Barbados announces changes to its travel protocol

Starting Saturday, February 26, travelers will have more options with antigen tests being accepted for entry, once administered by a healthcare provider no more than one day before arrival in Barbados. These are widely available in Barbados' major source markets and results are typically delivered within an hour.

Rapid antigen tests join the list of tests approved for entry into Barbados. COVID-19 PCR tests taken no more than 3 days prior to arrival in Barbados are also accepted. COVID-1 testing can be performed using specimens administered via nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, nasal, anterior nasal, or middle turbinate swabs. However, the following PCR tests will not be accepted:

1. Self-administered swabs are not accepted.

2. Shallow nasal swabs are not acceptable.

3. Saliva tests are not accepted.

In addition, transit passengers from the Government of Barbados will not be required to take the test to transit through Barbados.

Airport Experience
Travelers can also expect to see changes to the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) experience. All paper forms previously distributed on board aircraft arriving in Barbados will be discontinued. In addition, travelers will again use the more spacious main arrivals hall, instead of the temporary arrivals hall at gates 14-16 that was previously raised to manage entry health checks and testing at the port during the pandemic.