Location
Barbados is a little under 9hrs hours direct flying time from London.
Covid Travel Information
View entry requirements here
You must complete and submit an online immigration/customs form 24 hours prior to travel.
All travellers from the UK must present on arrival either:
a valid RT-PCR COVID-19 negative test result taken no more than 3 days in advance of your flight’s arrival. The test can be taken at any time during the day 3 days prior to the date of your arrival in Barbados. (For example, if your flight arrives at 10pm on Saturday, you can take a test at any time on the Wednesday prior to this)
a valid Rapid PCR COVID-19 negative test result taken one day before arrival in Barbados
a valid Rapid Antigen negative test result taken one day before arrival in Barbados
Accepted tests include tests which were taken at an approved or recognised laboratory by a healthcare provider via a nasopharyngeal sample, oropharyngeal sample, nasal sample, anterior nares samples or mid-turbinate sample. Your test certificate should provide this information. LAMP tests, shallow nasal swab samples, self-administered tests or home kits or tests using saliva samples will not be accepted.
All passengers are also required to submit an Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) card 24 hours prior to travel, to which they should upload their negative test result via Travel Form. The BIMSafe app can also be used.
Barbados will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.
Unvaccinated arrivals will be quarantined for three days at approved facilities (a designated holding hotel, approved villa or a government facility at your own expense) and undergo a second PCR test 4 days after arrival. You will need to remain in your hotel room and may be required to wear an electronic tracking bracelet until you receive the results of your second test. The government aims to return results within 48 hours, although return times can sometimes be longer than this. If the result of that second test is negative, you will not be subject to further quarantine. The government recommends that you book 5 nights’ accommodation.
Visit the
Visit Barbados website for full details.
From 18th March, when you travel to England from abroad you:
do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive
do not need to fill in a UK passenger locator form
do not need to quarantine when you arrive
This applies whether you are vaccinated or not.
It includes people who are transiting through England.
Updated 13APR 2022
Weather and Climate
There are two main seasons in Barbados - the wet season and dry season.
The wet season is typically July until December, but most rainfall passes quickly are very brief and air temperatures remain warm from 24C up to 29C at this time. The most popular time to visit is during dry season from January to early June. Rainfall is much lower and air temperatures are a bit cooler.
Water temps are actually higher in the wet season with an average sea temp of around 28C. It cools off in January, falling to 26C, before rising again towards the summer months.
Travel
Flight options
There are direct flights from London to Barbados with BA and Virgin. This is usually a daily service that runs all year round.
We are able to book most major airlines. If you have a specific airline you prefer to fly with, simply let us know in your booking request. A supplement may apply for regional departures. Times and any applicable supplements will be confirmed by your travel consultant before you finalise your holiday.
If you wish to make your own flight arrangements to Jamaica, let us know and we can remove the cost of the international flights from your quote. We are unfortunately not able to redeem airmiles on your behalf. Please do not confirm any flight arrangements yourself before your holiday is confirmed by us
Stopovers
Flights are direct to Barbados, but from here you can fly to several other Beaches or Sandals resorts for a longer holiday. Talk to us about island hopping itineraries
Arrange before you go
Regular Entry Requirements
British Passport holders do not need a visa to visit Barbados. On entry, you will be granted a specified period to stay as a tourist only.
Do ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with immigration. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Regulations can change: please review current FCO advice: click here
Insurance
Scuba Travel requires all of our customers to have diving insurance. Please make sure that you have appropriate cover for your diving activities.
We also strongly recommend you have travel insurance. It's worth taking out travel insurance once you have paid your deposit to ensure you are covered for unforeseen events and cancellation.
Find out more about our combined dive and travel policy click here
Immunisations
Your covid proof of vaccination must match your passport name and flight ticket name. Please speak to your local GP or check out the latest NHS advice on updating your NHS details or for other travel immunisations: click here
Preparing to fly
Seating
You will be able to manage your booking online once you have been ticketed (after you have paid your holiday balance). Most airlines will now enable you to select your seating at this point. There may be a small charge for prebookable seating before online check in opens. Please speak to the airline for more information about charges.
