Security
The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The purpose of this Travel Advice is to provide up-to-date information to enable you to make well-informed decisions.
Crime
Petty crime is common and incidents of violent crime occur. Crimes against tourists, as well as incidents involving firearms, have been reported. Foreigners have also been the target of rape. Avoid unattended or isolated areas, including beaches, at any time. Be particularly vigilant when visiting Long Beach, where incidents have been reported.
Arrange completely secure living accommodations and do not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery. Leave personal belongings and travel documents in safety deposit boxes and hotel safes.
Road travel
Traffic drives on the left. Roads are narrow and poorly lit. Road signs are scarce. There are many pedestrians and cyclists, and few sidewalks. Roadside assistance is not widely available. Locating a phone booth in rural areas may be difficult. Seatbelt laws are strictly enforced.
Public transportation
Buses and vans are often crowded and travel at high speed. Although standard fares exist for some destinations, taxis are not metered. Confirm fare before departing.
Consult our Transportation Safety page in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.
Emergency services
In case of an emergency, dial 211 for the police, and 511 for an ambulance. Police and ambulance response can be slow.
Entry/Exit Requirements
It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry requirements. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Barbadian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the High Commission for Barbados or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.
Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.
Passport
Canadians must present a valid passport to visit Barbados, as well as proof of a valid return or onward ticket. Before you leave, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules. To avoid delays upon arrival, have complete details of your intended address available for immigration officials.
Visas
Tourist visa: Not required for stays of less than 90 days
Business visa: Not required
Student permit: Required
Departure tax
A departure tax is charged for travellers aged 2 years and up. It is usually included in the airline ticket.
Children and travel
Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. Please consult our Children page for more information.
Yellow fever
Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before allowing entry. Consult the World Health Organization’s country list to obtain information on this country’s requirements.
Laws & Culture
You are subject to local laws. Consult our Arrest and Detention FAQ for more information.
Laws
It is an offence for civilians to dress in camouflage clothing or to carry items made of camouflage material.
Customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary import and export of items such as firearms and agricultural products, and the penalties for all drug offences are severe.
If you are interested in purchasing property or making other investments in Barbados, seek legal advice from appropriate professionals in Canada and in Barbados before making commitments. Disputes arising from such activities could be prolonged and costly to resolve.
You need a local driving permit to drive in Barbados, which you can obtain for BB$100 at any car rental agency or police station upon presentation of a valid Canadian driver's licence or International Driving Permit.
Money
The currency is the Barbadian dollar (BBD). The U.S. dollar is also widely accepted. Three Canadian banks operate on the island, with several branches. The Royal Bank of Canada normally accepts Canadian bank cards for direct transactions with other banks in Canada.
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