Emergency Help Abroad – Barbados

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Barbados — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Barbados enforces strict drug laws — possession, use or trafficking can lead to arrest and imprisonment.

• Carrying weapons, including knives or sprays, without lawful purpose is illegal.

• Drink-driving is a criminal offence with strict penalties.

• Importing illegal substances results in immediate detention.

• Police conduct random vehicle and breathalyser checks.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Respectful behaviour is expected in churches, local communities and cultural areas.

• Littering on beaches, streets or parks can lead to fines.

• Public nudity is illegal except in designated private areas.

• Vandalising or damaging public or cultural property is a criminal offence.

• Modest dress is expected in certain rural areas and religious sites.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police may request identification — carry your passport or a copy.

• Petty theft, bag-snatching and phone theft occur in tourist zones.

• Avoid walking alone late at night in isolated areas or beaches.

• Avoid protests or political gatherings.

• Attempting to bribe officials is illegal.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Only use licensed taxis or official transport services — avoid unmarked vehicles.

• Driving is on the left; speeding and road hazards are common in rural areas.

• Public buses require valid fares; avoid overcrowded services.

• Overstaying your entry period may lead to fines.

• Renting scooters or cars requires proper documentation.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Drone use requires approval from local authorities; many areas restrict flights.

• Do not photograph military bases, airports or police facilities.

• Ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural villages.

• Some churches and historic sites restrict photography.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Removing coral, shells or natural materials from beaches is prohibited.

• Swimming in rough seas or red-flag zones can be extremely dangerous.

• Feeding wildlife (such as monkeys) is discouraged and sometimes illegal.

• Lighting fires or barbecues on beaches may require permission.

• Hiking off marked trails may be unsafe.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Damaging historic buildings, caves or archaeological sites is a criminal offence.

• Removing artefacts or fossils is illegal.

• Entering restricted areas in national parks is forbidden.

• Buying goods made from endangered species is illegal.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels easy-going or informal in the UK may be understood quite differently in Barbados.

• Don’t swim on the east coast without checking local advice, as the Atlantic side often has strong currents.

• Don’t touch or disturb sea turtles, which are protected species.

• Don’t feed turtles or fish, especially near popular snorkelling reefs.

• Don’t litter on beaches, as many are protected nesting areas.

• Don’t wear camouflage clothing, which is illegal for civilians.

• Don’t leave valuables visible in cars, particularly at beach car parks.

• Don’t walk alone in isolated areas at night, especially far from main tourist zones.

• Don’t underestimate sun exposure, as UV levels are high year-round.

• Don’t stand on coral reefs, which damages marine habitats.

• Don’t take shells or coral, as local regulations prohibit removal.

• Don’t accept extremely cheap tours or taxi rides, which may lack safety standards.

• Don’t ignore red flags or warning signs at beaches, especially near Bathsheba and Cattlewash.

• Don’t smoke in public buildings and certain outdoor areas, where bans apply.

• Don’t wear beach clothing away from beaches, especially in Bridgetown or at historic sites.

• Don’t approach or feed monkeys, particularly green monkeys.

• Don’t drive after drinking, as breathalyser checks are common.

• Don’t remove sand from beaches, as this is prohibited.

• Don’t underestimate strong rain showers, which can cause sudden flooding.

• Don’t attend church services in casual or beach attire, where modest dress is respectful.

• Don’t assume all local buses take card payments, and carry small cash for fares.