Barbados requires a valid passport for all visitors. Most travelers from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and European Union countries do not need a visa for stays under six months. Citizens of these countries receive a stamp on entry that permits tourist visits for up to 180 days. Nationals of countries requiring a visa should consult the Barbados Immigration Department at www.immigration.gov.bb for current requirements. All visitors must present proof of accommodation, a return or onward ticket, and sufficient funds for their stay. A completed immigration and customs form is provided on arrival. The government introduced the Barbados Welcome Stamp in 2020, which allows remote workers to live and work in Barbados for up to 12 months. Applications are submitted online and cost 2000 USD for individuals or 3000 USD for families. Processing takes five business days on average.
Grantley Adams International Airport sits 13 kilometers east of Bridgetown in Christ Church parish. The airport opened in 1939 and received its current name in honor of Sir Grantley Adams, the first Premier of Barbados. Direct flights connect Barbados to New York JFK, Miami, Toronto, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, and Frankfurt among other cities. American Airlines, JetBlue, Delta, Air Canada, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic operate regular scheduled service. Flight time from New York is approximately four and a half hours. From London the flight takes eight hours and 15 minutes. The terminal has immigration counters, baggage claim, customs inspection, currency exchange booths, ATMs, car rental desks, and taxi stands. Free WiFi is available throughout the terminal. The airport operates 24 hours without curfew restrictions.
Ground transportation from Grantley Adams International Airport to Bridgetown includes taxis, buses, and rental cars. Licensed taxis wait at designated stands outside the arrivals hall. Fares are set by the government and displayed on a board at the taxi stand. The trip to Bridgetown costs approximately 30 to 35 Barbados dollars, equivalent to 15 to 18 US dollars. Travel time is 25 to 35 minutes depending on traffic and final destination. Taxis accommodate up to four passengers with luggage. Public buses operated by the Barbados Transport Board serve the airport on Route 12, which connects to Bridgetown via the ABC Highway. The fare is 3.50 Barbados dollars, paid in exact change only. Buses run from approximately 5:30 AM to midnight on weekdays with reduced service on Sundays. Rental car companies including Hertz, Avis, Budget, and local providers operate desks in the arrivals hall. An international driving permit is required for visitors from most countries, or a Barbados driving permit can be purchased at the airport for 10 Barbados dollars. Driving is on the left side of the road following British convention.
The Barbados dollar is the national currency, abbreviated BBD or BDS. The currency has been pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of 2 Barbados dollars to 1 US dollar since 1975. This peg is maintained by the Central Bank of Barbados. Both Barbados dollars and US dollars are widely accepted throughout the island. Businesses typically accept US dollars at the 2 to 1 rate though some may apply a slightly different conversion. Change is usually given in Barbados dollars. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, shops, and tour operators in tourist areas. Visa and Mastercard have the widest acceptance. American Express and Discover are accepted less frequently. Cash is preferred or required at local markets, small restaurants, buses, and some attractions. ATMs are available at the airport, in Bridgetown, and in major towns including Speightstown, Holetown, and Oistins. Most ATMs dispense both Barbados and US dollars. Withdrawal limits typically range from 500 to 1000 Barbados dollars per transaction. Banks charge fees for international card withdrawals ranging from 3 to 7 Barbados dollars plus a percentage of the amount withdrawn.
Banking hours in Barbados are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM and Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Banks close on Saturdays and Sundays except for limited hours at some branches in tourist areas. The Central Bank of Barbados, Republic Bank, FirstCaribbean International Bank, and Scotiabank operate branches in Bridgetown and other locations. Currency exchange services are available at banks, the airport, hotels, and authorized dealers. Exchange rates at hotels are typically less favorable than at banks or the airport. No black market for currency exchange exists due to the stable peg and free convertibility of the Barbados dollar.