanoes

Several active volcanoes are located near Barbados, including La Soufrière in St. Vincent and Kick’em Jenny in Grenada.
Volcanic eruptions can occur at any time, and falling ash can affect air quality in Barbados.

Volcanic eruption safety:

Stay indoors to minimize ash exposure.
Keep windows and doors closed.
Use a face mask for respiratory protection if outdoors.
Wear protective clothing if extended outdoor exposure is necessary.
Monitor local media for updates.
Follow instructions from local authorities.

Government Information Service – Barbados government

This Barbados travel advisory is intended to provide comprehensive information for a safe and informed trip. By staying vigilant, respecting local laws and customs, and being prepared for potential risks, you can enjoy a wonderful and secure experience in Barbados.