Barbados Travel Information

A compulsory 14-day quarantine has been introduced for anyone who has been abroad regardless of any symptoms of covid-19.

Safety

Most trips to Barbados go safely and without special problems, but travelers should be wary and take reasonable precautions.

The crime rate is relatively low. The risk is greatest during the peak season for tourism (December-April). Less theft occurs most often, in rare cases, more violent episodes are also reported. It is recommended to dress “easily” and not show visible signs of wealth when leaving the hotel area. Take special care after dark; It is recommended not to walk alone and avoid illuminated areas. One should at all times secure his personal belongings and documents.

The terror threat is considered low in Barbados.

The hurricane season is from July to November. During the rainy season (June to October) there may also be a risk of flooding.

There is a risk of earthquakes in the Caribbean. Before an earthquake, you may want to take precautions and be prepared for how best to respond.

Hurricanes: In the case of hurricanes, Norwegians staying in affected areas are encouraged to follow the advice and directions of local authorities. In addition, the National Hurricane Center as well as local media is a useful source of up-to-date information.

It is imperative to make preparations in advance of notified hurricanes. You should ensure that you have access to what you need to do in the immediate aftermath of hurricanes. During and after hurricanes, periods of weakened infrastructure, electricity outages, and telecommunications networks and damage to roads and buildings can occur. Restaurants and shops may be closed. In some cases it can be challenging to float water, food and cash. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not normally provide travel advice in connection with natural disasters.

Major Landmarks in Barbados

Entry

Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.

Norwegians travel visa-free to Barbados for shorter stays of up to 30 days. It is possible to extend your stay (a total of six months) by contacting local immigration authorities. Please note that the passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after departure and that you may be asked to present your return ticket. For other types of visas, contact the Barbados Embassy in Brussels. A departure fee of 55 BBD is usually included in the air ticket.

Health

Coronavirus (covid-19): Mandatory 14-day quarantine for anyone who has been abroad regardless of any symptoms of covid-19. All public events or gatherings with over 100 people are canceled.

Visits to all public and private nursing homes are suspended. A hotline has been established for any questions staffed by health specialists 24 hours a day throughout the week: +1 246 536 4500.

You can find more information and guidance from the Norwegian health authorities on the website of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. See also UD’s answers to frequently asked questions about travel and coronavirus.

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Dengue fever can occur throughout the year. Therefore, precautions should be taken to avoid mosquito and insect bites. Travelers should take common precautions to avoid being exposed to HIV/AIDS.

Travelers should take common precautions when it comes to food and drink in the tropical area. For official health travel advice and health professional guidance for Norwegians when traveling abroad, please refer to the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.

Practical information

The currency in Barbados is Barbadian Dollar (BBD). 1 USD = 2 BBD (as of 01.05.2018), 1 NOK = 0.25 BBD (as of 01.05.2018). Common credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, Amex and Diners are accepted by most hotels, restaurants, shops and companies.

The mains is 115 V

There are generally good telephone and internet connections in Barbados.
According to allcitycodes, country code to call Barbados is + 1-246.

Emergency Number – Police: 311/(1-246) 430 7100, Fire: 311.

Normal Hours – Public Offices: 08: 15-16: 30 Monday to Friday. anchor: 08: 00-15: 00 Monday to Thursday and Friday until 17:00.

Public holidays – January 1 (New Year’s Day), January 21 (Errol Barrow Day), Good Friday and 1st Easter Day, April 28 (National Heroes Day), May 1 (Workers’ Day), 2nd Pentecost, August 1 (release day), August 3 (Kadooment Day), November 30 (Independence Day), Christmas Day, and July 1st

Norway is six hours ahead of Barbados (GMT -4).

The climate in Barbados is tropical. The hurricane season is from June to November and the drying season is from January to June. The average temperature is between 24 and 28 degrees.

The official language of Barbados is English. In addition, the local dialect is spoken in Bayanese.

It should be noted that wearing camouflage clothing is prohibited.
Homosexuality is prohibited in Barbados.