Barbados

Use Normal Level of Caution

Barbados is an island nation in the West Indies located in the Atlantic Ocean and northeast of Venezuela. The island is part of a long underwater mountain range that rises above sea level. The population is approximately 280,000 people.

Until 1966 when Barbados gained independence, it was a colony of the United Kingdom. The government is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy.

Since becoming independent in 1966, Barbados has gone from being a poor economy dependent upon sugarcane to a prosperous economy based mainly on tourism. Also important to the economy are the financial sector and light manufacturing.

Barbados' mild tropical climate with constant trade winds and the beautiful beaches draw visitors, along with duty-free shopping, wildlife reserves, scuba diving and snorkeling, and caves to explore.

Currency	BBD: Barbadian dollar
Language	English. Bajan also commonly spoken.
Capital	Bridgetown
Recent Alerts	3
Latest Alert	July 20, 2021 - COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Barbados (20 July Update)

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Barbados. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Barbados.
Hepatitis B There is a low risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Barbados.
Dengue Fever Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in Barbados.
Ciguatera Fish Poisoning Ciguatera poisoning occurs sporadically in Barbados.
Chikungunya Fever Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.
Yellow Fever There is no risk of yellow fever in this country. However, this country requires all persons greater than 1 year of age to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a country where yellow fever occurs, excluding Guyana and the island of Trinidad. The certificate is not required for travellers transiting through Barbados or for travellers who have transited in through an airport in a country/territory at risk for yellow fever transmission. When departing Barbados, a certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers over 1 year of age travelling to countries/territories at risk for yellow fever transmission, excluding the island of Trinidad.
Zika Fever There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.
Rabies Rabies may be present in bats.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people are at significant risk for typhoid through the consumption of contaminated food and water in this country. The risk is greater when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Barbados.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Yellow Fever Vaccine There is no risk of yellow fever in this country. However, this country requires all persons greater than 1 year of age to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a country where yellow fever occurs, excluding Guyana and the island of Trinidad. The certificate is not required for travellers transiting through Barbados or for travellers who have transited in through an airport in a country/territory at risk for yellow fever transmission. When departing Barbados, a certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers over 1 year of age travelling to countries/territories at risk for yellow fever transmission, excluding the island of Trinidad.
Rabies Vaccine Rabies may be present in bats. Vaccination may be considered for travellers who might come in contact with bats.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Barbados.

None required.

Safety and Security in Barbados

Emergency Numbers

211

511

311

Personal Safety

Travellers rarely experience safety and security problems in Barbados, however, travellers should be aware of their surroundings. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is common in crowded areas and tourist destinations.

Travellers should ensure their personal belongings, valuables, and travel documents are kept secure at all times. Travellers should avoid carrying large amounts of cash or expensive belongings. Valuables and travel documents should be left in safety deposit boxes and hotel safes.

Violent crime against foreigners, including sexual assault, has occurred in the past. Travellers are advised to avoid isolated areas, including beach areas, at any time of the day. The Long Beach area in particular has seen reports of violent incidents.

Exercise caution when driving. Roads may not be well maintained, and may not be well marked or lit. Driving is on the left.

A strong undertow on the Atlantic Ocean side of the island may make swimming dangerous. Hurricane season is between May-November in Barbados. Monitor local weather information closely. Hurricanes and resulting damage may severely disrupt travel plans.

Same-sex sexual activity is prohibited, although rarely enforced. LGBTI travellers may face discrimination due to the lack of social acceptance of LGBTI people.

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Sitata uses advanced software algorithms to monitor the world for disease outbreaks and safety hazards. Each travel alert published by Sitata is reviewed by staff to ensure it meets the concerns of a traveller.

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Updated: July 20, 2021