{"slug":"barbados","title":"Barbados travel advice","updated_at":"2026-01-23T15:06:44+00:00","reviewed_at":"2026-01-23T15:06:44Z","change_description":"Removal of information about flight disruptions ('Warnings and insurance' page).","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/barbados","entry_requirements_html":"<p>This information is for people travelling on a full <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/types-of-british-nationality\">‘British citizen’ passport</a> from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel. </p>\n\n<p>The authorities in Barbados set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/foreign-embassies-in-the-uk\">Barbados High Commission in the UK</a>:</p>\n\n<p>1 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3N</p>\n\n<p>Phone: 020 7299 7150<br>\nFax: 020 7323 6872<br>\nEmail: <a href=\"mailto:london@foreign.gov.bb\">london@foreign.gov.bb</a></p>\n\n<h2 id=\"passport-validity-requirements\">Passport validity requirements</h2>\n\n<p>Your passport must be valid for the planned length of your stay.</p>\n\n<p>Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport/renew\">Renew your passport</a> if you need to.  </p>\n\n<p>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. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"dual-nationals\">Dual nationals</h2>\n\n<p>When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports\">British passport</a> or <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/right-of-abode/apply-for-a-certificate-of-entitlement\">certificate of entitlement</a>. See <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/dual-citizenship\">Dual Citizenship</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"visa-requirements\">Visa requirements</h2>\n\n<p>You do not need a visa to visit Barbados.</p>\n\n<p>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 the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://immigration.gov.bb/\">Barbados Immigration Department</a>.</p>\n\n<p>It’s illegal to overstay or work without a <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://immigration.gov.bb/pages/WorkPermit.aspx\">work permit</a>. The Barbados authorities could fine or detain you if you overstay.</p>\n\n<p>Visitors must be able to show an onward or return ticket in order to enter the country.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"immigration-and-customs-form\">Immigration and customs form</h3>\n\n<p>All travellers must <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://travelform.gov.bb/\">fill in an immigration and customs form online</a> before they arrive.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"children-and-young-people\">Children and young people</h2>\n\n<p>Check the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://immigration.gov.bb/pages/visitor.aspx\">rules for travelling with children and young people to Barbados</a> from the Barbados Immigration Department.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"departure-tax\">Departure tax  </h2>\n\n<p>All passengers aged 2 years and older must pay a departure tax of 55 Barbados dollars (27.50 US dollars). Passengers travelling outside the Caribbean region pay an additional 70 US dollars per person, and those travelling within the Caribbean pay an additional 20 US dollars per person.</p>\n\n<p>Most airlines include the cost within the ticket price. Check details with your airline or tour operator.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"vaccine-requirements\">Vaccine requirements</h2>\n\n<p>To enter Barbados, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/65/countries-with-risk-of-yellow-fever-transmission\">country listed as a transmission risk</a>.</p>\n\n<p>For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/23/barbados#Vaccine_Recommendations\">TravelHealthPro’s Barbados guide</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"customs-rules\">Customs rules</h2>\n\n<p>There are strict rules about <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.visitbarbados.org/plan-your-trip/important-information\">goods that can be brought into and taken out of Barbados</a>. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.</p>\n\n","safety_html":"<h2 id=\"terrorism\">Terrorism</h2>\n\n<p>There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.</p>\n\n<p>UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/runhidetell/\">staying safe</a> and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduce-your-risk-from-terrorism-while-abroad\">how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"terrorism-in-barbados\">Terrorism in Barbados</h3>\n\n<p>Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Barbados, attacks cannot be ruled out.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"crime\">Crime</h2>\n\n<p>There have been incidents of violent crime, including:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>armed robbery</li>\n  <li>sexual assault</li>\n  <li>gang-related shootings</li>\n  <li>carjackings</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>There has been an increase in gang-related murders involving guns. Some incidents have taken place in populated and public areas.</p>\n\n<p>Take sensible precautions to protect your personal safety:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>make sure your accommodation is secure</li>\n  <li>take care when walking alone off busy main roads and taking money from ATMs</li>\n  <li>avoid isolated areas, including beaches, particularly after dark</li>\n  <li>only use licensed taxis</li>\n  <li>take particular care around large gatherings, including street and beach parties, especially after dark or during the festival season</li>\n  <li>do not carry large amounts of cash or wear expensive-looking jewellery</li>\n  <li>leave valuables and travel documents in a safety deposit box or secure hotel safe</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h2 id=\"laws-and-cultural-differences\">Laws and cultural differences</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"illegal-drugs-penalties\">Illegal drugs penalties</h3>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"camouflage-clothing\">Camouflage clothing</h3>\n\n<p>It is illegal for anyone, including children, to wear camouflage clothing.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"lgbttravellers\">LGBT+ travellers</h3>\n\n<p>In the Caribbean, attitudes towards the LGBT+ community 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 negative attention. Read more <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-foreign-travel-advice\">advice for LGBT+ travellers</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"outdoor-activities-and-adventure-tourism\">Outdoor activities and adventure tourism</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"swimming-safety\">Swimming safety</h3>\n\n<p>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. Existing lifeguard stations are not manned 24hrs a day. Motorized water sports equipment, including jet skis, dive boats on snorkelling tours, and catamarans, may operate near to the shore. Be mindful of these as well as other swimmers who may use non-motorised, large water equipment like surfboards.</p>\n\n<p>Swimming is not recommended on many of the east-coast beaches where currents are particularly strong. Follow local warnings.</p>\n\n<p>See <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.rlss.org.uk/safety-on-holiday\">water safety on holiday</a> from the Royal Life Saving Society.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"transport-risks\">Transport risks</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"road-travel\">Road travel</h3>\n\n<p>If you are planning to drive in Barbados, see <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad\">information on driving abroad</a> and <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://barbados.org/tours/barbados-driving-tips.htm\">Barbados driving tips</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"taxis\">Taxis</h3>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"extreme-weather-and-natural-disasters\">Extreme weather and natural disasters</h2>\n\n<p>Find out what you can do to <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tropical-cyclones\">prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards</a>. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"hurricanes\">Hurricanes</h3>\n\n<p>The hurricane season normally runs from June to November. Monitor local news and check <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://severeweather.wmo.int/\">World Meteorological Organization weather reports for Barbados</a> and the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/\">National Hurricane Center</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"earthquakes\">Earthquakes</h3>\n\n<p>Earthquakes are a potential risk in Barbados, and there are occasional tremors. Follow the advice of the local authorities.</p>\n\n<p>The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes\">what to do before, during and after an earthquake</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"volcanic-eruptions\">Volcanic eruptions</h3>\n\n<p>Check the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://uwiseismic.com/volcanoes/kick-em-jenny/kej-monitoring/\">alert level of the underwater volcano ‘Kick ‘em Jenny’</a>, 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.</p>\n\n","customs_snippets":["Immigration and customs form","All travellers must fill in an immigration and customs form online before they arrive.","You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.","do not carry large amounts of cash or wear expensive-looking jewellery","Pack your luggage yourself and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else.","Drivers do not always accept card payments, so carry cash with you."]}
