Barbados

Barbados is an independent Caribbean island nation with a developed economy. The capital is Bridgetown. Facilities for tourism are widely available. The U.S. Embassy in Barbados has consular responsibility for Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as the British dependent territories of Anguilla, British Virgin Islands and Montserrat, and the French islands of Martinique, Guadeloupe, St. Barthélemy and St. Martin. Read the Department of State Fact Sheet on Barbados for additional information.

Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Barbados, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Driving in Barbados is on the left-hand side of the road. Registered taxis and large public buses are generally safe. Private vans and small buses are often crowded and tend to travel at excessive speeds. Travelers are cautioned against riding in private mini-buses, known as “Z buses,” as the owners frequently drive erratically. Night driving should be done with caution because of narrow roads with no shoulders and pedestrian/bicycle traffic. Visitors are warned to be extremely careful when driving, riding in a vehicle, or crossing roads on foot.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of the country’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Barbados’ Civil Aviation Authority as not being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Barbados’ air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Safety and Security

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Barbados on Twitter and visiting the Embassy’s website.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Crime in Barbados is characterized primarily by petty theft and street crime. However, incidents of violent crime, including rape and armed robbery, do occur. As always, visitors to and residents in Barbados should always be aware of their surroundings and exercise caution, especially when walking alone, even during the day. Visitors should be especially vigilant on the beaches at night. If walking alone, avoid secluded areas. Always secure valuables in a hotel safe, and always lock and secure hotel room and rental home doors and windows. Statistically, violence and criminal activity in Barbados is on the rise. Embassy staff have been directed to avoid the following areas at all times: Crab Hill, St. Lucy and The Ivy, St Michael. Embassy staff have further been directed to avoid three additional areas at night: Nelson Street, Wellington Street, and Jolly Rogers Cruises. Embassy staff have been advised to exercise extreme caution in the following areas: New Orleans, Deacons, Black Rock, Pine, Carrington Village, and Green Fields.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (see the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates). If your passport is stolen we can help you replace it. For violent crimes such as assault and rape, we can, for example, help you find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and help you get money from them if you need it. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime are solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Barbados are: Fire: 311, Police: 211, Ambulance: 511.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.