Barbados’ travel industry booms with new visa-free access to 166 countries including Mexico, Brazil and Argentina

Reading Time: 3 Minutes

Barbadians can travel to 166 countries without a visa, providing excellent opportunities for international exploration. With state-of-the-art facilities and expanding airline partnerships, Grantley Adams International Airport is a key gateway for Barbadians looking to take advantage of visa-free travel options. With a convenient flight schedule and a variety of destinations, the airport is set to facilitate even more outbound travel in 2024, strengthening Barbados’ connections to the world.

Anup Kumar Keshan, Editor-in-Chief, TTW said: “We are pleased to see a surge in international travel from Barbados this year. With visa-free travel to 166 countries, Barbadians are exploring popular destinations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago and St. Lucia. This trend highlights their sense of adventure and underscores the importance of strong travel policies and international partnerships. Furthermore, increased travel fosters cultural exchange and economic relations, further connecting Barbados to the international community.”

Barbados passport holders can travel visa-free

The Barbadian passport is ranked 53rd in the world as of July 2024, allowing its citizens visa-free entry to 166 countries and territories. This ease of travel increases Barbados’ attractiveness as a tourism and international business hub.

Barbados travel and tourism trends for 2023 reveal that the most preferred destinations for Barbadian travelers include the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, and St. Lucia. The United States attracts many with its diverse cities and cultural experiences, while the United Kingdom is a popular choice for those seeking history and educational journeys. Canada is appealing with its natural beauty and welcoming cities. Trinidad and Tobago, along with St. Lucia, offer the charm of their Caribbean neighbors with similar cultural ties and vibrant local experiences. These destinations collectively highlight the wide range of interests of Barbadian travelers, from urban adventures to regional explorations.

Visa-free entry countries:

• 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 (planned)
• 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
• Comoros 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 Territories
• 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
• Columbia
• Equatorial Guinea
• Cuba
• England
• Argentina
• Portugal
• Paraguay
• Greece
• Laos
• north korea
• Haiti
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Zambia
• new zealand
• Latvia
• turkey
• Palau
• Palau Islands
• Slovakia
• South Korea
• France
• Republic of 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
• America
• San Marino
• Malaysia
• Spain
• Ireland
• dominican republic
• Costa Rica
• Iceland
• Nigeria
• Ghana
• Tanzania
• Jamaica
• Serbia
• Zambia
• Finland
• Peru
• Nicaragua
• Sierra Leone
• Canada
• Fiji
• Mexico

Major airports in Barbados

Barbados has several major airports serving both international and domestic travel.

1. Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI): It is the main international gateway connecting Barbados to major destinations around the world, handling over 2 million passengers per year.

Main Airlines Operating in Barbados

Several airlines play an important role in connecting Barbados with the rest of the world.

1. Caribbean Airlines: It primarily operates regional flights between Barbados and nearby Caribbean islands. Approximately 223,033 passengers used the domestic air bridge from January to April 2024. This is an increase compared to the 189,852 passengers who traveled between Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago during the same period in 2023.
2. British Airways: To cater to the needs of the European market, we operate direct flights to and from London.
3. American Airlines: Linking Barbados with major US cities, facilitating transatlantic travel.

In conclusion, 2023 will be a significant year for travel and tourism in Barbados, with diverse destinations capturing the interest of Barbadian travelers. The impressive increase in international departures highlights the island’s strong international travel trends. With favorable visa policies allowing access to 166 countries, Barbados is increasingly exploring destinations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago and St. Lucia. This surge in international travel highlights the expanding horizons and diverse interests of Barbadian tourists, strengthening the island’s connection to the global travel landscape.