Essential information for Barbados
Barbados is typically warm and sunny all year round with an average daytime temperature of 30°C. Although bright and sunny, the northeasterly winds provide a welcome breeze, ensuring the heat isn’t unbearable.
Crowds flock to the island during the dry season from mid December to mid April, but many prefer to visit in the quieter months during the not-so-different wet season – from May to November – when the cheapest Barbados holiday deals can be found. Hurricane season is between July and October but hurricanes rarely hit the island.
Health and safety
It’s advisable, as with any holiday abroad, to take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover the cost of any medical or unforeseen circumstances during your trip. See our holiday extras page for more information.
While there are no specific vaccinations required for visitors travelling to Barbados, you may wish to exercise precaution and get vaccinated against typhoid and hepatitis A. Check with your GP at least four to six weeks before your trip to make sure you’re up to date with routine immunisations.
For the latest health and safety information visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/barbados.
Passports and visas
British passport holders don’t require a visa for entry into Barbados, but your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay. Upon entry you’ll be granted a specified amount of time you can stay, if you wish to extend this during your trip you’ll have to pay a fee through the Barbados Immigration Department.
For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/barbados/entry-requirements.
Getting around
Barbados airport, Grantley Adams International, is located in the southeast of the island just outside the capital of Bridgetown. Most tour operators include transfers as part of a holiday package so getting to your resort is easy.
If you’d prefer to arrange your own travel when on holiday in Barbados, you’ll find plenty of car hire, taxi and public transport options to transfer you to your resort. Driving is on the left and to drive on the island you must get a local temporary driving licence.
It’s possible to get to virtually any place on the island by public bus, of which there are three kinds. They are large government operated public buses, privately owned mini buses and route taxis depicting a ‘ZR’ on their license plates. All buses charge the same fare of B$1.50 to any place on the island.
Advice for travellers with children
All Inclusive Barbados holidays are a great choice for families, as the area makes travelling with little ones easy. What’s more, most hotels provide exciting kids clubs with activities from arts and crafts to learning about local nature while you enjoy a welcome break by the pool.
Most beaches are child friendly and many of the south and west coast beaches are calm enough for young swimmers. Over on the east coast the shores can become much choppier and aren’t recommended for paddlers but older kids might enjoy the surfing lessons common here.
Electricity
Electricity in Barbados is 110 volts.
When travelling from the UK you may need adapters and transformers for your appliances.
Emergency information
Emergency services are on call 24 hours a day.
For police call 211, for ambulance call 511 and for fire brigade call 311.
British Consulate
Barbados’ British Consulate is in Bridgetown and due to security reasons, public access is by appointment only but consular assistance is available 24 hours by telephone. Opening hours are 9am to 4pm Monday to Thursday, and 9am to 1pm Friday excluding public holidays.
Address: British High Commission, Lower Collymore Rock, PO Box 676, Bridgetown, Barbados
Email: ukinbarbados@fco.gov.uk
Telephone: + 1 246 430 7800
Hospitals
The main government hospital is the Queen Elizabeth in Bridgetown which can cope with many types of treatment, but serious cases will mean emergency evacuation, usually to the USA.
Address: The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), Martindale’s Road, Bridgetown, Barbados
Telephone: +1 246 436 6450