Barbados
The ideal destination when traveling with your family, as it has something to offer everyone regardless of their age.
Totally Barbados
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How to Apply for a Welcome Stamp?
Since the Coronavirus Pandemic hit the world in 2020, the virus “has caused social and economic disruption worldwide, including the largest global recession since the Great Depression” – Wikipedia.
The Government announced the introduction of the 12-month Welcome Stamp, a new remote work program that establishes a visa to allow people to work remotely on the island for a maximum of 12 months. The new visa is available to anyone who meets the visa requirements and location-independent work, whether individuals or families.
Many people are now working remotely from their homes around the world. The island offers all tech and modern conveniences, professional services, and excellent schools in a safe and friendly environment – come live where you are on holiday.
Barbados is the most easterly island in the Caribbean island chain, otherwise known as the Lesser Antilles. The island is east of Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – 250 miles northeast of Trinidad and Tobago.
The UNESCO World Heritage List features the world’s greatest wonders, such as Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and China’s Great Wall. Since 2011, the capital city, Bridgetown, and its Garrison area have been internationally recognized for their beauty, history, and significance.
Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago were the first six to implement the CARICOM Single Market (CSM) on January 1, 2006. Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts, Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and the Grenadines followed about six months later.
The Barbadian dollar is divided into one hundred cents. There is also one (1) dollar coin. Robust, stable, and secure, the dollar has been pegged to the U.S. dollar (USD) at 1.98 (BBD) to 1 – since 1975.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
As Published by H. Plecher, on November 26, 2020 – the statistic shows the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita from 1985 to 2019, with projections until 2025. GDP is the total value of all goods and services produced in a country in a year.
It is considered a significant indicator of a country’s economic strength, and a positive change is an indicator of economic growth. In 2019, the GDP per capita amounted to around 18,139.48 U.S. dollars.
Known as “The Land Of The Flying Fish,” the national dish is cou-cou and flying fish and “The Birthplace of Rum.”
With over 300 years of experience, Mount Gay distillery is the oldest rum distillery globally. Mount Gay Rum is infused with the quality, sophistication, and classic style achieved through a long history of excellence and tradition.
Sugar cane was introduced to the island by the early settlers in the 15th century and provided Britain with sugar, rum, and molasses.
While our island boasts several elevated areas, it is not considered mountainous. However, near the island’s center, just west of the Scotland District in St. Andrew (on the island’s east coast), one will find the highest point – that of Mount Hillaby.
Our island has one of the oldest Westminster-style parliaments in the western hemisphere and one of the oldest constitutions In The Commonwealth. The Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, is the head of the government of Barbados, and you can view the official website here: https://www.gov.bb/. The House of Assembly has 30 members (MPs), and the political party that has the most members, currently the Barbados Labour Party (BLP), constitutes the government.
The public votes every five years, and Members of Parliament are appointed by The Governor-General (G.G.), who acts as the domestic representative for the Chief or Head of State (Queen Elizabeth II).
The local language is often referred to as the Bajan dialect. Although our native language here on the island is British English, the dialect can often seem like a whole other language.
Life Expectancy
- The current life expectancy in 2020 is 79.27 years, a 0.16% increase from 2019, and is higher for women at 80.1 years compared to 77.6 years for men, making the island the highest-ranking in the region.
- The island ranks as the 34th top country with the highest life expectancy among 184 countries (source The United Nations Human Development Report 2019.)
Anglican is officially the national religion; however, various denominations of Christianity and non-Christian religions are practiced throughout the island.
Barbados is one of the most sought-after tourism and vacation spots in the Caribbean.
Tourism has come out above the rest of the world and has landed the number one spot in the 2017 Destination Satisfaction Index (DSI) by “The World Economic Forum.” The DSI is a metric that measures the overall valuation of a holiday destination based on the factors travelers find most attractive.
Our island was named the highest-ranking destination in the West Indies and the world’s 58th most innovative nation within the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index 2017 Report.
The island has attracted many West Indian visitors from significant markets and cruise ship passengers. Sports and health tourism are viable economic options for bringing more visitors to the island seeking sports, fun, entertainment, and health-related treatment.
The best part about the tropical island is that you do not need to be a tourist to experience all it offers. As a country of deep historical foundations, you can always learn more about the island, whether you are a local or a visitor on vacation.
Many of the hotels and apartments listed offer exclusive deals and special packages to locals and visitors on vacation.
As a Bajan at heart, you can learn exciting facts about the island while recognizing and appreciating the culture and its unique flavor.
With so many great things to do, see, and experience, many have become excited and have chosen to LIVE, STAY, WORK, and have FUN in this island country paradise.