Check in
As you are flying with a scheduled airline, you will be able to check in online with your airline. Please visit their website for more information about when online check in opens.
Lounge
An airport lounge is a great way to start your holiday or to while away flight connections in comfort. Scuba Travel works with Lounge Pass to offer a huge range of affordable airport lounges around the world.
click here
Parking
Prebook your airport parking to save money! If you have a long way to travel, why not also look at booking an airport hotel. These aren't as expensive as you might think.
click here
What happens when I arrive?
On arrival in Barbados, you will need to clear immigration and collect your baggage. You will then be met by a representative of Sandals. They will be clearly identifiable at the airport.
If you have any issues at all locating your rep, please contact us. We have an emergency contact, manned by a member of the team here in the UK. Please call 0044 7747 488 002. We will be able to help your rep locate you in the airport.
Transfers
Sandals Royal Barbados is around 15minsr transfer from Grantley Adams International Airport
Departures
At the end of your holiday, your return transfer details will be advised locally.
Info
Tipping
All Sandals holidays include tips and taxes as part of your package. Any applicable departure tax at the airport is payable in cash locally
Currency
USD, credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but you should check with your bank about any additional overseas charges they may levy for using your card.
Phone coverage
Phone coverage is generally good - do check with your phone provider about any applicable overseas charges. Alternatively, you may wish to purchase a local SIM for making calls or data use
Plugs and electricity
Plus are typically flat 2 pin 110V
Extras
Hire equipment
Kit hire is arranged in resort and is included in your package price
Extras
Entry level PADI courses are booked and paid for in resort
Souvenirs
Sandals resorts have a wide range of shops on site with a variety of gifts and souvenirs
Nitrox/Gas
Limited - please ask at the time of booking if nitrox may be available
Payments
Deposits and Balances
Sandals holidays departing more than 71days in advance can be secured with a £175 deposit pp. If departing less 71 you will need the full balance to be paid at the time of booking.
Ways to pay
We accept mastercard and visa debit or credit cards. If you would like a pay by link to complete check out via email please let us know and it can be set up for you. All non sterling card payments and UK business debit cards will be subject to the 3% surcharge. We do not take AMEX.
Alternatively, you are welcome to pay via bank transfer. Overseas bank transfers must add £6 to the sterling total to cover international handling fees.
We are not able to accept PayPal transactions or personal cheques.
Group Payments
If you have booked as part of a group, you can still call and pay directly without needing to go via your group leader. Please have your trip reference number to hand to help us locate your holiday as quickly as possible. You will receive a transaction receipt - your group leader will forward your ATOL certificate and booking confirmation
Included
7 nights all inclusive in your chosen room grade - all inclusive with meals, drinks (inc selected premium liquors), in resort entertainment schedule and a wide range of selected and and water sports.
Sandals resorts include complimentary scuba diving for certified divers, with two 1-tank
dives, or one 2-tank dive, every day of your stay (except arrival and departure days)
Use of the Red Lane Spas plunge pools, steam baths and saunas (all of which are free to use)
Your holiday includes flights to Barbados from the UK - please ask for a competitive quote to upgrade your flight option from economy. Return airport transfers are included
Excluded
Spa services, candlelight dining and selected excursions/sports are booked and paid for in resort
Additional diving, any PADI courses or scuba reviews are booked and paid for in resort
All Sandals holidays include tips and taxes as part of your package. Any applicable departure tax at the airport is payable in cash locally
Sandals new Platinum Protocol of Cleanliness encompasses added health and wellbeing requirements across all points of contact at every resort, including common areas, all restaurants and kitchens, bars, guest rooms, activities, fitness centers, spas, and includes all behind-the-scenes operations. They are leaving no stone unturned as they prepare to welcome guests back to the beauty and warmth of the Caribbean in a friendly, clean and, most importantly, safe environment.