What are the issues affecting travelers in Barbados? Read the latest travel warnings and alerts.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) travel restrictions in Barbados – updated 22 September 2021
New protocols have been announced, effective 11 September 2021. All travelers to Barbados are required to:
- Present on arrival proof of a standard COVID-19 PCR negative test result taken no more than 3 days prior to arrival. The test must be taken at an accredited or recoginzed lab by a health care provider. Self-administered tests, home kits, rapid tests, or tests using saliva samples will not be accepted.
- Submit an Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) card 24 hours prior to travel, to which you should upload your negative test result via Travel Form. The BIMSafe app can also be used.
Fully vaccinated visitors must take a second, rapid COVID-19 test on arrival at the airport. You will need to remain on the premises of your accommodation and follow the quarantine rules until you receive the results of your second test. The government aims to return results within 24 hours but it is recommended that you book two nights’ accommodation. If the result of that second test is negative, you will not be subject to further quarantine.
There are specific protocols for fully vaccinated cruise passengers - visit this page, scroll down to New COVID-19 Health Protocols, and click on "Traveling by Sea" to view them.
If you are unvaccinated: On arrival, you will be quarantined at approved facilities (a designated holding hotel, approved villa or a government facility at your own expense). You will be required to undergo a second PCR test 5 days after arrival.
You will need to remain in your hotel room and may be required to wear an electronic tracking bracelet until you receive the results of your second test. If the result of that second test is negative, you will not be subject to further quarantine. The government aims to return results within 48 hours. Return times can sometimes be longer than this.
If you test positive for COVID-19 at any point during your stay in Barbados, you will be required to self-isolate (see Testing Postive for COVID-19 section of the Protocols). You will first be transferred to the government isolation facility for at least 24 hours. Conditions at the government quarantine facilities are generally basic and not necessarily equivalent to a tourist hotel with the associated services. Alternatively, you can request to self-isolate at your hotel, apartment or villa, or government approved isolation property under strict stipulations that must be signed and adhered to. This will be at your own expense for non-nationals and non-residents. You will need to remain at your designated accommodation until the Barbadian authorities are satisfied that you have recovered. This may mean a mandatory stay of several weeks in Barbados. Upon recovery, tourists can continue their holiday or return home.
Stricter protocols are in place for arrivals from high risk countries (India, South Africa, Brazil plus others). See the Special Considerations section of the Protocols.
Requirements may change at short notice. For the latest information check the Official Barbados Tourism website.
Social distancing guidelines and mandatory mask requirements remain in effect. Until 25 September, a curfew is in place from 9pm to 5am Mon-Sat and 6pm-5am on Sundays.
Barbados is enticing remote workers with a new 12-month Welcome Stamp Visa
Barbados has launched applications for a new 12-month visa to give remote workers the opportunity to live and work remotely for up to one year in Barbados.
Anyone over the age of 18 who can confirm they will earn more than US $50,000 over the next 12 months and/or have the means to support themselves and their dependants can apply at Barbados Welcome Stamp. On the website you will find information on fees and all the supporting documents required for a successful application.
Tourism makes up 40% of Barbados' economy. When short-term travel came to a halt in March 2020, the scheme was created to provide a boost to the island’s tourist-dependent economy, focusing on travel opportunities for people who want to stay longer.
Previous travel alerts for Barbados
Hurricane Isaac - September 2018
Hurricane Isaac is currently tracking westwards towards the Caribbean heading for the Lesser Antilles archipelago (which includes Barbados). Reports indicate that the hurricane is maintaining strength which may increase as it moves closer to the islands, bringing heavy rain and damaging winds. The National Hurricane Center indicates that Hurricane Isaac will cross the islands Wednesday night - Thursday and then enter the East Caribbean Sea.
Please check with authorities, follow any official warnings and listen to local news reports to monitor the situation. Failure to comply with directives from government authorities means you won't be covered by travel insurance.
Before you buy a travel insurance policy, check your government travel warnings and health advice – there may be no travel insurance cover for locations with a government travel ban or health advice against travel.
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