The natural spring water found on the island is among the purest in the world.
The state-run Water Authority Limited (BWA) is the exclusive supplier of potable water on the island.
Water supplied by the BWA is pumped from wells within natural coral aquifers. The result is a freshwater source of naturally high quality.
Despite this, to comply with World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, The Water Authority treats its potable freshwater with chlorine.
According to one BWA survey, groundwater has always provided the most significant supply source, providing nearly 90%. Around half was drawn from just two wells, both operating at near-total capacity.
According to the United Nations Development Programme, “Of the numerous impacts of climate change expected, increases in atmospheric temperature, sea-level rise and changes in weather patterns are expected to pose problems to the island in the future.
Learn about COVID-19 from Totally Barbados
On Thursday, September 22nd, 2022, the Government of Barbados announced changes to the travel entry protocols.
Effective midnight, Thursday, September 22, 2022, Barbados will discontinue all COVID-19-related travel protocols.
Therefore, there will be no testing requirements for entering Barbados, whether you are vaccinated or unvaccinated.
In addition, the wearing of masks generally will now be optional.
Last Updated by Totally Barbados on January 27th, 2023, at 2:51 pm Barbados time.
Kind compliments go out to The Barbados Government Information Service.
Learn more about the Covid-19 vaccine.
- Events Calendar – View the updated plans for all upcoming events and activities.
- Daily Events – View all daily events.
- List of Annual Events – Take a look at the list of annual events.
- Festivals – Festival Fever is in the air all year round with a host of music, arts, theater, and food festivals.
- Add an Event – Get more people to attend your event or activity.
We include all kinds of events from business, entertainment, nightlife, and even sporting events on the island.
Crop Over is our island’s most significant cultural festival and signifies the end of the once-dominant sugar cane crop harvest. The party carnival involves a wide variety of entertainment and celebrations that brings thousands of tourists to the island each year.
Crop Over season is held throughout July and ends in a big Grand Kadooment Day finale parade on August’s first Monday.
Barbados is the ideal destination when traveling with your family, as it has something to offer everyone regardless of age.
If you are going with elderly relatives such as grandparents or a tiny baby, don’t worry, the island is a suitable vacation spot.
If you travel with children under ten (10), it is advisable to book an all-inclusive resort. They offer buffet-style lunch, so children can eat as much or as little as they like, and they usually have a barbecue serving burgers and hot dogs. This way, you can relax and enjoy yourself and not worry about the children wanting to eat at different times or organize where to go for snacks, lunch, or dinner.
Are you traveling with teenagers? They will love St. Lawrence Gap, which is abundant with bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. There is always something to do in the Gap, with live music playing and many bars and restaurant options.
With many places to eat and drink, you can enjoy some fantastic meals at the best fining dining restaurants in the world.
Or perhaps the family would enjoy afternoon tea at the world-famous Sandy Lane Hotel.
Athletic activities and lifestyle choices are rising, and our ‘no stress’ policy is essential to a healthy balanced lifestyle.
With multiple spas, gyms, and health clubs, you can enjoy a healthy lifestyle by staying happy and relaxed while on vacation.
Fitness groups are standard on the island. Various sports such as swimming, squash, tennis, sailing, windsurfing, polo, rugby, and football (soccer) are great ways to get involved in the community and keep active and healthy in your life.
The island has multiple first-rate spas for your health and fitness to assist you in getting relaxed. Most major hotels have world-class resorts, boasting massage therapies, manicures, pedicures, facials, and waxing.
Another part of a healthy lifestyle is finding time for your family and friends. Locals are sure to see relatives and friends on Sundays for their weekly picnic by the beach.
Visit Barbados
Within our island guides, you can be sure of staying up-to-date with helpful information about our island.
Both travelers and locals will find insider tips and advice about local events, including crop over, relevant facts and information, and an insight into the rich culture and heritage of the island.
With our white-sand beaches, hotels, fine dining restaurants, and exciting nightlife, visitors will always experience people’s charm and friendliness.
Helpful Top 10 Guides will ensure you have the best experience on this island in the Lesser Antilles and the Leeward Islands.
Learn about the most popular amenities at the top beach resorts, hotels, and other accommodation options. Take advantage of exclusive special offers, discounts, and coupons to save on your holidays.
Plan your time with our local events calendar to ensure you get updated schedules, dates, and times of important events and activities.
Are you on a cruise and looking for a one-day shore excursion?
Sightseeing tours will pick you up from the cruise terminal and take you on island tours to see and experience our island’s beauty.
