Barbados: immigration

Do I need a visa for Barbados?

Visitors from countries on Barbados' visa list must get an entry visa before booking travel, according to the Barbados Immigration Department's visa requirements page, which links to the list of countries. A single-entry visa costs US$107 and a multiple-entry visa US$211.

Processing takes three weeks. A visa does not guarantee entry, which is decided by the immigration officer on arrival. Cruise passengers staying on their ship, crew transiting within 12 hours, and air passengers in direct transit within 12 hours do not need one. Applications go to the Chief Immigration Officer or to Barbados' overseas missions.

Official sources: Barbados Immigration Department: Visa Requirements

How many migrants live in Barbados?

International migrants made up 12.5% of Barbados' population in 2024, according to the World Bank's World Development Indicators, which use UN migrant stock estimates.

Migrant stock counts people living in a country other than the one where they were born. It includes long-term residents and people from other CARICOM countries. The 2021 census asked about emigration and birthplace, but the Barbados Statistical Service's census report warns of a 48.7% undercount, so its tables give counts of the people reached rather than of the whole population.

Official sources: World Bank API: international migrant stock, Barbados · Barbados Statistical Service: 2021 Population and Housing Census (PDF)

How many immigrants live in Barbados?

In 2024, the share of people born abroad in Barbados was 12.5%, according to the UN Population Division. That compares with 12.4% in 2015. It is 6th highest of 33 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 4.8%. Worldwide: 52nd of 193.

Are more people leaving Barbados than arriving?

The UN Population Division puts net migration in Barbados at -87 in 2025. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 13th highest of 33 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is -967. World rank, highest first: 78th of 193.

How many refugees does Barbados host?

In 2025, the number of refugees in the country in Barbados was 5, according to UNHCR. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2018. It is 24th highest of 28 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 1,306. Of 169 countries with 2025 data, 157th highest.

How many refugees come from Barbados?

The latest figure from UNHCR, for 2025, is 577. That is the highest since at least 2005. Latin America & Caribbean median: 710; Barbados is 18th highest of 33. World rank, highest first: 112th of 189.

How much money do migrants send home to Barbados?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2017, is 1.5% of GDP. No year since 2005 has been lower. Latin America & Caribbean median: 2.7% of GDP; Barbados is 23rd highest of 31. Of 168 countries with 2017 data, 100th highest.