Travel Guide

Passports

To enter Barbados all passengers must have a valid passport and valid return ticket. Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required. However, it is highly recommended that your passport be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date.

Visas

Most countries around the world do not require a visa when travelling to Barbados on holiday. To check if you need a visa before travelling to the island, click here. Visas are not required for North American, British and EU citizens.

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. It’s an offence to overstay the entry period.

Persons who are not citizens of Barbados but are seeking to work or study in Barbados require the requisite visa and/or work permit. These can also be obtained from the Immigration Department. Visitor visas can also be issued by Barbados missions and consulates abroad.

Cruise Ship Passengers

Cruise ship passengers who are in-transit and stay less than 24 hours are not required to carry a valid passport. However, if you are beginning and ending your trip in Barbados or are in-transit to take a flight at the Grantley Adams International Airport, you are required to posess a valid passport.

There are no specific vaccinations required for visitors travelling to Barbados. However, travellers coming from yellow fever infected areas are required to have valid yellow fever vaccination certificates. The vaccination certificate must conform to international requirements and becomes valid ten (10) days after the administration of the vaccine, and remains valid for a period of ten (10) years.

The following countries in Africa and the Americas are categorised as yellow fever endemic countries:

Africa
Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Chad, (southern), Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Mali (southern), Nigeria, Niger (southern), Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan (southern), United Republic of Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia.

The Americas
Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela. If you are travelling to yellow fever endemic areas, you are strongly advised to be immunised.

Barbados is small, measuring just 21 miles long by 14 miles wide with a relatively flat terrain, making it very easy to find a way to get around the island. From public buses to taxicabs to car rentals, there’s a transportation option in Barbados suitable to every lifestyle and budget.

Public Transportation

Barbados transit services are provided by the Government-run Transport Board and by the private owners who operate route taxis (ZR’s) and minibuses. It is a great way to see the island and at a cost of US$1.00 a ride, the cheapest. All buses have designated routes from which you can choose your destination.

Taxis

Aside from providing general transportation to and from various points around Barbados, taxis also hire their services to visitors who want to see the island from the comfort of a private luxury car, small van or spacious coach. Licensed taxis are identified by number plates starting with the letter ‘Z’ and ‘ZM’ for the larger mini bus taxis.

Tip: Taxis in Barbados are not metered but fares are regulated by the Government. Prices are available from the local Tourism offices. Make sure to ask the price before travelling.

Car Hire

Renting a car in Barbados offers the chance to explore the island at your own leisure. Numerous car rental companies abound, with each offering a wide range of vehicle choices, including rugged jeeps, luxurious sedans and the ever popular mini-mokes.

A valid driver’s license is mandatory as this is required by the car rental company to get you insured and issue you with a local driving permit.