Barbados

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Barbados.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html

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

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Barbados: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, COVID-19.

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

Plug Type APlug Type B

Major Languages

English, Bajan Creole

Major Religions

Protestant, Roman Catholic, other Christians, Rastafarian

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 traditional values of the island mean politeness and respect are always valued. Avoid using foul language in public and try to convey respect to all people, particularly the elderly. Keep the swimsuits and cover ups for the beach.

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: Wednesday, March 27, 2024