Barbados
About Barbados
| Currency | Barbadian dollar (BBD) |
| Language | English. Bajan also commonly spoken. |
| Capital | Bridgetown |
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.
Recommended Vaccinations For Barbados
For Most Travellers
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.
For Some Travellers
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.
Yellow Fever Vaccine
This country requires all travellers of 1 year of age and older to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a country where yellow fever occurs, excluding Guyana and the island of Trinidad unless an outbreak is occuring.
Recommended Medications For Barbados
There are no recommendations for Barbados at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Barbados
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A
There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Barbados.
Dengue Fever
There is a risk of dengue in this country.
Hepatitis B
There is a low risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Barbados.
Chikungunya Fever
Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.
For Some Travellers
Zika Fever
There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.
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.
Rabies
Rabies may be present in bats.
Yellow Fever
There is no risk of yellow fever in this country. However, this country requires all travellers of 1 year of age and older to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a country where yellow fever occurs, excluding Guyana and the island of Trinidad unless an outbreak is occuring.
Safety & Security in Barbados
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.
