Barbados is a holiday destination popular with celebrities, but also with ordinary people and families. The reason for this is that Barbados is generally considered a safe place to visit.
Nearly a million people visit this island in the Atlantic Ocean. Like the Caribbean islands, Barbados has an abundance of attractions, including beautiful botanical gardens, pristine national parks and nature reserves.
Barbados’ beaches are some of the most breathtaking in the world, and Barbados has no shortage of them. Tourists can choose from more than 80 beaches, all of which have that beautiful white sand you see on postcards.
Combined with Barbados’ overall safety and beautiful vistas, there’s little reason not to visit this 170-square-mile island in the West Indies.
LATEST UPDATES / NEWS from BARBADOS:
February 4, 2024: Crime rates in Barbados hit decade’s lowest in 2023
In 2023, Barbados experienced a significant one decrease in crime, with murder rates falling to their lowest level in a decade due to a truce between the gangs brokered by Winston ‘Iston Bull’ Branch. This ceasefire, supported by the government and Minister of Crime Prevention Corey Lane, led to the launch of the National Peace Program, aimed at helping at-risk youth. Despite these efforts, gun violence persisted, contributing to the majority of the 21 homicides recorded. Drug trafficking also remained a problem, with major arrests occurring throughout the year. The peace treaty and subsequent initiatives represent hopeful steps toward fighting crime in the long term.
Official travel advice
US travel advice
The US Department of State has rated Barbados on Level 1 on a scale of one to four, with one being the safest. Level 1 means, “Take normal precautions.” For tourists, this means practicing the same kind of safety you would practice when visiting a new place.
Travel advice for Canada
The Canadian government’s travel advisory for Barbados advises travelers to take with them normal safety measures. It emphasizes the need for vigilance against petty and violent crime and fraud, and advises caution with food and drink due to possible spikes.
The crime situation in Barbados
Although Barbados looks like a paradise, crime still occurs. The worst crime tourists can encounter is petty theft or pickpocketing.
However, Barbados has a lower crime rate than the US! So you are more likely to be the victim of a crime at home in the US than in Barbados.
This is likely in part due to the welcoming and friendly nature of Barbados residents, as well as the strong police presence. Barbados is only 300 square kilometers, so it’s probably not difficult to police the island.
Unfortunately, Barbados has seen an increase in gang-related activity, which has resulted in an increase in violent crime. But it is still lower than in the US, and for the most part it is reserved for a small group of gang members.
A tourist is unlikely to encounter any problems unless he somehow gets caught up in being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Places to avoid in Barbados
Speaking of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, there are a number of places to avoid in Barbados. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also has some insight to offer in this regard. They recommend avoiding Bridgetown (particularly Nelson Street and Wellington Street) and Crab Hill.
But that’s okay.
There are plenty of other places to see the sights in Barbados. Just use common sense and avoid walking at night. Even during the day, it is always best to stick with a buddy.
Natural hazards in Barbados
Although there is very little risk to your fellow human beings in Barbados, there are some risks that Mother Nature brings to this coral island. They contain:
Dengue fever – Dengue fever is spread by mosquitoes, and Barbados has its share of it. It causes severe flu-like symptoms along with fever.
Hepatitis A – This is transmitted through unwashed food, undercooked seafood, and water and ice cubes contaminated with Hep A.
Diarrhea – This depends on how strong your constitution is and how well your digestive system copes with the cuisine of Barbados.
Large African Land Snail – This native of Barbados carries a parasite that can cause meningitis or even brain damage.
Mongoose – That unknown creature that looks like a cute squirrel is ferocious. Stay away from their territory and they will leave you alone.
Green Monkey – Feel free to take a photo of wild Barbados, but then move on. You don’t want to get tangled up with them.
Overall, Barbados offers tourists a beautiful holiday destination that is considered safe to visit now.
