English

Protestant 67% (Anglican 40%, Pentecostal 8%, Methodist 7%, other 12%), Roman Catholic 4%, none 17%, other 12%

Historically, the Barbadian economy had been dependent on sugarcane cultivation and related activities, but production in recent years has diversified into light industry and tourism. Offshore finance and information services are important foreign exchange earners.

Royal Barbados Defense Force: Troops Command, Barbados Coast Guard

The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires all travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada to have a valid passport to enter or re-enter the United States. U.S. citizens must have a valid U.S. passport for all air travel, including to and from Mexico. As of June 1, 2009, all sea travelers must have a passport or passport card . We strongly encourage all American citizen travelers to apply for a U.S. passport or passport card well in advance of anticipated travel. American citizens can visit travel.state.gov or call 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) for information on how to apply for their passports.

U.S. citizens must have a valid U.S. passport to enter Barbados. No visa is needed to enter Barbados for stays up to 28 days. There is a departure tax for travelers over the age of twelve. For further information, travelers may contact the Embassy of Barbados, 2144 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 939-9200, fax (202) 332-7467, or the consulates of Barbados in Los Angeles, Miami or New York.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.

Airports:  1, Airports with paved runways:  1

Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI/TBPB)
Bridgetown Airport, Barbados, Seawell, Christ Church, BARBADOS
Tel: +1 246 428-4242
Fax: +1 246 420-0957
Email: office@gaiainc.bb
Website: www.gaiainc.bb

Crime in Barbados is characterized by petty theft and street crime. Incidents of violent crime, including rape, occur. Visitors should be especially vigilant on the beaches at night. Visitors should try to secure valuables in a hotel safe and take care to always lock and secure hotel room doors and windows.

Infant MR total:  11.55 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth:  TOTAL 73 years (male 71.02/female 75.0)

Required: None
Recommended: Hep A & B, Rabies, Typhoid
Boosters: DPT, MMR, as needed

Dengue is transmitted by mosquitoes in this region.
Cutaneous larval migrants is a risk for travelers with exposures on beaches and leptospirosis is present. Travelers to regions in Jamaica can reduce their risk to leptospirosis by avoiding activities which expose them to contaminated fresh surface water. Outbreaks of ciguatera poisoning, which results from eating toxin-containing reef fish, have occurred on many islands.
Endemic foci of histoplasmosis are found on many Caribbean islands, and outbreaks have occurred in travelers.

Medical care is generally good, but medical transport can take hours to respond and ambulance attendants are prohibited from applying lifesaving techniques during transport. Minor problems requiring a visit to the emergency room can involve a wait of several hours; private clinics and physicians offer speedier service. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

In 2006, malaria (falciparum) was confirmed in travelers to Great Exuma, Bahamas, and Kingston, Jamaica, areas where malaria transmission typically does not occur.
Endemic foci of histoplasmosis are found on many Caribbean islands, and outbreaks have occurred in travelers.

Country Calling Code:  1 + local number (there is no International Calling Code)

Internet Country Code:  .bb