BEAUTIFUL
Barbados
"Island In The Sun"
Welcome to the land of sweetness, our island in the sun where the powdery sand of our white beaches kiss your feet and shimmering turquoise waters soothe your soul. A land where the only thing warmer than the sunshine is the smiling and welcoming disposition of the people. This is Barbados, the gem of the Caribbean Sea, a unique paradise located in the most eastern part of Caribbean archipelago.
Rich in history with a melange of cultural tapestry, Barbados is a destination that has something for everyone. Whether its the rugged landscape of the east coast, the luxurious lure of the west, the quaint charm of the north or the fun family atmosphere of the south, destination Barbados is life! Often referred to as the gastronomic epicenter of the Caribbean, the wide range of culinary offerings from street food to fine dining are the delights your taste buds have dreamed of.
Barbados is a vibe that fulfills any of your wanderlust desires, Barbados is sweet fuh days!
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
As you are planning your trip, make sure you know everything you need to have before you go. Getting to Barbados is pretty hassle free.
AIRPORT INFORMATION
Passport, Visa & Health
Most countries do not require a visa to visit Barbados, so please check here to see if one is required of your country.
Customs - Duty Free
charges. For locals, this allowance is limited to a yearly value of no more than $500 BBD. Please note that tobacco products are no longer allowed duty free.
Each individual over 18 years of age is allowed duty free:
- 1 litre of spirits and 1 litre of wine.
- 60 ml of perfume and 300 ml of all other scents.
- Gifts up to a value of BBD$100
Prohibited Items
These items are prohibited and may not be brought into the island:
Foreign rum and matches, pornography, fresh fruit and vegetables (unless grown in or conveyed through certain areas, and with requisite permission: contact the Ministry of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs for further information), and articles made of camouflage material.
A permit must be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs in order to import meat and meat products.
Local Laws
As a visitor to Barbados, please note that there are severe penalties for drug offences including possession and distribution of illegal narcotics.
Also, be aware that is against the law for anyone, even children, to dress in camouflage clothing or carry items made with camouflage material.
Travellers With Disabilities
Grantley Adams International Airport is a partner in the “Totally Accessible” programme with the National Disabilities Programme. Airport bathrooms and other amenities at the airport are designed with such accommodation in mind. Pay phones and curbs are also provided for ease of use and there are lifts for accessing the first floor of the airport.
Your airline can provide you with a wheelchair if you need assistance to or from your flight. Service should be requested from the airline in advance, but if the need arises, you may also do so at the ticket counter when you check in.
Travel Tips
Travel as light as possible. Remember many airlines have decreased the weight/size of the hand luggage you can take on board – just be mindful of the rules relating to what can actually be taken as hand luggage.
- Put your name clearly on the outside and inside of your bags. Remove extraneous tags and labels.
- Pack valuables in your carry-on bags.
- Be wise at check-in – make sure your bag is tagged with the correct destination label and ensure you keep your barcode sticker that normally gets tagged to your boarding pass. This is a unique number and matches you to your bag.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Let’s be real. This is an island and things can work a little differently to what you may be used to. Get acquainted with some island 'tings' to help prepare for your trip.
ACCESSIBILITY
Barbados offers friendly people, awesome beaches and many accessible places for you to enjoy. It’s no wonder so many are choosing Barbados as their accessible vacation home, this is where you belong. The most recent addition are 33 new electric public buses that have foldable seats, wheelchair ramps and are capable for ease of getting on and off the bus. Visit Fully Accessible Barbados (FAB) to explore accessible Barbados and plan your trip.
CELLULAR SERVICE
Staying connected while in Barbados is easier that ever. You can choose between activating a roaming plan with your mobile carrier or activating a prepaid service with one of the local carriers on island – Flow Barbados or Digicel. Free wifi is also available in many places across the island – including on the public electric buses.
CLIMATE & WEATHER
Let’s keep it simple. The best time to visit Barbados weather-wise is any time of the year! Temperatures average between 26C-29C/79F-84F year round. There are two seasons, wet and dry. It gets a little cooler in the night during dry season (winter and spring) and there are a few more tropical bursts of rain during the summer months. Just enough to keep you cool without spoiling your plans.
CURRENCY
The Barbados Dollar is the currency of Barbados and it is pegged to the USA dollar at an exchange rate of USD$1 = BBD$1.98. (Please note that USD$1:BBD$2 is generally accepted). US$ dollars and major credit cards are widely accepted. Exchange money only at banks and approved change offices. ATMs are located throughout the country. Remember not to flash your cash.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Police – 211
Ambulance – 511
Fire – 311
Directory Assistance – 411
Operator – 0
DELIVERY SERVICES
The convenience of delivery services is available islandwide. From grocery shopping to meals to errands, there’s an option to suit your needs. Most businesses provide online ordering with full details on delivery fees and service areas.
DRINKING WATER
The Barbados Water Authority, a Government statutory corporation, is the sole provider of water services. The water service in Barbados is reliable and the water supply is safe and refreshing to drink.
ELECTRICITY
115/230 volts 50 cycles. Standard plug types in Barbados are two flat blades or flat blades with round grounding pin – converters are required for European or Asian devices. North American devices will not need converters.
GETTING MARRIED
It is very easy to get married in Barbados as there is no required waiting period or minimum length of stay. Application for a marriage licence must be made by both parties in person at the office of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
ACCESSIBILITY
We know it’s not what you want to think about, but just in case, we want you to be prepared. Should you need medical assistance, there are many private doctors and pharmacies readily available across the island. Sandy Crest Medical Centre, Coverley Medical Centre and Bayview Hospital are premier private facilities equipped to provide urgent care and emergency care. Urgent Care Barbados offers house calls to homes and hotel rooms 24/7.
CELLULAR SERVICE
Barbados allows pets to enter the island from all countries. Once an import permit from the Veterinary Services Department is completed and approved, it is valid for six months from the date of issue.
CLIMATE & WEATHER
