Barbados visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Barbadian Visa is not required for South Africans

Stay Duration: 180 days

Entry Requirements

  • South Africans visiting Barbados can stay for a period of six-month without a visa.
  • Intending visitors must have a passport and a valid return ticket 
  • South Africans visiting Barbados under the age of 18 without parent/ guardian should have a letter of authorization from parent/ guardian. 
  • Intending visitors can extend their stay for up to six months. 
  • Intending visitors must have proof of chickenpox, measles, mumps, rubella,tetanus-diphtheria vaccinations.
  • For South Africans visiting Barbados, passports should be valid for 30 days after the expiry of the intended visit. 
  • Intending visitors can get to Barbados from any international airport in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Bloemfontein.
  • Emirates, British Airways, Etihad, Qatar Airways, El Al, South African Airways, are some of the carriers that fly from South Africa to Barbados.
  • The estimated flight time from Johannesburg to Barbados is 1 day, 4 hours,  1 day, 3 hours from Cape Town and 1 day, 4 hours from Bloemfontein.
  • Visitors might need to travel with United States Dollar bills as they are easier to exchange for the local Barbadian Dollars. Although credit and debit cards are accepted in most upscale businesses, it is advisable to carry small change when patronizing local businesses. 
  • The weather is warm throughout the year, with little rain, and rare tropical storms.
  • Because Barbados’ weather is warm and humid the best time to visit is between December and early April when the weather is drier and suitable for tourism-related activities.
  • Barbados uses the Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4) making it six hours behind South Africa.
  • Power sockets and plugs used in Barbados are of type A and B. The standard supply voltage is 115 V, with a 50 Hz frequency.
  • Christianity is what 95% of Barbadians subscribe to, with a large number of these people being Protestants, Anglicans and Roman Catholics.
  • Barbados with its many natural beauties has a lot to offer to visitors looking to experience nature, and discover a rich and diverse culture while at it.
  • Getting around in Barbados is possible with public buses, taxis, cabs, car hire, etc, all under $3.50.
  • In Barbados English is spoken by many and is also used for business and other official purposes. Visitors should not have a problem navigating both the rural and urban parts of Barbados.
  • Regardless of Barbados’ openness to visitors, it is always advisable to be conscious of the surroundings and existing cultures, and not to overstep boundaries while trying to take pictures or participating in certain cultural activities.

Frequently Asked Questions


what is the best time in the year to go to Barbados??
  • The best time to visit Barbados is from December to mid-April when the weather is drier and less humid than other months in the year. 

What language do they speak in Barbados??
  • Barbados language is the combination of British English and various West African languages. English is used in formal settings and oral communication.  

What kind of currency is used in Barbados??
  • The currency used in Barbados is the Barbadian Dollar. 

What is the cheapest time to visit Barbados??
  • The cheapest time to visit Barbados in a year is June through November when other travelers don't want to visit. 

What is Barbados known for??
  • Barbados is known as the land  the flying fish and it is one of the country's national dish.