To enter Barbados, U.S. citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least 90 days after departure from the country. You also must have proof of transportation out of the country, which includes a round-trip plane ticket, airline ticket to another country, or a cruise ship ticket.
While the Barbados government website does not provide the length of time that United States citizens can stay in the country without a visa, the U.S. Department of State does specify a length of stay. U.S. citizens who stay 28 days or less do not need a visa, according to the department. For longer trips, contact the Embassy of Barbados in Washington, D.C., or the Barbados Consulates in Los Angeles, Miami or New York regarding a visa.
No vaccinations are required for U.S. citizens unless you visit a country where yellow fever is present prior to entering Barbados. If so, you will need proof of a yellow fever vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends ensuring all of your routine vaccinations are current before you travel. Routine vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria and tetanus.
The crime rate in Barbados is low. But if you are a victim of a crime while in the country, report it to both the Barbados police and the U.S. Embassy. The numbers to call in case of emergency while on the island are 311 for fire, 211 to reach the police and 511 for an ambulance.
No one wants to think about medical emergencies on vacation, but they do happen. It is important to know some basic medical information before you go. Medical care on the island is good, but ambulances can be slow to respond, and "ambulance attendants are prohibited from applying lifesaving techniques during transport," according to the U.S. Department of State. Most medical facilities expect payment at the time of service and many U.S. insurance policies are not valid outside the United States.
