The government of Barbados has officially reopened its borders to international travel on July 12th 2020. Barbados has published travel protocols setting out its entry requirements in relation to COVID-19.
Testing on arrival
The Government of Barbados advises that all travellers present a COVID-19 negative test result on arrival that meets their entry requirements whenever possible. The test should be a COVID-19 PCR antigen test, undertaken at an accredited laboratory no more than 72 hours in advance of your flight’s departure. Those travelling from Low-Risk countries, who have not visited a High-Risk country within 21 days of their arrival, may submit valid test results from a test taken up to 5 days prior to travel to Barbados. Persons travelling from Very Low-Risk Countries, who have not travelled to or transited through any country designated as High, Medium or Low-Risk within 21 days prior to travel to Barbados, are not required to take a COVID-19 PCR test prior to or on arrival. Travellers under 5 years of age will not be required to have a COVID-19 PCR test unless they are symptomatic or any member of the travel party has a positive test result.
Test results must be submitted electronically via the Online ED Form and travellers are required to bring a copy of the results with them. These tests must be validated by the Ministry of Health and Wellness in Barbados and should bear the name of the traveller. All passengers are also required to submit an Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) card 24 hours prior to travel, to which they should upload their negative test result.
Persons travelling from High-Risk countries or who have visited or transited through a High-Risk country in the past 21 days will be tested at the airport free of charge. These travellers will be required to remain at the airport until the results are available.
Persons travelling from Medium-Risk countries can be tested at the airport free of charge or at approved satellite sites/hotels for a fee of USD $150 plus the cost of the hotel stay. Persons tested at the airport can either await their results at the airport or at a designated holding hotel or approved villa at their own expense. All persons must remain in their approved chosen accommodation until they receive their results. Test results would generally be available within 24 hours.
Persons travelling from Low-Risk countries will be tested at the airport free of charge or at approved satellite sites/hotels for a fee of USD $150 plus the cost of the hotel stay. Persons tested at the airport can either await their results at the airport or a designated holding hotel or approved villa at their own expense. All persons must remain in their chosen accommodation until they receive their results. Test results would generally be available within 24 hours.
Entry requirements
All arrivals from the UK are also subject to daily monitoring for seven days following arrival. (Monitoring includes interviews with and calls by public health professionals.) Effective 14 September, you will be required to take a second COVID-19 PCR test 5-7 days after arrival. If this second test proves negative, no further monitoring will be required. If you refuse to take the test, you will be subject to quarantine for a further seven days at government approved accommodation.
If you test positive for COVID-19 at any stage of your stay you will be immediately transferred to the government isolation centre at Harrison’s Point, where you’ll be required to remain under medical supervision until you have returned two consecutive negative COVID-19 test. This may mean a mandatory stay of several weeks.
Risk Categories of Selected Countries as of Sep 1, 2020
High-Risk:
Includes; Argentina, Bahamas, Belize, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Columbia, Dominican Republic, France, Guyana, Haiti, India, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Netherlands, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, South Africa, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Turks and Caicos Islands, United States, US Virgin Islands, Venezuela
Medium-Risk
Includes; Bermuda, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Iceland, Japan, Martinique, Norway, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates
Low-Risk:
Includes; Australia, Cuba, Egypt, Sri Lanka
Very Low-Risk:
Includes; Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Cayman Islands, China, Dominica, Finland, Greenland, Grenada, Montserrat, New Zealand, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines
If you’re unclear about any aspect of Barbados entry requirements, or you need further reassurance, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.