Planing your trip

Visa Requirements

Foreign citizens travelling to Barbados as tourists or to attend conferences may need to have a “Visitor Visa”. For a list of countries for which visa is required, please click here. This list was last updated in June 2009, so if in doubt, please consult your nearest Barbadian consulate or embassy.

With respect to passport validity, your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay in Barbados. No additional period of validity beyond this is required.

 

Entry Requirements - Yellow Fever Certificate

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers who are arriving from, or have transited through, countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

Local laws and customs

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

 

Travel information

The sole Barbados airport is Grantley Adams International (IATA Code: BGI). The airport is situated in the south-east of the island, approximately 13km (8 miles) from Bridgetown. Direct international flights link the island with North America and Europe. Major airlines flying to and from Barbados international airport are: Air Canada, American Airlines, American Eagle, BMI, British Airways, Caribbean Airlines, Condor, jetBlue, LIAT, US Airways, Virgin Atlantic and WestJet.

 

From airport to Bridgetown

Barbados taxis can be easily identified by the letter “Z” that appears on their license plates. Although taxis aren’t metered, standard taxi fares exist for most destinations. As you exit customs you'll see a board displaying the standard taxi fares to various points on the island. Be sure to stop a minute and review these prices. Agree the fare in local currency with the driver before you set off. You can often pay in US dollars as well as Barbados dollars. You are advised to only use licensed taxis.

Public transport to and from the airport is also available and a lot cheaper. Hourly buses travel between the airport and Bridgetown city centre (and selected other destinations) for BDS$1.50. Consult the tourism information desk for further details.

If you are planning to drive on the island, you must get a local temporary driving licence. The car hire companies will usually help with this. You must present a valid driving licence. In Barbados driving is on the left.

 

Accommodation

Two hotels have been suggested by the Local Organisers of the meeting: Blue Orchids Hotel and Blue Horizon Hotel. These hotels are located within 300 metres from each other.

Participants are asked to book accommodation directly with the hotels using the contact email addresses listed below.

Some rooms were blocked for participants of VLMG-8. To take advantage of the blocking, please use CIMH BOOKING as the subject of your email and also mention it in your message. Rooms will be blocked until the 18th of March 2016.

Blue orchids Hotel

Worthing, Christ Church

http://www.blueorchidsbarbados.com

For bookings, please contact Ms. Julia Blackman at blorchids@caribsurf.com

20 rooms blocked for VLMG-8

Blue Horizon Hotel

Worthing, Christ Church

http://www.bluehorizonhotelchristchurch.com

For bookings, please contact Ms. Sharon Moore at smoore@gemsbarbados.com

5 rooms blocked for VLMG-8

 

Health advice

Dengue fever is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. Cases of Chikungunya virus have also been confirmed in Barbados and most recently, cases of Zika virus too. You can reduce the risk of infection by taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites such as using insect repellents and wearing appropriate clothing. Be particularly aware if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. The latest heath advice is for pregnant travellers and those with serious health problems to seek further advice from their health professionals before travelling.

 

Insurance

Medical treatment in Barbados can be expensive. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment. 

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. Before choosing to be treated at a private facility, you should check their policies on pre-payment. Private clinics may not accept medical travel insurance as payment for treatment.