Choose to go on a catamaran cruise and swim with the sea turtles. You can join a group for a casual lunch at two or three selected attractions. All visits ensure you get back in time for the ship’s departure.
You will find helpful information on our website if you wish to stay longer than your projected holiday. View the immigration requirements, working regulations, and information about renting a property and other real estate options to help you get started.
You can find the most highly recommended locations and businesses within the World Travel Awards, including the World’s Leading Travel Destination Website.
Education and training are accessible to all Barbadians from age five to university.
The government allocates the most significant chunk – nearly a quarter – of its annual billion-dollar budget to funding close to 100 primary and secondary schools, plus four tertiary level institutions.
State financing covers actual tuition, free bus fares to and from school, and free books and meals for all primary students who need them.
Several institutions are available to support children with special educational needs and disabilities.
For the more academically inclined, post-secondary education is available.
For the more technically minded, the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic (SJPP) provides both day and night hands-on courses, therefore, and it’s not surprising that this 166 square mile island of approximately 274,000 people boasts a literacy rate of nearly 98%.
View our Google Maps and explore places of interest, shopping areas, beaches, churches, and major roads.
Interactive Maps are available for various needs, including directions and locations of recommended attractions, hotels and accommodation, beaches, restaurants, and eating places.
Buying a villa, real estate, or vacation rentals can all be supplied to you within our Real Estate and Property Guide.
You can search for all types of property and real estate for the ideal sale or rental.
Find information on investment opportunities with realtors and agents, especially in the parish of St. James (Saint James), otherwise known as the “Gold Coast.”
For property listings, visit our sister site to learn about Real Estate and view listings by agents and brokers offering sales and rentals.
If you are passionate about sports, be sure to come prepared with your athletic gear when you visit this famous island.
Sports and activities available on the island range from cricket to horse racing to all kinds of athletic and non-athletic games.
Whether you like to participate actively or want to be a spectator, you can choose from many sporting activities on the island.
World-famous for its excellent surfing conditions in ‘Soup Bowl,’ Bathsheba provides a hub of activity all year long, as surfers from around the world congregate here for some of the best surfing action.
Are you looking to get around the island? For transportation to suit your vacation needs, you can use many different methods to get around the island.
It’s a small island – just 21 miles (34 kilometers) long by 14 miles (23 kilometers) wide, and the terrain is relatively flat, so nowhere takes too long to get to, and there’s a wide choice of transport options to suit both your lifestyle and budget.
- Airport Transport
- Bus – bus drivers do not carry money, so you must pay your fare with the correct change.
- Car Rentals
- Cruise Terminal Transport
- Limousines
- Taxi Rentals – taxis are not metered, so make sure you agree on a fixed fee with the driver before setting off to your destination.
- Tour Operator
- ZR Vans (pronounced Zed-R’s)
Find tour operator and sightseeing contact details here.
Whether you plan to use the public transport buses, taxis, or rent a car while visiting the island, you will find the various transportation options for getting around very convenient.
Happy traveling!
There are five main towns and places of interest in Barbados that are ‘must-see’ destination points while you are on the island.
- Bridgetown, St. Michael, is the capital of Barbados and is rich in culture and history.
- Holetown, St. James
- Oistins, Christ Church – is a popular entertainment venue for locals and tourists for its thriving fishing community and infamous Friday night Fish Fry.
- Speightstown, St. Peter
- St. Lawrence Gap, Christ Church
- The Crane Village, St. Philip
Are you planning to get married in Barbados? Our Barbados wedding guide covers all of the things you need to plan and organize your wedding in Barbados.
We appreciate that your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life and therefore we have put together a comprehensive section dedicated to your wedding day.
There are many places to choose from when deciding where you will get married. You can have a conventional white wedding in a church, you can have a civil ceremony on a beach, or you could even get married out at sea.
Our Business Guide is your comprehensive information resource for doing business on our island.
Learn why many foreign investors and business people who visit our island fall in love and find a way to become part of this small but affluent country.
Overseas investors, mainly from Europe and North America, jump at the island’s array of real estate opportunities. Constantly rising property prices have been producing a significant return on investment. You can invest in an extra home, a tourism enterprise, or a property to rent – short or long-term – to locals or visitors.
With many international tax and investment protection treaties, a long history of democracy, and social and economic stability, the quality of life on the island (as ranked by the United Nations) strengthens its position globally.
The island’s stated goal is to become the world’s smallest developed nation and be the Number One (1) Place to Live, Work, Play and Invest.
You also have the option to set up – as many have – an International Business Company (IBC), a captive insurance company, or an offshore bank to take advantage of the tax benefits or to trade on the Barbados Stock Exchange.
