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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.
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.
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.