Visitor visa

You don't need to apply for a visitor visa before arriving; all travellers are assessed on entry.

However, you will need an entry visa (which is different to a visitor visa) before travelling to Barbados if you are a citizen of any of the countries or regions listed here.

Yes, you may be denied entry if you do not furnish a valid return ticket on arrival.

Please note this does not apply to persons on the Welcome Stamp visa.

It is usually three months, but if you are not sure, please contact the Immigration Department after you arrive.

Yes, the water supply is safe and refreshing to drink.

Barbados is a limestone island. Most of the water supply is pumped from wells within natural coral aquifers, which is then treated with chlorine to comply with World Health Organisation standards.

It is always warm in Barbados even during the winter months, so you should bring a good variety of summer garments with you (i.e. clothing which is light and airy). Also consider bringing trainer socks, as you may find them more comfortable than normal socks if you will primarily be wearing shoes or trainers on the Island, given the climate.

Barbados has a blend of English and African culture. The chances are high that any garment deemed acceptable in most western countries will be acceptable in Barbados.

English customs are more noticeable when conducting official business. For example, you will not be allowed to enter most government buildings if you are wearing sandals, shorts or sleeveless t-shirts. This custom used to be common in the UK until the mid to late 20th century, so it can be a culture shock even to British visitors.

You should bring trousers (long pants) and sleeved t-shirts if you think you'll need to enter a government building (e.g. Immigration Department), as a dress code often applies. Some high-end restaurants and night clubs also enforce a similar dress code.

Please note it is a criminal offence to have possession of, or to wear, camoflauge clothing (i.e. any garments bearing text, colours, patterns or designs associated with the military). ^[1]

^{[1] Section 188(1) of the Defence Act, Cap. 159.}

You must obtain an Import Permit from the Veterinary Services Department.

Your dog or cat must be permanently identified with a microchip, and be vaccinated against rabies after the microchip has been implanted. If your dog or cat was vaccinated before being fitted with a microchip, it must be vaccinated again. Your dog or cat must be vaccinated against rabies for at least thirty five (35) days before being eligible to enter Barbados.

Within thirty (30) days prior to travel, your dog must be tested for heartworm disease, unless your dog is less than six (6) months old.

Within seven (7) days prior to travel, your dog or cat must be treated against ticks and tapeworms, and undergo a veterinary examination and be issued with an Official Export Health Certificate endorsed and stamped by an official government veterinarian of the country of origin.

Please do not take the foregoing information as a complete description of the requirements to import dogs or cats. The Barbados government strictly enforce rules on the importation of pets; failure to comply is a serious offence.

You should read this guidance from the Barbados Government Information Service.

If you are importing a pet from the UK, please also read this guidance.

If you are importing a pet from Canada, please also read this guidance.

If you are importing a pet from the USA, please also read this guidance.

Barbados often experiences tropical depressions ^[1] during the hurricane season, but is rarely impacted by a hurricane-strength tropical cyclone because the island is outside the principle hurricane belt.

The most recent tropical cyclones to impact Barbados at hurricane-strength was Hurricane Janet in 1955 and Hurricane Elsa in 2021.

^{[1] A tropical depression is a 'tropical cyclone' that has maximum sustained surface winds (one-minute average) of 38 mph or less.}

Generally speaking, it is always a good time to visit the Island.

There are two distinct seasons in Barbados – a dry season and a wet season. You will struggle to find a day where it is not sunny, even after heavy downpours or during the odd day when it is overcast.

While it still rains during the dry season, it does not rain nearly as much or as often as it does during the wet season. The weather is generally more predictable during the dry season.

The temperature varies only slightly throughout the year but the difference is quite noticeable between the two seasons because it is less humid during the dry season.

If you are a budget-conscious traveller, you may find the best rates during the wet season – also known as the hurricane season – which runs from July to October.

You may struggle to find affordable short-term rentals between December and April, which are often the busiest months for tourism in Barbados.

Unlike Canada or the United Kingdom, people in Barbados are not as tolerant towards homosexuality. You may wish to avoid showing public displays of affection as it may attract unwanted attention.

However, attitudes are changing and there are a growing number of businesses in Barbados that welcome same-sex couples.

From December 22nd, 2022, wearing a face mask is no longer required as a matter of law. For more information, please read our blog post.

No, all remaining travel protocols were discontinued on September 23rd, 2022.

All persons travelling to Barbados are required to complete the online Immigration and Customs Form at travelform.gov.bb no sooner than 72 hours before their arrival.

If you are experiencing any difficulties or do not wish to use the online system, you will be directed to complete the Immigration and Customs Form at the immigration kiosks on arrival in Barbados.