Reading Time: 3 minutes

Barbados citizens can travel to 166 countries visa-free, providing exceptional opportunities for international exploration. Grantley Adams International Airport, with its state-of-the-art facilities and expanding airline partnerships, serves as a key gateway for Barbadians eager to take advantage of these visa-free travel options. With convenient flight schedules and a variety of destinations, the airport is set to facilitate even more outbound journeys in 2024, reinforcing Barbados’ connectivity to the world.

TTW Editor in Chief Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan said: “It’s exciting to see the surge in outbound travel from Barbados this year. With visa-free access to 166 countries, Barbadians are exploring popular destinations like the US, UK, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, and Saint Lucia. This trend highlights their adventurous spirit and underscores the importance of strong travel policies and international partnerships. Additionally, the increase in travel fosters cultural exchange and economic ties, further connecting Barbados to the global community.”

Visa-Free Travel for Barbadian Passport Holders

The Barbadian passport ranks 53rd globally as of July 2024, allowing its citizens visa-free access to 166 countries and territories. This ease of travel enhances Barbados’s appeal as a hub for both tourism and international business.

In 2023, travel and tourism trends in Barbados reveal that the most favored destinations for Barbadian travelers are the US, the UK, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, and Saint Lucia, among others. The United States attracts many for its diverse cities and cultural experiences, while the UK is a popular choice for those seeking historical and educational journeys. Canada appeals with its natural beauty and welcoming cities. Trinidad and Tobago, along with Saint Lucia, offer the charm of Caribbean neighbors with similar cultural ties and vibrant local experiences. These destinations collectively highlight the broad interests of Barbadian travelers, ranging from urban adventures to regional explorations.

Countries Accessible Without a Visa:

• Poland
• France
• Brazil
• Egypt (VOA)
• Turkey
• Slovenia
• Solomon Islands (VOA)
• Sierra Leone (VOA)
• Guinea-Bissau (VOA)
• Malaysia
• Germany
• Zimbabwe
• Bonaire; St. Eustatius and Saba
• Belize
• Aruba
• Togo (VOA)
• Fiji
• Montenegro
• Samoa (VOA)
• Saudi Arabia (VOA)
• Kosovo
• Palau Islands (VOA)
• South Korea (ETA)
• Ireland
• Greece
• Uzbekistan
• Pakistan (ETA)
• Grenada
• Senegal
• Bulgaria
• Bangladesh
• Mexico
• Belgium
• Latvia
• Honduras
• Malta
• Cuba
• Venezuela
• Denmark
• Georgia
• Guatemala
• Croatia
• Finland
• Ghana
• French Guiana
• Nicaragua
• Comoro Islands (VOA)
• Bahamas
• Canada (ETA)
• Cyprus
• Malawi
• Estonia
• Netherlands
• Cape Verde Islands (VOA)
• Marshall Islands (VOA)
• North Macedonia
• Vatican City
• Albania
• Israel
• Maldives (VOA)
• Angola
• Argentina
• Burundi (VOA)
• Jordan (VOA)
• Equatorial Guinea
• Mauritania (VOA)
• United Arab Emirates
• Sri Lanka (ETA)
• Kenya
• New Caledonia
• Philippines
• Armenia (VOA)
• Tonga (VOA)
• Hungary
• Palestinian Territory
• Japan
• Iceland
• British Virgin Islands
• Rwanda
• Norway
• Nepal (VOA)
• Curacao
• Laos (VOA)
• Italy
• Montenegro
• Malaysia
• Bhutan
• Peru
• Bhutan
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Kenya
• Chile
• China
• Andorra
• Iran (VOA)
• Kazakhstan
• Albania
• Sierra Leone
• Lebanon (VOA)
• Spain
• Mozambique
• Mauritius
• Afghanistan
• Seychelles
• Colombia
• Equatorial Guinea
• Cuba
• United Kingdom
• Argentina
• Portugal
• Paraguay
• Greece
• Laos
• North Korea
• Haiti
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Zambia
• New Zealand
• Latvia
• Turkey
• Palau
• Palau Islands
• Slovakia
• South Korea
• France
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Belarus
• Solomon Islands
• Slovenia
• Jordan
• Malawi
• Madagascar
• Burundi
• Cape Verde Islands
• Philippines
• South Africa
• Lithuania
• Georgia
• Greece
• Belize
• North Macedonia
• Montenegro
• Dominica
• Venezuela
• Argentina
• United States
• San Marino
• Malaysia
• Spain
• Ireland
• Dominican Republic
• Costa Rica
• Iceland
• Nigeria
• Ghana
• Tanzania
• Jamaica
• Serbia
• Zambia
• Finland
• Peru
• Nicaragua
• Sierra Leone
• Canada
• Fiji
• Mexico

Barbados’s Main Airport

Barbados is served by several key airports that facilitate both international and domestic travel:

1. Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI): The primary international gateway, handling over 2 million passengers annually, connecting Barbados with major global destinations.

Major Airlines Operating in Barbados

Several airlines play crucial roles in connecting Barbados with the rest of the world:

1. Caribbean Airlines: Dominates regional flights, linking Barbados with neighboring Caribbean islands. From January to April 2024, approximately 223,033 passengers utilized the domestic airbridge. This is an increase compared to the 189,852 passengers who traveled between Trinidad and Tobago during the same period in 2023.
2. British Airways: Offers direct flights to and from London, catering to the European market.
3. American Airlines: Connects Barbados with major cities in the United States, enhancing transatlantic travel.

In conclusion, 2023 has marked a significant year for travel and tourism in Barbados, with a diverse array of destinations capturing the interest of Barbadian travelers. The impressive growth in international departures underscores the island’s strong outbound travel trend. With favorable visa policies enabling access to 166 countries, Barbadians are increasingly exploring destinations such as the US, UK, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, and Saint Lucia. This surge in outbound travel highlights the expanding horizons and diverse interests of Barbadian tourists, reinforcing the island’s connectivity to the global travel landscape.