All visitors must have a passport and a valid return ticket. Visitors are expected to obtain a visa before travelling to Barbados, with the exception of, among others, the citizens of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the USA, Canada and the United Kingdom. For the full list of countries whose citizens require a visa click here.

To get to the island, a large number of international flights originate mainly in the US, Canada and the UK and often provide direct service.

These include American Airlines, JetBlue and Delta from the US; Air Canada and WestJet from Canada and British Airways and Virgin Atlantic from the UK. For cruise travellers, the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal is a point of disembarkation for thousands of passengers every year.

Some of the several lines that travel to Barbados include Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Fred Olsen and Co. and the Norwegian Cruise Line.

Once in Barbados, visitors can choose from a car rental, taxi service or public and private service vehicles.

The Barbados dollar is pegged to the US dollar at an exchange rate of US$1 = BB$1.98. US dollars are accepted island-wide and most stores and restaurants accept major credit cards and travellers cheques.

Visitors who bring their mobile phones with them must remember to ensure the roaming feature is activated prior to arriving in the island. Local service is provided by FLOW and Digicel.

115/230 volts 50 cycles. Standard plug types in Barbados are two flat blades or flat blades with round grounding pun. Most hotels provide converters for European or Asian appliances. North American appliances do not need converters.

The Barbados Water Authority, a Government statutory corporation, is the sole provider of water services. The water service in Barbados is reliable and the water supply is safe and refreshing to drink.

Hotels on the island include a range of resorts from internationally recognised chains to options for smaller budgets. For more information, see www.visitbarbados.org or www.bhta.org