Risk level

Safety and security

Crime

Petty Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and home burglary occurs. 

Petty crime may increase during the tourist season from November to April.

• Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Don’t leave valuables unattended on the beach
• Always lock and secure your accommodation doors and windows
• Avoid carrying large sums of cash or unnecessary valuables

Violent crime

Violent crime, including gun violence, has increased over the past few years in Barbados.  Incidents of armed robbery, sexual assault, gang-related shootings and murder have occurred.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times 
• Avoid walking alone after dark
• Avoid isolated areas 
• Avoid showing signs of affluence

Fraud

Fraud involving use of credit cards, debit cards and ATMs may occur.

When using your bank card at a payment terminal or at an ATM:

• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from people you have just met. They may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Women’s Safety

Women travelling alone may face some forms of harassment, verbal abuse and sexual assault.

Advice for women travellers

2SLGBTQI+ persons

2SLGBTQI+ persons could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.

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

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occur occasionally.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Water activities

Coastal waters can be dangerous, especially on the Atlantic Ocean side of the island. Riptides are common.

Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards. Not all beaches have lifeguards or warning flags.

• Exercise caution when swimming, due to strong undertows, especially on the Atlantic side of the island
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Respect the flag warnings
• Only undertake scuba diving and other water activities with a well-established company
• Don’t swim alone, after hours or outside marked areas
• Consult residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas
• Monitor weather warnings

Water safety abroad

Adventure tourism

Outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking and other adventure activities can be dangerous if unprepared. Weather conditions can change rapidly.

If you intend to practice adventure tourism:

• never do so alone, and do not part with your expedition companions
• obtain detailed information on your activity and on the environment in which you will be before setting out
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• stay informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• refrain from using facilities or equipment if you have doubts on their safety

Road safety

Road safety can vary considerably across the island.

Roundabouts are common. There have been incidents of traffic collisions involving visitors occurring at or around roundabouts. Take extra care when approaching or navigating roundabouts.

Road Conditions

Major roads can become slippery and muddy after rainfall.

Driving can also be dangerous due to:

• narrow rural roads
• blind curves
• inadequate lighting
• lack of road signs
• unmarked roads
• pedestrians on the roads
• potholes
• abrupt stopping by drivers

Public transportation

Buses

Most buses from the Barbados Transport Board are not reliable and they often travel at high speeds. These can be easily identified as they are painted blue or yellow and license plates beginning with the letter B.

Mini-buses

Mini-buses are privately-owned with licence plates beginning with the letter Z, and are often crowded. They tend to travel at high speed and are known to sometimes be involved in traffic accidents.

Taxis

Taxis are generally reliable.

Taxis don’t use meters. There are standard taxi fares for most destinations.

• Only use licensed taxis
• Take particular care late at night
• Confirm the fare in advance
• Have small bills available for payment

Ride-sharing app

Ride-sharing apps are available in Barbados.

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Barbadian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Barbados.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for up to 180 days
Business visa: not required
Work visa: required
Student visa: required

Immigration Form

You must complete an arrival form upon arrival at the immigration office.

Immigration

As a tourist, you cannot stay in Barbados for more than 6 months, and it is the immigration officers who determine the length of your stay.

They also determine if a work permit is required of business travellers.

Other entry requirements

Immigration officials may ask you to show them:

• a return or onward ticket
• proof that you have a place to stay
• proof that you have sufficient funds for the duration of your stay

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities in Barbados are adequate and easily accessible.

There are polyclinics located in every parish and these provide basic services. For emergencies, go to the main public hospitals in Bridgetown. There is one public hospital, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, one private hospital, the Bayview Hospital. Expect to experience longer wait times at the public hospital and clinics.  Some clinics and hospitals may expect immediate cash payment for medical services.

Ambulance response is slow and limited.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive, and you may need it to the United States in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Medication 

Some prescription medications may not be available in Barbados.

If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality in the country.

• Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you 
• Always keep your medication in the original container 
• Pack them in your carry-on luggage 
• Carry a copy of your prescriptions 

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Barbados.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Barbados, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Dual citizens

Driving

You need a visitor’s permit to drive in Barbados. The minimum age to apply for a visitor’s permit is 18 years old.

You can obtain it upon presentation of a valid Canadian driver’s licence at:

• most car rental agencies
• the Barbados Licensing Authority office

You should carry an international driving permit.

Traffic drives on the left.

The minimum driving age in Barbados is 16 years old for residents. If you are 70 years old or older, you are required to present a medical certificate issued by a Barbados-based doctor, in order to be able to drive.

The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03% in Barbados.

It is illegal to intentionally splash pedestrians when driving through puddles.

In the event of an accident, call the police and don’t move the vehicle.

Useful links

• Online Application for Visitor’s Permit – Barbados government
• International Driving Permit

Camouflage clothing

It is an offence for civilians to dress in camouflage clothing or to carry items made of camouflage material. It is an offence to bring into and out of Barbados items made from camouflage material.

Investments

If you plan on buying property, or making other investments in Barbados, seek legal advice in Canada and in Barbados. Do so before making commitments. Related disputes could take time and be costly to resolve.

Marriage

If you wish to marry in Barbados, you must provide an application for a marriage license in person to the Officer at the Ministry of Home Affairs and Information.

You will need the following documents, in English, to complete the application:

• valid passports
• birth certificates
• return flights
• decree absolute certificate if divorced
• a death certificate for your spouse and a marriage certificate if widowed

Useful links

• Officer at the Ministry of Home Affairs and Information – Barbados government
• Marriage overseas factsheet

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Barbados.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Barbados by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Barbados to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Money

The currency of Barbados is the Barbadian dollar (BBD).

You can easily exchange U.S. dollars and euros for the Barbadian dollar in banks and currency exchange bureaus.

You should carry cash with you as some smaller businesses only accept cash.

Natural disasters and climate

Hurricane season

Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services. You could face serious safety risks during a hurricane.

If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:

• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities

Useful links

• Severe storms outside Canada
• Large-scale emergencies outside Canada
• Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings – U.S. National Hurricane Center

• Emergency shelters – Barbados Department of Emergency Management

Rainy season

The rainy season extends from June to November. Heavy rains can result in flash flooding across the island hampering overland travel. Landslides can occur as a result of heavy rainfall.

• Stay away from flooded areas
• Monitor local media for the latest updates, including those on road conditions
• Monitor weather reports
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Barbados Weather

Earthquakes

Barbados is in an active seismic zone. Even minor earthquakes can cause significant damage.

A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. If you’re staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region’s evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning.

In the event of an earthquake:

• monitor local media for the latest information
• follow the instructions of local authorities

• Earthquakes – What to Do?
• Tsunami alerts – U.S. Tsunami Warning System
• Latest earthquakes – U.S. Geological Survey
• Barbados Earthquake Report

Volcanoes

There are several active volcanoes located near Barbados. Local authorities monitor closely the following volcanoes:

• La Soufrière volcano in St-Vincent
• Kick’em Jenny in Grenada

Eruptions may occur at any time. Falling ash may affect air quality in Barbados.

In the event of a volcanic eruption:

• stay indoors to reduce your exposure to ash
• keep windows and doors closed to prevent ash from entering
• use a face mask when outdoors for respiratory protection
• wear protective clothing if you need to be outdoors for extended periods
• monitor local media
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Government Information Service – Barbados government