Understand

Barbados, a small island located in the Caribbean Sea, has a fascinating history that spans several centuries. The first inhabitants were the Saladoid-Barrancoid group, who arrived in 350 AD from Venezuela's Orinoco Valley. These skilled farmers, fishermen, and ceramists established settlements throughout the island. Later, the Arawak people arrived from South America, followed by the Caribs in the 13th century, who displaced both the Arawak and the Saladoid-Barrancoid. The island got its name from a Portuguese explorer named Pedro Campos, who called it Os Barbados, meaning "The Bearded Ones," due to the appearance of the island's fig trees. These trees had long hanging aerial roots resembling beards. In the 16th century, Spanish conquistadors seized many Caribs on Barbados and used them as slaves on plantations. Barbados was formally settled by the British in 1627, and after failed crops of cotton, sugarcane became the main crop, leading to a prosperous plantation economy. Enslaved Africans became the primary source of labor on these plantations until their emancipation in 1834. Despite the end of slavery, the island's labor conditions remained oppressive until the 1930s when the black middle class fought for reforms. In the 20th century, Barbados saw a shift from sugar production to tourism and manufacturing, becoming a stable democracy with a high literacy rate. Today, the locals refer to themselves as Bajans, proud of their Barbadian heritage.

Get in

If you want to visit Barbados, there's some good news for citizens of certain countries. You won't need a visa to enter the beautiful island. The list of countries includes Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Australia, and many more. (Full list available [here](/BarbadosVisaRequirements)). But what if you're not from one of these lucky countries? Don't worry, you can still obtain a visa from a Barbadian embassy, high commission, or consulate. The visa costs BBD50 for single entry and BBD60 for multiple entries. Just make sure you have 2 passport size photographs ready for the application process. In some cases, British embassies, high commissions, or consulates can also process Barbadian visa applications. This is especially useful if there is no Barbadian diplomatic post in the country where you reside. For example, the British embassies in Al Khobar, Amman, Belgrade, Budapest, and many more accept Barbadian visa applications. (Full list available [here](http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/BritishEmbassiesAcceptingBarbadianVisaApplications)). So whether you're eligible for visa-free entry or need to obtain a visa, rest assured that your journey to Barbados will be a memorable one!

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Dish: Bajan Fish Cake (also known as Flying Fish Cakes)Description: These delicacies are made with mashed fish, typically the flying fish which is a common marine species in Caribbean waters, mashed with spices, breadcrumbs, and sometimes potatoes. They're shaped into patties or cakes and either fried or baked. The result is a flavorful, slightly crispy outside with a tender inside that showcases the flavors of the fish and spices.

Dish: Cou-Cou and Flying FishDescription: This traditional Barbados dish consists of couple (a type of dough made from cornmeal or flour, often seasoned with spices and herbs) mixed with stewed fish, typically the locally abundant flying fish. The coupling of textures and flavors – the light, flaky fish with the hearty, spiced cou-cou – makes this a comforting, satisfying meal emblematic of Bajan cuisine.

Dish: Macaroni PieDescription: This popular side dish is a blend of macaroni pasta, cheese, butter, evaporated milk, and spices, all baked together into a creamy, indulgent pie. It's a beloved comfort food in Barbados, often served alongside other dishes at parties, events, and family gatherings. Variations can include the addition of vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing