Barbados

Recommended Vaccinations For Barbados

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Rabies Vaccine

Rabies may be present in bats. Vaccination may be considered for travellers who might come in contact with bats.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

This country requires all travellers of 1 year of age and older to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a country where yellow fever occurs, excluding Guyana and the island of Trinidad unless an outbreak is occuring.

Recommended Medications For Barbados

There are no recommendations for Barbados at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Barbados

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Barbados.

Hepatitis B

There is a low risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Barbados.

Dengue Fever

There is a risk of dengue in this country.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

For Some Travellers

Zika Fever

There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people are at significant risk for typhoid through the consumption of contaminated food and water in this country. The risk is greater when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives.

Rabies

Rabies may be present in bats.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever in this country. However, this country requires all travellers of 1 year of age and older to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a country where yellow fever occurs, excluding Guyana and the island of Trinidad unless an outbreak is occuring.

Safety & Security in Barbados

Personal Safety

Barbados maintains a relatively safe environment for visitors. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching occurs, particularly in crowded tourist areas like Oistins Fish Fry and Bridgetown markets. Gang-related violent crime has increased in recent years, with gun violence driving a sharp spike in homicides. In 2024, the country recorded 50 murders, a 138% increase from the previous year, with firearms used in 70% of cases. Most violent incidents are linked to gang rivalries and typically affect locals rather than tourists. Some violent incidents have occurred in populated and public areas. Drug-related crimes, residential burglaries, and vehicle thefts also occur. Take care around large gatherings, street parties, and beach parties, especially after dark or during festival season. Camouflage clothing is illegal for civilians to wear, including children. Drug possession carries severe penalties including fines and imprisonment. The Royal Barbados Police Force maintains a presence in tourist areas, and emergency numbers are Police 211, Fire 311, and Ambulance 511.

Extreme Violence

Barbados has experienced a dramatic increase in violent crime, driven primarily by firearms and gang activity. The murder rate reached 17.7 per 100,000 in 2024, the highest in the country’s history. The island recorded 50 homicides in 2024, up from 21 in 2023. Firearms were used in 34 of the 49 murders recorded. The collapse of a peace agreement between rival gangs appears to be behind the spike. Gun violence is heavily concentrated in St. Michael parish, where 53% of firearm-related killings occurred, with Black Rock, Pine, and Sargeants Village emerging as hotspots. Christ Church also sees violence, particularly in Gall Hill, which accounted for 33% of firearm deaths in that parish. The average age of victims is 30, while the average age of accused perpetrators is 21.6. Young offenders between 11 and 15 years old are increasingly being charged with serious offences like murder and robbery. Most violent crime is gang-related and linked to territorial disputes and the drug trade. Arms trafficking has increased significantly since 2022, with most weapons connected to rival gangs. While tourists are rarely targeted, incidents of armed robbery, sexual assault, and shootings have occurred, with some taking place in populated and public areas.

Political Unrest

Barbados is a stable democracy with a history of peaceful political transitions. The country regularly holds competitive elections and upholds civil liberties. The Barbados Labour Party currently dominates politics, holding all seats in the lower house following the 2022 elections. Freedom of assembly is guaranteed and upheld in practice. Protests and demonstrations occur peacefully. In 2022, protests included demonstrations demanding the reopening of schools after COVID-19 lockdowns. In 2020, Black Lives Matter solidarity protests took place peacefully with heavy police presence. Labor unions are active and influential. There is no recent history of terrorism, and politically motivated violence is not a feature of Barbadian society. The country transitioned to a republic in 2021, removing the British monarch as head of state. Civil society organizations operate without restriction. The government has faced criticism regarding transparency and oversight, but the political environment remains stable. There are no significant concerns regarding political unrest for travelers.

Areas To Avoid

The capital Bridgetown has the highest crime rates in Barbados. Crab Hill should be avoided at all times due to consistent reports of pickpocketing and crime. Nelson Street and Wellington Street in Bridgetown should be avoided at night, as they are red light districts with higher crime rates. St. Lawrence Gap has a vibrant nightlife scene but also carries risks. Visitors report encounters with hustlers, drug dealers, and aggressive taxi drivers. The area is poorly lit at night and has a high rate of gender-based violence including sexual harassment and assault. Isolated beaches such as Long Beach in Christ Church and Maycocks in St. Lucy parish have had reports of assaults. Avoid isolated areas, secluded side streets, and beaches after dark. St. Michael parish, particularly areas like Black Rock, Pine, and Sargeants Village, has seen concentrated gun violence. Gall Hill in Christ Church is a violent flashpoint. Swan and Broad Streets in Bridgetown are known for pickpockets. The safest areas for visitors include the western coast, nicknamed the Platinum Coast, encompassing St. James and St. Peter parishes. The southern coast, particularly St. Philip, Oistins, and Speightstown are considered safe. Bathsheba on the east coast rarely sees crime. Resort areas generally have extra security measures.