Travel Report for Barbados

Country Profile for
Barbados

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: December 4, 2006 13:57 EST
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 23:03 EST

Barbados

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

Section 2 of this Travel Report has been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

See our Current Issues page for information on the 2007 Cricket World Cup.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians are encouraged to register with the responsible Canadian government office during the hurricane season, which runs from June 1st to November 30th. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Petty crime is common. Incidents of violent crime occur. Visitors to Barbados should not become complacent about their safety and security, but rather aim to maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as is exercised in Canada.

Rapes against foreigners have occurred in the past year. Visitors are therefore cautioned to avoid isolated areas, including beaches after dark, and to ensure living accommodation is totally secure. Foreign Affairs Canada publishes a booklet, Her Own Way: Advice for the Woman Traveller, specifically targeted at female travellers. Its prime objective is to inform and help Canadian women travel safely.

Do not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery. Personal belongings and travel documents should be left, where possible, in safety deposit boxes and hotel safes. In case of an emergency, dial 211 for the police, and 511 for an ambulance.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Traffic drives on the left. Roads are narrow and poorly lit. Road signs are scarce. There are many pedestrians and cyclists, and few sidewalks. Roadside assistance is not widely available. Locating a phone booth in rural areas may be difficult. Police response may be delayed. Seatbelt laws are strictly enforced.

Although standard fares exist for some destinations, taxis are not metered. Confirm fare before departing. Buses and vans are often crowded and travel at high speed.

A local driving permit is required. This can be obtained for BBD$10 at any car rental agency or police station upon presentation of a valid Canadian driver's licence or International Driving Permit (IDP).

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. You are advised to visit the Web site of the National Hurricane Center for information on weather conditions.

Flooding may occur during this period with possible disruption to transportation and utility services. Canadians should monitor local weather reports, avoid disaster areas, and contact the High Commission of Canada in Bridgetown (see below) if they require assistance. Travellers should check with their travel agent or tour operator to confirm their travel plans prior to departure.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Possession of illegal drugs (including marijuana) may lead to large fines and/or imprisonment. Pack all your luggage yourself and do not carry items that do not belong to you.

It is an offence for civilians to dress in camouflage clothing or to carry items made of camouflage material.

Customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary import and export of items such as firearms and agricultural products.

Canadians interested in purchasing property or making other investments should seek legal advice from appropriate professionals in Canada and in this country before making commitments. Disputes arising from such activities could be prolonged and costly to resolve.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Barbados - BRIDGETOWN, High Commission of Canada
Address: Bishop's Court Hill, St. Michael, Bridgetown, Barbados
Postal Address: P.O. Box 404, BB 14018, Bridgetown, Barbados
Tel.: (246) 429-3550
Fax: (246) 437-7436
E-mail: bdgtn@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.bridgetown.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, contact the High Commission of Canada in Bridgetown and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa toll-free at 1 800 387-3124 or use the services offered by Canada Direct.

Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Barbados is 1 800 744-2580, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with Barbadian authorities and was valid on November 1^st, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the High Commission for Barbados and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Barbados. Proof of a valid return or onward ticket is also required. To avoid delays upon arrival, travellers should have complete details of their intended address available for immigration officials.

Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Required

A departure tax of BBD$25 cash (local currency or U.S. dollars) is charged for all departures. Airline tickets may include the pre-payment of this tax. Children under 12 are exempt.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the Barbadian dollar (BBD). The U.S. dollar is widely accepted. Three Canadian banks operate on the island, with several branches. The Royal Bank of Canada normally accepts Canadian ATM cards for direct transactions with other banks in Canada.

Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Barbados (capital: Bridgetown) is the easternmost island in the Caribbean, located northeast of Venezuela. The official language is English.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities are adequate. Some clinics and hospitals may expect immediate cash payment for medical services. Ambulance attendants may perform basic first aid and CPR, but no invasive treatment except in the case of mass casualties (more than twelve persons).

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

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18. ANNEX

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