{"metadata":{"generated":{"timestamp":1711381765,"date":"2024-03-25 11:49:25"}},"data":{"country-iso":"BB","advisory-state":0,"has-advisory-warning":0,"has-regional-advisory":0,"has-content":1,"update-metadata":"Editorial change","eng":{"name":"Barbados","url-slug":"barbados","geo-group":"Americas","flag":null,"friendly-date":"March 25, 2024 11:45 EDT","advisory-text":"Exercise normal security precautions","recent-updates":"Health \u2013 editorial update","advisories":"
Take normal security precautions<\/a> in Barbados<\/p><\/div>","security":" Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and home burglary occurs. <\/p> Petty crime may increase during the tourist season from November to April.<\/p> 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.<\/p> Fraud involving use of credit cards, debit cards and ATMs may occur.<\/p> When using your bank card at a payment terminal or at an ATM:<\/p> Overseas fraud<\/a><\/p> 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.<\/p> Women travelling alone may face some forms of harassment, verbal abuse and sexual assault.<\/p> Advice for women travellers<\/a><\/p> Demonstrations occur occasionally.<\/p> Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.<\/p> Mass gatherings (large-scale events)<\/a><\/p> Coastal waters can be dangerous, especially on the Atlantic Ocean side of the island. Riptides are common.<\/p> Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards. Not all beaches have lifeguards or warning flags.<\/p> Water safety abroad<\/a><\/p> Outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking and other adventure activities can be dangerous if unprepared. Weather conditions can change rapidly.<\/p> If you intend to practice adventure tourism:<\/p> Road safety can vary considerably across the island.<\/p> 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.<\/p> Major roads can become slippery and muddy after rainfall.<\/p> Driving can also be dangerous due to:<\/p> 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. <\/b><\/p> 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.<\/p> Taxis are generally reliable. <\/span><\/p> Taxis don’t use meters. There are standard taxi fares for most destinations.<\/p> Ride-sharing apps are available in Barbados.<\/p> We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.<\/p> Information about foreign domestic airlines<\/a><\/p>","entry-exit":" 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.<\/p> We have obtained the information on this page from the Barbadian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.<\/p> Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada<\/a>.<\/p> Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.<\/p> 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.<\/p> Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Barbados.<\/span><\/p> Different entry rules may apply.<\/p> Official travel<\/a><\/p> 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.<\/p> 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.<\/p> Tourist visa: not required for up to 180 days You must complete an arrival form upon arrival at the immigration office.<\/p> 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.<\/p> They also determine if a work permit is required of business travellers.<\/p> Immigration officials may ask you to show them:<\/p> Children travelling unaccompanied or with only one parent may have to present:<\/p> Learn more about travelling with children<\/a>.<\/p><\/div> Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever <\/a>(vaccines section).<\/p>","health":" This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.<\/p> Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div> Be sure that your routine vaccinations<\/a>, as per your province or territory<\/a>, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.<\/p>\n Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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. <\/p> Yellow fever<\/a> <\/span>is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.<\/p>\n Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.<\/p>\n Risk<\/strong><\/p>\n Country Entry Requirement*<\/strong><\/p>\n Recommendation<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n About Yellow Fever<\/a><\/p>\n Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre<\/a><\/p>\n * It is important to note that country entry requirements<\/a> may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office<\/a> of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.<\/p><\/details> There is a risk of hepatitis A<\/a> in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Practise safe food and water precautions<\/a> and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present. <\/p><\/details> Hepatitis B<\/a> is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B<\/a> infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.<\/p><\/details> Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.<\/p>\n Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.<\/p>\n Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.<\/p><\/details> Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) <\/a><\/span>is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.<\/span><\/p>\n It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally. <\/span><\/p>\n Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry\/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19. <\/span><\/p><\/details> The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza<\/a> (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot<\/a> at least 2 weeks before travelling. <\/p>\n The flu occurs worldwide. <\/p>\n The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.<\/p>\n The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.<\/p><\/details> In this destination, rabies<\/a> may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. <\/p>\n If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. <\/p>\n Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. <\/p><\/details> 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.<\/p>\n <\/p> Typhoid<\/a> <\/span>is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.<\/p>\n Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination. <\/p><\/details> 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:<\/p>\n 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<\/a> page.