CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Barbados

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 2 has been updated (hurricane season).

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Barbados

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Most Canadian visitors to Barbados do not experience problems. However, travellers should keep in mind that petty and violent crimes have increased.

The hurricane season extends from June 1^st to November 30^th. For more information, please see our Global Issue on the hurricane season.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Petty crime is common. Incidents of violent crime occur. There has been a recent increase in crimes against tourists, as well as incidents involving firearms. Rapes against foreigners have occurred in the past. Visitors are cautioned to avoid unattended or isolated areas, including beaches, at any time. Travellers should be particularly vigilant when visiting Long Beach, where incidents have been reported.

Travellers should arrange completely secure living accommodations and are advised not to carry large amounts of cash or jewellery. Personal belongings and travel documents should be left, where possible, in safety deposit boxes and hotel safes. In case of an emergency, dial 211 for the police, and 511 for an ambulance. Delays in police and ambulance response can occur.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with Barbadian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the High Commission for Barbados or its consulates for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Barbados. Proof of a valid return or onward ticket is also required. To avoid delays upon arrival, travellers should have complete details of their intended address available for immigration officials.

Tourist Visa: Not required (for stays up to 28 days)
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Required

There is a departure tax for travellers that are over 12 years old.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Barbados - BRIDGETOWN, High Commission of Canada
Address: Bishop's Court Hill, St. Michael, P.O. Box 404, Bridgetown, Barbados BB11000
Tel.: (246) 429-3550
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 1 800 387-3124
Fax: (246) 437-7436
E-Mail: bdgtn@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.barbados.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, contact the High Commission of Canada in Bridgetown and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa toll-free at 1 800 387-3124.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

As in many other areas of the Caribbean and Latin America, travellers are advised to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves against water-borne and mosquito-borne diseases by using mosquito repellent (DEET), and avoiding swampy or low lying areas where mosquitoes are more prevalent. Using physical barriers such as mosquito nets and long sleeved shirts is also recommended.

Medical facilities are adequate. Some clinics and hospitals may expect immediate cash payment for medical services.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare. It is an offence for civilians to dress in camouflage clothing or to carry items made of camouflage material.

Customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary import and export of items such as firearms and agricultural products, and the penalties for all drug offences are severe.

Canadians interested in purchasing property or making other investments should seek legal advice from appropriate professionals in Canada and in this country before making commitments. Disputes arising from such activities could be prolonged and costly to resolve.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Traffic drives on the left. Roads are narrow and poorly lit. Road signs are scarce. There are many pedestrians and cyclists, and few sidewalks. Roadside assistance is not widely available. Locating a phone booth in rural areas may be difficult. Police response may be delayed. Seatbelt laws are strictly enforced.

Although standard fares exist for some destinations, taxis are not metered. Confirm fare before departing. Buses and vans are often crowded and travel at high speed.

A local driving permit is required. This can be obtained for BBD$100 at any car rental agency or police station upon presentation of a valid Canadian driver's licence or International Driving Permit (IDP).

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the Barbadian dollar (BBD). The U.S. dollar is widely accepted. Three Canadian banks operate on the island, with several branches. The Royal Bank of Canada normally accepts Canadian ABM cards for direct transactions with other banks in Canada.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. You are advised to visit the Web site of the National Hurricane Center for information on weather conditions.

Flooding may occur during this season, with possible disruption to transportation and utility services. Canadians should monitor local weather reports, avoid disaster areas, and contact the High Commission of Canada in Bridgetown if they require assistance. Travellers should check with their travel agent or tour operator to confirm their travel plans prior to departure.

Barbados is located in an active seismic zone. Canadians are strongly encouraged to use our registration service (see Section 2) so they can be contacted in case of emergency.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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