The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have given the Barbados Government high marks, saying that their “quick and comprehensive response to the pandemic has undoubtedly been a key factor in the country’s success to date in preventing widespread community transmission.“ Being an island gives the ability to more easily monitor all border crossings and to prevent excessive importation of the virus by vigilant testing of arriving visitors or returning residents.
All visitors or returning residents coming to Barbados from High and Medium risk countries must take a COVID-19 PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test from an accredited or certified facility/laboratory no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. If you have not got proof of a negative test of this type within the specified time window, you will be denied entry to Barbados. Relevant accrediting bodies and standards include: ISO:15189, CAP, UKAS or the equivalent. Antigen and antibody tests are not adequate.
People arriving from Low risk countries are strongly advised to take a COVID-19 PCR test as well, and will be allowed to present results of tests taken up to 5 days prior to arrival, in order to expedite processing through the Barbados airport.
Check the current risk category for your country of origin with the up to date Barbados Travel Protocols.
Upon Arrival From High Risk Countries
- Before disembarking, have your COVID-19 PCR test result (in English) visible, if applicable. These results will be screened for validity by the Ministry of Health and Wellness in Barbados.
- Masks must be worn while at the airport in Barbados.
- All travellers must undergo a health screen.
- If you haven’t submitted proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result you may be denied entry to the country.
- Persons from High-Risk countries with a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test result will be quarantined at a designated holding hotel or approved villa at their own expense, or free of charge at a government facility, and will be monitored daily for the onset of symptoms.
- These persons will be quarantined for a period of 14 days with an option to take a second COVID-19 PCR test between 5-7 days after the last test accepted by the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Persons will typically be released once the test result is negative.
- If you test positive for COVID-19 while in Barbados, you may request from the Ministry of Health and Wellness the option to Self-Isolate at a designated isolation-villa or isolation hotel under strict stipulations that must be signed as accepted and proven to be in place, alternatively you will be transported to an alternative accommodation for isolation, where you’ll stay until you’ve recovered. Upon recovery, you can resume your visit or you may return home.
- Those persons who are deemed to have been in close contact with a positive case will be quarantined at approved facilities.
Upon Arrival From Medium Risk Countries
- Before disembarking, have your COVID-19 PCR test result (in English) visible, if applicable. These results will be screened for validity by the Ministry of Health and Wellness in Barbados.
- Masks must be worn while at the airport in Barbados.
- All travellers must undergo a health screen.
- If you haven’t submitted proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result or the test is not validated, you may be denied entry to the country.
- Persons travelling from Medium-Risk countries who arrive with a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test result will be permitted to leave the airport after clearance by Immigration, Customs and Port Health Officials.
- Those persons travelling from Medium-Risk countries will be monitored daily for the onset of symptoms for a period of 7 days. Effective September 14th, persons will be required to take a second COVID-19 PCR test. If persons refuse the 2nd test they will be subject to quarantine for 7 days.
- If you test positive for COVID-19 while in Barbados, you may request from the Ministry of Health and Wellness the option to Self-Isolate at a designated isolation-villa or isolation hotel under strict stipulations that must be signed as accepted and proven to be in place, alternatively you will be transported to an alternative accommodation for isolation, where you’ll stay until you’ve recovered. Upon recovery, you can resume your visit or you may return home.
- Those persons who are deemed to have been in close contact with a positive case will be quarantined at approved facilities.
Upon Arrival From Low Risk Countries
- Before disembarking, have your COVID-19 PCR test result (in English) visible, if applicable. These results will be screened for validity by the Ministry of Health and Wellness in Barbados.
- Masks must be worn while at the airport in Barbados.
- All travellers must undergo a health screen.
- If you haven’t submitted proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result or the test is not validated, you will be required to take a test.
- Persons travelling from Low-Risk countries who arrive with a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test result will be permitted to leave the airport after clearance by Immigration, Customs and Port Health Officials.
- If you test positive for COVID-19 while in Barbados, you may request from the Ministry of Health and Wellness the option to Self-Isolate at a designated isolation-villa or isolation hotel under strict stipulations that must be signed as accepted and proven to be in place, alternatively you will be transported to an alternative accommodation for isolation, where you’ll stay until you’ve recovered. Upon recovery, you can resume your visit or you may return home.
- Those persons who are deemed to have been in close contact with a positive case will be quarantined at approved facilities.
Upon Arrival From Very Low Risk Countries
- Persons travelling from countries within Very Low-Risk countries, who have not travelled to or transited through any country designated as High, Medium or Low-Risk within 21 days prior to travel to Barbados, will not be required to take a COVID-19 PCR test prior to or on arrival.
- Masks must be worn while at the airport in Barbados.
- All travellers must undergo a health screen.
- Persons travelling from countries within the Very Low-Risk category, may advance to Immigration, Baggage Claim and Customs and will be permitted to leave the airport after clearance by Immigration, Customs and Port Health Officials.
- If you test positive for COVID-19 while in Barbados, you may request from the Ministry of Health and Wellness the option to Self-Isolate at a designated isolation-villa or isolation hotel under strict stipulations that must be signed as accepted and proven to be in place, alternatively you will be transported to an alternative accommodation for isolation, where you’ll stay until you’ve recovered. Upon recovery, you can resume your visit or you may return home.
- Those persons who are deemed to have been in close contact with a positive case will be quarantined at approved facilities.
For your safety and those around you, you must abide by all health protocols established in Barbados related to COVID-19; including physical distancing, hygiene practices, wearing of face masks and all other relevant measures. Report any COVID-19 symptoms to public health officials or relevant accommodation management.
The Barbados Government Information Service publishes protocols for various activities from travel to bars to kindergartens. All residents and visitors must follow these protocols while in Barbados.