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p> There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The risk may vary between regions of a country. Chikungunya<\/a> is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.<\/p>\n Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.<\/p><\/details> Zika virus<\/a> is a risk in this country. <\/p>\n Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.<\/p>\n During your trip:<\/p>\n If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. <\/p>\n For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.<\/a><\/p><\/details> Some infections, such as rabies<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.<\/p>\n <\/p> Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette<\/a>, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu<\/a> and other illnesses by:<\/p>\n Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)<\/a>, HIV<\/a>, 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<\/a> pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine. <\/p> HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)<\/a> <\/span>is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). <\/p>\n High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.<\/p><\/details> Medical facilities in Barbados are adequate and easily accessible.<\/p> 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.<\/p> Ambulance response is slow and limited.<\/p> Medical evacuation can be very expensive, and you may need it to the United States in case of serious illness or injury.<\/p> Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.<\/p> Travel health and safety<\/a><\/p> Some prescription medications may not be available in Barbados.<\/p> If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality in the country.<\/p> <\/p> The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.<\/p>\n Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a <\/span>travel health kit<\/a>, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.<\/p>","laws-culture":" You must abide by local laws.<\/p> Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad<\/a>.<\/p> Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.<\/p> Drugs, alcohol and travel<\/a><\/p> Barbadian law doesn’t criminalize sexual acts or relationships between persons of the same sex.<\/p> In 2022, the laws prohibiting sexual acts between individuals of the same sex were ruled unconstitutional.<\/p> However, homosexuality is not widely accepted in Barbados society.<\/p> 2SLGBTQI+ travellers could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.<\/p> Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics<\/a><\/p> Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Barbados.<\/p> If you’re a citizen of both Canada and Barbados, we may be able to offer limited consular services while you are in Barbados. You may also have different entry\/exit requirements<\/a>.<\/p> Travelling as a dual citizen<\/a><\/span><\/p> You need a visitor’s permit to drive in Barbados. The minimum age to apply for a visitor’s permit is 18 years old.<\/p> You can obtain it upon presentation of a valid Canadian driver’s licence at:<\/p> You should carry an international driving permit.<\/p> Traffic drives on the left.<\/p> 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.<\/p> The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03% in Barbados.<\/p> It is illegal to intentionally splash pedestrians when driving through puddles.<\/p> In the event of an accident, call the police and don’t move the vehicle.<\/p> Useful links<\/p> <\/p> 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.<\/p> 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.<\/p> 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.<\/p> You will need the following documents, in English, to complete the application:<\/p> 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.<\/p> If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Barbados by an abducting parent:<\/p> If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.<\/p> Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.<\/p> The currency of Barbados is the Barbadian dollar (BBD).<\/p> You can easily exchange U.S. dollars and euros for the Barbadian dollar in banks and currency exchange bureaus.<\/p> You should carry cash with you as some smaller businesses only accept cash.<\/p>","disasters-climate":" Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.<\/p> These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.<\/p> If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:<\/p>Crime<\/h3>
Petty Crime<\/h4>
Violent crime<\/h4>
Fraud<\/h3>
Spiked food and drinks<\/h3>
Women’s Safety<\/h3>
Demonstrations<\/h3>
Water activities<\/h3>
Adventure tourism<\/h3>
Road safety<\/h3>
Road Conditions<\/i><\/h4>
Public transportation<\/h3>
Buses<\/h4>
Mini-buses<\/h4>
Taxis<\/h4>
Ride-sharing app<\/h4>
Air travel<\/h3>
Passport<\/h3>
Regular Canadian passport<\/h4>
Passport for official travel<\/h4>
Passport with “X” gender identifier<\/h4>
Other travel documents<\/h4>
Useful links<\/h4>
Visas<\/h3>
Business visa: not required
Work visa: required
Student visa: required<\/p>Immigration Form<\/h3>
Immigration<\/h3>
Other entry requirements<\/h3>
Children and travel<\/h3>
Yellow fever<\/h3>
Relevant Travel Health Notices<\/h3>
Routine vaccines<\/h3>\n
Pre-travel vaccines and medications<\/h3>\n
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements <\/summary>
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Hepatitis A<\/summary>
Hepatitis B<\/summary>
Measles <\/summary>
COVID-19<\/summary>
Influenza<\/summary>
\n
Rabies <\/summary>
Safe food and water precautions<\/h3>\n
\n
Typhoid <\/summary>
Insect bite prevention<\/h3>\n
\n
Chikungunya<\/summary>
Dengue <\/summary>
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Zika virus <\/summary>
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Animal precautions<\/h3>\n
Person-to-person infections<\/h3>\n
\n
HIV <\/summary>
Medical services and facilities<\/h3>
Medication <\/h3>
Keep in Mind...<\/h3>\n
Drugs<\/h3>
2SLGBTQI+ travellers<\/h3>
Dual Citizenship<\/h3>
Driving<\/h3>
Camouflage clothing<\/h3>
Investments<\/h3>
Marriage<\/h3>
Useful links<\/h4>
International Child Abduction<\/h3>
Useful links<\/h4>
<\/h3>
Money<\/h3>
Hurricane season<\/h3>
Useful links<\/h4>