Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Barbados. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 6 months.
US Embassy/Consulate
[1] (246) 227-4000; US Embassy in Bridgetown, Wildey Business Park, St. Michael BB 14006, Barbados, WI; https://bb.usembassy.gov/; BridgetownACS@state.gov
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
246
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 115, 119; Fire: 113, 119; Police: 112, 119
Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical; rainy season (June to October)
Currency (Code)
Barbadian dollars (BBD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
115 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): A, B (2 flat blades)
Major Languages
English, Bajan Creole
Major Religions
Protestant 66.4%, Roman Catholic 3.8%, other Christians 5.4%, Rastafarian 1%
Time Difference
UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Yes
International Driving Permit
Suggested; additionally, traveler will need to present their US driver's license & IDP to local police to pay a special registration fee
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
St. Nicholas Abbey; Barbados Wildlife Reserve; Farley Hill National Park; Hunte's Gardens; dozens of excellent white sand beaches; Andromeda Botanic Gardens
Major Sports
Soccer, cricket
Cultural Practices
The wearing of any form of camouflage is illegal in Barbados.
Tipping Guidelines
A service charge of 10-15% is typically added to your bill at hotels and restaurants. Additional tipping is at your discretion and should reflect the quality of service you received. The standard tipping is approximately 10%. Always agree on the fare with the taxi driver before starting the trip. Tip bellhops $1 (USD) per bag and housekeeping $2 (USD) per room per day.
Souvenirs
Straw bags and other handicrafts, batiks, paintings/wood works; duty-free luxury items, rum
Traditional Cuisine
Cou-cou (or fungie) — lightly seasoned cooked cornmeal mixed with okra and water; often served with flying fish steamed with lime juice, spices, and vegetables or fried and served with a spicy sauce
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Tuesday, September 05, 2023
