Travel Vaccines and Advice for Barbados
Barbados is one of the most beautiful and welcoming islands in the Caribbean.
The island is deeply-rooted in a history of sugarcane exports. But, over time, the country’s famous beaches became a common tourist-attraction. There are nearly 100 white and pink-sand beaches meeting teal-blue ocean water.
From kite-surfing and jet-skiing, to deep-sea fishing and sailing, Barbados offers many offshore activities.
Do I Need Vaccines for Barbados?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Barbados. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Barbados: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Barbados |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne & Direct Contact | Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Barbados |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Dengue and Zika viruses are both present in Barbados. These mosquito-borne infections pose a risk to all travelers, especially pregnant women. Make sure you’re protected by using mosquito netting and repellents.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Barbados?
Visitors must have a valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp. A visa is required for stays longer than six months.
Barbados Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Barbados? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Barbados and U.S. State Department
There are no required vaccinations, unless a stop is made into a country that is at risk of yellow fever. There are no currency restrictions upon entry or when exiting.
What Is Barbados’s Climate?
Given the country’s tropical location, Barbados is sunny and warm year round. Being in the middle of the ocean, there is a constant breeze that keeps even the hottest months bearable. There isn’t much rain, but when there is, it usually comes and leaves in quick spurts.
Given the size of the island, there is little fluctuation in climate. Everywhere will be warm and temperate throughout the year, with towns right on the coast being cooler.
How Safe and Secure is Barbados?
Barbados is one of the safest locations in the Caribbean. There are occasional petty crimes such as pick-pocketing. But, as long as travelers take minimal precautions, there should be no issues. As with most places, travel in pairs and avoid walking around more remote areas at night.
Is the Food In Barbados Safe?
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
The food in Barbados is generally safe to eat. Try to only go to trusted restaurants or street vendors. Most dishes include some form of meat. To avoid illness, make sure the food is cooked all the way through. If it is served raw (such as sushi) make sure it is from a nearby, fresh source.
Be sure to bring a travelers’ diarrhea kit in case any of the food creates a gastric problem.
Visit a Famous Horse Racing Track
Barbados has been a destination for horse-racing since the mid 1800’s. The Garrison Savannah Barbados Racetrack has been a cultural attraction for over a century. The racetrack offers intimate proximity to the track and a world-class lounge with Caribbean flare. Sport a pastel outfit, a classy, over-the-top hat and bet on your favorite horse.
What Should I Take to Barbados?
When packing for Barbados, travelers should plan for to the warm weather. Be sure to include:
- Lightweight and airy shirts and pants
- Sun hats and sunglasses
- Mosquito repellent
- A light sweater or jacket because temperatures tend to cool off in the late evenings
U.S. Embassy in Barbados
The U.S. Embassy provides a wide range of emergency and non-emergency services for American citizens. Walk-in appointments are not available for some services. Travelers must be scheduled ahead of time online or over the phone.
U.S. Embassy Bridgetown
Wildey Business Park
Wildey
St. Michael BB 14006
Barbados, W.I.
Telephone: +(246) 227-4399
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(246) 227-4000
Fax: +(246) 431-0179
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start traveling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Barbados
Overall rating: 5 stars – 4 reviews
★★★★★
“Travel meds“
“The RN I had the consolation with today is an angel. She was professional and very helpful in helping me. Provided the best information and then some as this will help me on my trip to Barbados. I am so graceful that I got her.”
Submitted by: Angela
★★★★★
“Great information“
“The nurse was fantastic, and was very knowledgeable with respect to what we needed for our Barbados vacation.”
Submitted by: Nicole
★★★★★
“Fantastic Work!“
“The staff was well informed and did an excellent job of covering several aspects of travel to Barbados.”
Submitted by: Kati
★★★★★
“Efficient!“
“The RN was very helpful and met all my needs in a timely manner for our upcoming trip to Barbados! Thank you!”
Submitted by: Mary
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Barbados?
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Barbados?
What Is Barbados’s Climate?
How Safe and Secure is Barbados?
Is the Food In Barbados Safe?
Visit a Famous Horse Racing Track
What Should I Take to Barbados?
U.S. Embassy in Barbados
“The RN I had the consolation with today is an angel. She was professional and very helpful in helping me. Provided the best information and then some as this will help me on my trip to Barbados. I am so graceful that I got her.”
“The nurse was fantastic, and was very knowledgeable with respect to what we needed for our Barbados vacation.”
“The staff was well informed and did an excellent job of covering several aspects of travel to Barbados.”
“The RN was very helpful and met all my needs in a timely manner for our upcoming trip to Barbados! Thank you!”
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Barbados?
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Barbados?
What Is Barbados’s Climate?
How Safe and Secure is Barbados?
Is the Food In Barbados Safe?
Visit a Famous Horse Racing Track
What Should I Take to Barbados?
U.S. Embassy in Barbados
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CA – English
UK – English
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