Travel Information

Barbados is visa-free for citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, EU countries and most Caribbean nations. You'll need a valid passport and proof of onward travel. Always check the Barbados Immigration website for the latest requirements before you fly.

The Barbados Dollar (BBD) is pegged at 2 BBD to 1 USD. US dollars are widely accepted, ATMs are plentiful, and cards work almost everywhere except very small local vendors and market stalls — carry a little cash for those.

It's warm year-round at 25–30°C (77–86°F). December–May is the dry, peak season with the most reliable sunshine. June–November is the wetter season with occasional tropical showers, but it's less crowded and more affordable.

Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) is on the south coast — about 20 minutes to the south-coast hotels and longer to the west coast. Head to the official taxi stall in arrivals, where you are given a fare ticket and a driver. Taxis are not metered but fares are set by route, so confirm yours before setting off. Uber and local ride apps also operate.

No. The visitor's driving permit was abolished in October 2025 — you now hire a car on your home country's driving licence, which the rental company verifies. A small car rental levy applies per day, capped after a week. Remember that Barbados drives on the left, and give way to the right at roundabouts.

Yes. Barbados has excellent, safe tap water drawn from natural coral-filtered aquifers, so you can drink it and use ice with confidence.

Police 211, Fire 311, Ambulance 511. Save all three — there is no single combined emergency number. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Bridgetown handles emergencies, and there are private clinics on the west coast and in St Michael for non-urgent care.

Not everywhere. The Atlantic east coast — Bathsheba and Cattlewash — has strong currents and undertows and is not for swimming, however inviting it looks. Currents can also be deceptively strong on parts of the calmer south and west coasts, and not every beach has a lifeguard or warning flags. Swim near a lifeguard tower where you can, and heed the flags: yellow means caution, red means stay out.

A 10% service charge is added to most restaurant bills — extra tipping is appreciated but not required. For taxis, round up or add about 10%, and $1–2 BBD per bag is standard for hotel staff.

4G LTE coverage is excellent across the island. You can buy a local SIM from Digicel or Flow at the airport or convenience stores, and most hotels and restaurants offer free WiFi.