Barbados has officially reopened its borders and resumed commercial flights this week. It's taken a lot of blood, sweat and tears from the entire country for us to get to this point during the pandemic. While this is cause for celebration, we are also wary of the risk that this 'new normal' poses to our country. As a Bajan, I want to share some thoughts and travel resources with you all concerning this update.

What's the local perspective now that Barbados has reopened?

Gabby Beckford over on Packs Light invited me to share my Local Perspective on Barbados Reopening to Travellers This Week. I've highlighted a few things I think you should know, from a local and personal perspective, which give some insight in to how far we have come as a small island nation, as well as some credible resources and things you need to consider when visiting Barbados in the near future.

Is it safe to travel to Barbados now that it has reopened?

Safety is relative in this global pandemic. Traveling anywhere guarantees certain risks.

Full disclosure: I'm not personally encouraging anyone to travel for pleasure right now.

However, if you are planning on traveling to Barbados, here is some information that you should know.

The management COVID-19 has been very effective within Barbados up to this point, so it is relatively safe. This is all subject to change of course, as we welcome plane loads of visitors and wait with bated breath.

Overall, I'm proud of how our government has handled the pandemic in Barbados and I'm also proud of how Barbadians on a whole have come together during these trying times.

“This is testimony to the will, discipline and commitment of Barbadian people… the health authorities, the frontline workers, the essential services, the social partnership, the media, the police, those on the borders, all have been integral to the success we have had thus far in tackling this pandemic. And more so, each and every Bajan in every house and in every community." [Source]

What will you need to travel to Barbados? 

Thankfully, our tourism board has been very proactive in putting together resources to try to manage the reopening. We've been following the rules for months, and we hope that you will too. The local Ministry of Health and Wellness is advocating for a cautious resumption of the tourism industry in a manner that is sustainable and doesn’t overburden the capacity of our local healthcare system.

Here's an snippet of some of the Requirements For Entry Into Barbados:

• All travellers to Barbados must complete a Pre-Arrival on-line Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) form. It is urged that this be done at least 24hrs before arrival. Available here.
• Those travelling to Barbados are strongly encouraged to take a COVID-19 PCR Test from an accredited or certified facility/laboratory.
• Persons travelling from the Low Risk countries within the “travel bubble”, who have not visited a High Risk Country within 21 day prior to arrival, will be exempted from the pretesting requirement. The “travel bubble” refers to Low risk CARICOM and Caribbean countries currently including: Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Anguilla, Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Curaçao Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and Turks and Caicos).

For full details on travel protocols, please visit Barbados Travel Protocols. Here you’ll find comprehensive information aimed at ensuring the safety of both locals and visitors.

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association also has this live document listing all of the updated travel advisories for each Caribbean island and destination openings.

Support Local

We need you! Barbados is heavily dependent on tourism and this pandemic has has delivered a serious blow to our local economy. Now that Barbados has reopened, it's time to support local in every way possible; explore local restaurants, stay in locally owned hotels, visit local attractions and spend your dollars locally. Here are some suggestions on some fun activities that you can do:

• Activities that you can enjoy in Barbados that don’t involve the sun, sea or sand (including some that are free!)
• A self guided island tour

If you are not able to visit, please consider supporting local ordering online from a locally owned business. Here are a few favourite local Bajan brands who all offer online shopping and international shipping:

• Something Samarah for handmade jewellery, bags and accessories
• Handmade by Kae for beautiful artisanal soaps, candles and oils
• SugaApple Swim for beautiful, sexy swimsuits

COME VISIT, CAREFULLY!

As with most things COVID related, things are always changing and this information is based on what is happening right now. As a Bajan, I'm really excited to see what this new chapter brings for Barbados. I'm also keen to try to share as much information as possible, so I'm working on lots of new content - stay tuned!

I’m here to answer any Barbados and Caribbean travel questions you may have. On that note, what information would you like to see right now? How can I offer some local perspective on travel in Barbados and the wider Caribbean? I'm always looking for fresh ideas and ways in which my platform can better serve my audience. Feel free to comment below, or say hi on Instagram and Facebook.

Barbados is ready for you, and we look forward to welcoming you, carefully!