Barbados is generally a peaceful destination with no history of civil unrest or terrorism. Public protests and demonstrations also are quite rare. Most visitors to Barbados will encounter no extraordinary hazards, but a recent increase in violent crime against tourists accounts for its risk rating of 3.

High-risk Areas

None.

Barbados is a parliamentary democracy modeled on the British system with a bicameral Parliament, which consists of a House of Assembly and Senate. Queen Elizabeth II is head of state and is represented by a governor general, an office with mostly ceremonial functions. Control of the government rests with the cabinet, headed by the prime minister and responsible to the parliament.

In legislative elections in January 2008 the Democratic Labour Party ended 14 years of Barbados Labour Party rule, winning 20 out of 30 seats in the parliament. DLP leader David Thompson, the new prime minister, pledged to focus on domestic issues, particularly the cost of living, health care and crime.

Barbados is one of the more prosperous Caribbean islands. Political, economic and social stability have given it one of the highest standards of living in the developing world. It is a center for financial services and also has offshore reserves of oil and natural gas. In recent years, a construction boom has taken hold, with new hotels and housing complexes springing up. In 2005, there was some talk of a referendum to determine whether Barbados should become a republic independent of Great Britain; this no longer appears to be an issue.

Additional information

It is a crime in Barbados for anyone, including children, to wear camouflage clothing.

Barbados is a friendly and welcoming country, and crime rates are relatively low. But despite the relaxed atmosphere, visitors should remain vigilant at all times.

Petty crime

Crime in Barbados primarily takes the form of petty theft and street crime. It's safest to avoid foot travel outside established tourist areas, especially at night or if you're alone.

Valuables left in plain sight inside vehicles make tempting targets for criminals. Keep a sharp eye out while using an ATM or public telephone. Automobile theft also occurs with some frequency.

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or displaying expensive jewelry. Keep valuables locked in room safes, as hotel-room burglaries are not uncommon.

In April 2006, eight foreigners renting a villa on the west coast of Barbados, near Sandy Lane, were victims of a burglary. Sandy Lane, near Holetown, is known as a high-end tourist district. No injuries were reported.

Violent crime

There has been an increase in robbery and sexual assaults against tourists, and diplomatic sources reported in February 2008 that tour groups had been the victims of attacks by armed gunmen. Visitors should be vigilant and avoid walking alone on beaches or other isolated areas, especially at night.

To reduce the risk of sexual assault, it's important to remain aware of your surroundings and the people around you--if a place or situation doesn't feel safe, leave. Keep your wits about you and don't dull your senses with alcohol or drugs. Don't walk alone in deserted areas, especially after dark. Park your car in well-lit areas. Do not enter a taxi that contains other passengers and do not allow your driver to pick up additional passengers. Don't accept food or drinks from strangers--they could be drugged. Never pick up hitchhikers or accept a ride from a stranger. Ask a female employee at your hotel what neighborhoods to avoid. In your hotel, do not give clues to your gender or vulnerability by leaving food trays outside your door. Check with the hotel to verify the identity of employees who come to your room. Do not enter your room if anyone is loitering nearby in the hall.

White-collar crime

Passage of counterfeit currency reportedly is on the rise; some businesses don't accept high-value notes because of fears they could be counterfeit. Change currency only at banks or other official exchange points.

Drug-related crime

Barbados is a transshipment point for narcotics and illegal arms. Using or carrying illegal narcotics carries stiff penalties. Avoid the possibility of becoming an unwitting "drug mule" by packing your luggage yourself. Do not carry anything through customs for another person.

Police effectiveness

Police forces in the eastern Caribbean region vary in the level and quality of service they provide. Most forces are hampered by shortages of funds, personnel and equipment.

Areas frequented by tourists are likely to have a higher police presence, as well as private security arrangements.

Like other nations in the area, Barbados is subject to hurricanes during the season, June-November. Hurricanes can occur as late as December, however. Many structures have not been designed to withstand strong hurricane winds. Visitors should monitor regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Animals

The giant African snail, which can grow to the size of a human hand, has become a nuisance in the central parish of St. George, the country's agricultural heartland. Swarms of the mollusks are doing damage to sugarcane, bananas, papayas and other crops. Visitors should avoid contact with the snails, as they have been known to carry communicable diseases such as meningitis.

Medical care is generally good, but medical transport can take hours to respond. Ambulance attendants are prohibited from applying life-saving techniques during transport. Serious medical problems may require evacuation to the United States.

Diseases

Dengue fever is endemic to Barbados and can occur throughout the year. There was a marked increase in 2007 in the number of reported cases of dengue across the region, including several hundred confirmed cases in Barbados.

HIV/AIDs is highly prevalent throughout the Caribbean. Safe-sex practices are essential.

Tuberculosis reportedly is on the rise in Barbados.

Mosquitoes carry many serious illnesses, including dengue fever, malaria and West Nile virus. To prevent bites and avoid infection, reduce the amount of exposed skin by wearing long sleeves, long pants, socks and shoes when you're outdoors. Use insect repellent containing deet on exposed skin. Avoid outdoor activities from dusk to dawn, the time when mosquitoes are most active.

There's a high incidence of road fatalities for the island's size and population.

Road conditions

Roads are narrow and generally paved but have potholes and no shoulders. They may be slippery when wet. Heavy bicycle and pedestrian traffic can make driving hazardous, especially at night. Roadside assistance is not widely available, and it can be difficult to find a phone booth in rural areas in case of a breakdown.

Rural roads can have obscured side streets and blind corners.

Public transportation

Public transport is generally regarded as safe. However, some buses and vans travel at excessive speeds.

Facilities for travelers are widely available.

No matter how safe you perceive a destination to be, it's important to use good judgment.

• Pay attention to local media.
• Avoid open displays of wealth, jewelry or other valuables. Safeguard travel documents such as passports and airline tickets.
• Avoid confrontations with locals.
• Avoid demonstrations and protests, especially if they appear political in nature.
• Don't permit people you don't know to enter your accommodations. Keep your door locked. Don't leave valuables in your room unless they can be locked in a safe.
• Avoid illegal drugs, and don't drink alcohol if its use is prohibited. Even if drinking is legal, don't overindulge.
• Be cautious of unsolicited offers of assistance from strangers.

In recent years, political terrorism has become a global phenomenon - an attack could occur with little warning anywhere in the world, even in destinations long regarded as safe. Travelers should keep themselves informed of developments that could affect their safety, no matter what their destination.