Barbados
Official Language:
English / (Local Bajan dialect is also spoken)
Best time to visit
During the dry season, from mid-December to mid-April
Barbados
Caribbean
Bridgetown
Bajan Dollar or USD
Full name
Destination:
Currency
Capital City
Carlisle Bay, Bottom Bay, Andromeda Botanic Gardens, Crane Beach, Paynes Bay Beach, Bathsheba, Barbados Museum & Historical Society, Arlington House Museum
Places of Interest
Barbados, located in the eastern Caribbean, is a stunning island known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture. If you're planning a visit to this tropical paradise, here are the top 10 places you shouldn't miss, along with some travel tips and recommendations to make the most of your trip.
1. Bridgetown: The capital city of Barbados, Bridgetown is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a mix of colonial architecture, bustling markets, and historical landmarks such as the Parliament Buildings and the Barbados Museum.
2. Oistins Fish Fry: This lively Friday night event is a must-visit for food lovers. You can sample delicious freshly caught seafood, enjoy live music, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
3. Harrison's Cave: Explore the natural wonders of Barbados at Harrison's Cave, where you can take a tram tour through underground caverns adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
4. Bathsheba Beach: Known for its dramatic rock formations and powerful waves, Bathsheba Beach is a favorite spot for surfers and photographers. It's a great place to experience the rugged beauty of the island's east coast.
5. Animal Flower Cave: Located at the northern tip of the island, this sea cave offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and is home to natural rock pools that are perfect for a refreshing swim.
6. Hunte's Gardens: Immerse yourself in the lush greenery and tranquil beauty of Hunte's Gardens, a botanical paradise filled with exotic plants, meandering pathways, and charming gazebos.
7. St. Nicholas Abbey: Step back in time with a visit to St. Nicholas Abbey, a historic plantation house that dates back to the 17th century. Tour the elegant great house, explore the rum distillery, and stroll through the enchanting gardens.
8. Animal Encounters: For nature enthusiasts, a visit to the Barbados Wildlife Reserve and Grenade Hall Forest & Signal Station is a must. Here, you can encounter green monkeys, vibrant birdlife, and learn about the island's diverse ecosystems.
9. Mount Gay Rum Distillery: Delve into the island's rich rum-making heritage with a tour of the Mount Gay Rum Distillery. Discover the art of rum production and savor some of the finest aged rums.
10. Andromeda Botanic Gardens: Lose yourself in the enchanting Andromeda Botanic Gardens, home to a captivating array of tropical plants, vibrant flowers, and panoramic views of the coast.
Activities: When it comes to trekking and exploring nature, Barbados offers a range of options.
Welchman Hall Gully: A tropical forest trail with exotic plants and wildlife
Harrison's Cave: A popular spot with underground formations and scenic views above ground
Bath Circular Waterfall Hike: A 6-mile hike through villages, past springs and waterfalls, and past St. John Parish church, one of the island's oldest churches
Bowling Alley Hill and Bathsheba Circular: A beach trail with the most elevation gain in the area, at 500 meters
Conset Bay Loop: A beach trail with an elevation gain of 386 meters
St Lucy and Pie Corner Circular: A coastal path with views of Cove Bay, Cuckold Point, and Little Bay
Walkers Reserve: A laid-back tour that's good for learning about conservation and eco-tourism
Cuisine: In terms of food, be sure to indulge in the local cuisine, including dishes like flying fish, cou-cou, and macaroni pie. Don't miss out on the opportunity to try Barbados' famous rum punch and enjoy the island's lively nightlife at popular spots like St. Lawrence Gap.
Best beaches: Check out 1. Carlisle Bay · 2. Bathsheba Beach · 3. Dover Beach · 4. Miami Beach Barbados · 5. Pebbles Beach
Safety: As with any travel destination, it's important to stay safe and be mindful of your surroundings. Barbados is generally considered a safe place for tourists, but it's always wise to take precautions and be aware of your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
Whether you're seeking relaxation on pristine beaches, diving into the island's history and culture, or embarking on outdoor adventures, Barbados has something to offer every type of traveller. With its warm climate, friendly locals, and diverse attractions, it's no wonder that Barbados continues to captivate visitors from around the world.
Hotels / Accommodation: Use the interactive map below to locate and book the best hotel deals
Vaccination
Disclaimer: Kindly be advised that we are not medical experts, and the content on this website is solely derived from our research. We suggest conducting thorough research on the required vaccines for entry into the country. It is also advisable to review the vaccinations recommended by the NHS before your trip.
We urge you to consult with medical professionals regarding safety recommendations and vaccinations.
There are no required vaccinations to enter Barbados, unless you're traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. In that case, you'll need a certificate to prove you've been vaccinated against yellow fever. Travelers from Guyana or Trinidad & Tobago are exempt from this requirement, unless there's an outbreak.
Some vaccines that are recommended for travellers to Barbados include:
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Tetanus
Diphtheria
Hepatitis B, especially for longer trips or adventure sports
You should consult with a healthcare provider to determine which vaccinations are best for your situation.
For more information, please visit: Barbados - Fit for Travel
Visa requirments
Please be aware that while we make an effort to update this page regularly, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided on this website. Visa and safety requirements may be subject of change, so it is your responsibility to verify that you have a valid passport and visa for entry into the country. Additional requirements may also apply, so we advise conducting thorough research before your trip. We suggest checking the official government website for the most up-to-date visa requirements.
UK citizens - British nationals can enter Barbados for tourism, business, or visiting purposes without needing a visa for stays of up to 180 days. Upon arrival, your passport will be stamped with the authorized length of stay. Should you wish to prolong your visit, you can request an extension from the Barbados Immigration Department.
Here are some additional details to bear in mind when traveling to Barbados:
Ensure your passport remains valid throughout your stay.
Complete the online immigration and customs form at least 72 hours before your arrival.
Possess proof of accommodation reservation. Vaccinated travelers must secure a minimum of 2 nights, while unvaccinated travelers must book at least 7 nights.
Be prepared to undergo a rapid COVID-19 antigen test upon arrival.
Carry a yellow fever vaccination certificate for entry.
Remember that overstaying or working without a permit is illegal. Failure to comply may result in fines or detention by Barbados authorities.
For more information, please visit: Entry requirements - Barbados travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
EU citizens - European Union citizens can visit Barbados visa-free for stays of up to 90 days:
Visa regulations
The duration of your stay is contingent on your country of origin and will be specified upon arrival.
Additional requirements
You must possess a valid passport, a return ticket, and complete a customs and immigration travel form at least 72 hours before your trip.
Extending your stay
If you wish to prolong your visit, you must apply for an extension and make the necessary payment through the Barbados Immigration Department.
Consequences
Remember that overstaying or working without a permit is against the law. Barbados authorities have the authority to impose fines or detain individuals who overstay their permitted duration.
For a comprehensive list of visa-exempt countries and their respective authorized stay durations, consult the official website of the Barbados Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
