Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue to Barbados.

 

Crime

 

The majority of visits by foreing nationals are trouble-free. However, incidents of violent crime including murder do occur. There have been serious attacks on foreign visitors, including armed robbery and sexual assaults, as well as opportunist thefts of wallets, handbags, jewellery and personal possessions. Firearms and other weapons have been used in some of these attacks. Victims of sexual assaults have criticised the Barbados authorities’ response, including the level of support received.

 

You should maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as you would in the UK and make sure your living accommodation is secure. Take care when walking alone off the busy main roads and avoid isolated areas, including beaches, particularly after dark. Don’t carry large amounts of cash or jewellery. Leave valuables and travel documents in a hotel safe if possible. The local police have advised residents and visitors against wearing visible gold jewellery due to a spate of robberies particularly in Bridgetown and other popular tourist areas. .

 

Road travel

 

To drive in Barbados you must get a local temporary driving licence from any police station. You will need to produce your UK/EU licence.

 

There are frequent road accidents, including fatalities. Most roads are paved but many have potholes. In rural areas roads are narrow, usually unlit and often have concealed side roads and blind corners. Road surfaces become very slippery when wet. Road signs are poor. Indicators are only sometimes used. Take particular care on roundabouts. Pedestrians often walk on the roads In the event of an accident, leave your vehicle where it comes to rest and call the police.

 

Taxis are not metered. Standard taxi fares exist for most destinations. Agree the fare in Barbados dollars with the driver before you set off. You can often pay in US Dollars (fixed exchange rate: $2 Barbados Dollars = $1 US Dollar) as well as Barbados Dolfering

 

Health

Contact your Doctor around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. 

 

Private medical insurance is essential as medical treatment in Barbados can be very expensive. Local private clinics provide good treatment. The main government hospital can cope with many types of treatment, but serious cases will mean emergency evacuation, usually to the USA. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. 

 

In the 2012 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic it is estimated that around 1,500 adults aged 15 or over in Barbados were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around .9% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.25%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV and AIDS.

 

Dengue fever is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. You should take appropriate precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 511 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Barbados emergency services are on call 24 hours, call: 

 

Police 211

Ambulance 511

Fire 311

 

Directory Assistance 411

Operator 0

 

Local laws and customs

There are severe penalties for all drug offences. Pack all luggage yourself and don’t carry anything for anyone else.

 

It is an offence for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing.

 

Barbados has a very conservative attitude to homosexuality and homophobic views are common. Sodomy remains a criminal offence, although penalties concerning sexual relations between members of the same sex are rarely enforced when this takes place in private.

 

There is no overtly public gay scene in Barbados and no gay and lesbian publications. Many gay Barbadian couples are known and live together without problems by keeping a low profile.

imprisonment.