Barbados Travel Safety

Precautions

Be aware of your surroundings and exercise caution, especially when walking alone, even during the day. Avoid isolated or poorly lit areas, especially on beaches. Keep your car doors locked, windows rolled up, and personal belongings, including handbags, safely stored at traffic lights, where you could be a target for thieves. Do not leave valuables unattended on the beach or carry large amounts of cash or jewellery. Leave your valuables and travel documents in your hotel room safe. If the safe is not securely fixed to the wall, use the safety deposit box at the front desk, if available. Always lock and secure your hotel room doors and windows.

Road safety

Roads are narrow and poorly lit in rural areas. Road side assistance is not widely available. Locating a phone booth in rural areas may be difficult. Seatbelt laws are strictly enforced. Road signs are scarce. There are many pedestrians and cyclists, and few sidewalks. In the event of an accident, call the police and do not move the vehicle.

Swimming

Exercise caution when swimming, due to strong undertow, especially on the Atlantic Ocean side of the island. Respect the flag warnings, which provide notice of water conditions and safety risks on beaches.

Taxis

Taxis are generally safe and reliable. They do not use meters, therefore, it is best to negotiate the price before you get in. There are standard taxi fares for most destinations. Confirm the fare with the driver before departing. Only use licensed taxis and take particular care late at night.

Public transportation

Buses and vans are often crowded and travel at high speed.

Women's safety

Barbados is generally safe, women travelling alone should maintain personal security awareness. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Women, particularly foreigners may be subject to unwanted male attention and catcalls in certain places. Be vigilant if approached by strangers seeking assistance and exercise common precautions throughout your travel.

Crime

Most visits to Barbados are trouble-free, but there are incidents of crime, including armed robbery and sexual assault. Petty crime and crimes of opportunity are most common.

LGBT

Local attitudes towards the LGBT community are mostly conservative throughout the Caribbean. Public displays of affection (such as hand-holding or kissing) between opposite or same-sex couples are uncommon. Certain homosexual acts are illegal. LGBT travellers should be mindful of local attitudes and be aware that public displays of affection may attract unwanted and negative attention.

Illegal drugs

There are severe penalties for all drug offences.

Driving

Traffic drives on the left. You need a (a Visitor's Permit to drive in Barbados, which you can obtain for ~BB$10 at most car rental agencies or the Barbados Licensing Authority office upon presentation of a valid driver's licence or International Driving Permit. Visitor's permits are also available from the Oistins Police Station, Hastings Police Station and Holetown Police Station.