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 PHAC 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.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - 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 travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| 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 travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers 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 travellers, 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.
Does Barbados Have COVID-19 Travel Restrictions?
While no entry restrictions related to COVID-19 are in place for Barbados, travellers must self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival. Even airline crew must self-isolate if they disembark from the plane.
A vaccine against COVID-19 is not currently available. But, there are ways to protect yourself from other common infections like typhoid and hepatitis A. Call us at or book online now to ensure you travel protected.
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Barbados?
Canadians do need a valid passport or visa for tourism or business stays in Barbados for less than 90 days.
Barbados Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Barbados? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Barbados and Canadian Travel and Tourism
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.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
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 travellers 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?
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 traveller’s 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, travellers should plan for 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
Canadian Embassy in Barbados
The Canadian Embassy provides a wide range of emergency and non-emergency services for Canadian citizens. Walk-in appointments are not available for some services. Travellers must be scheduled ahead of time online or over the phone.
Canadian Embassy Bridgetown
Bishop’s Court Hill,
St. Michael,
P.O. Box 404,
Bridgetown, Barbados BB11113
Tel.: 246-429-3780
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start travelling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Barbados
“The nurse was professional, knowledgeable and very kind in helping me go to Barbados safely.”
“Great service my nurse was well informed with what was going on and very straight forward about what I actually need felt no pressure on getting things done. Convenient downtown location I was in and out in 30 minutes! Highly recommended for travellers to Barbados.”
“Very informative nurse who answered all my questions about Barbados and she was very gentle I barely felt the injection . She was very knowledgeable answered all my questions and was so bubbly .”
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?
Canadian Embassy in Barbados
