When visiting Barbados, British citizens don’t need a visa if their planned stay is less than 180 days, provided they travel for tourism, visiting relations, or business and do not work in the country. The immigration official stamps the allowable period on your passport.
You are eligible to apply for an extension of stay through the Barbados Immigration Department. You are also eligible to apply for a visa at a cost. As long as you do not overstay your limit or work without a visa, you may enter the country. The passport validity required for availing of the visa-exemption facility is up to six months. You can also enter the country if you can prove that your passport will be valid throughout your visit. However, officials usually only allow entry if your passport is valid for at least six months.
These are just a few of the intricacies of a Barbados visa, and we’ll learn more about them in this article. Read on below to get started.
Visa Requirements for Foreigners Visiting Barbados
Tourists who don’t meet the visa requirements (UK citizens or those who aren’t exempt from the visa-free policy) will need to apply for a visa.
Single- and multiple-entry visas are valid for up to three and six months, respectively. To apply, you’ll need the following:
- An application form filled in with all the necessary details
- One passport-sized photograph
- Copies of your passport’s biodata page
- A cover letter addressed to the Chief Immigration Officer. It should include other information such as email address, phone number, and return address. The document must also describe the purpose of stay, entry date, and intended stay period.
- Birth or marriage certificate (if and when applicable)
- A copy of your appointment letter
- A letter from your academic institute or employer
- A copy of your valid UK work permit, UK visa, student visa, or residence permit
- A signed and dated bank draft addressed to Chief Immigration Officer
How to Work or Study in Barbados
If you want to work or study in Barbados, the first and foremost requirement is a work or student visa.
To get a student visa, you will need to go to the immigration office. You need forms H1 and H2 to be filled out by you and the school principal, which requires their stamp. You’re also required to present a valid passport, four photos, and proof that your parents are Barbadian residents. If your student visa is approved, your passport will be ready in four to six weeks.
The same process applies to work visas. However, it’s a little challenging because you can only work in Barbados if an open position doesn’t have any qualified Barbadian locals. In other words, Barbadian nationals will be prioritised over you if you’re a foreigner. A work permit will be required, which can only be processed by your employer.
Becoming a Permanent Resident
If you want to stay in Barbados permanently, you’ll need the following documents:
- A copy of the biodata page from your passport
- Your birth certificate
- Your spouse’s birth certificate (if you’re married to a Barbadian native) and your marriage certificate.
- Proof of divorce (if you’re divorced)
- Parents’ birth and marriage certificates (if you have Barbadian parents)
- A medical certificate from a certified doctor
- A character certificate from the countries you have lived in for at least 6 months in the past three years
- Four passport size photographs (one of them has to be certified by a Justice of the Peace or Notary Public)
- Letters from your academic institutes (if you’ve studied in Barbados)
- A letter of employment
- Proof of qualifications
- The required application fee
- Letter of Consent from the parent/s for minor applicants (the application must also contain the signature of parents/legal guardians)
Conclusion
Barbados is a beautiful country, and it’s always worth visiting. You can obtain gainful experience there because you can work or study, and it’s also an excellent place to live. Sure, there are too many requirements, but you shouldn’t let those get in the way of you experiencing what Barbados has to offer.
Travcour VLS provides services for visa applications in the UK. We understand that visa applications are too much of a hassle, which is why we always work as fast as we can so you can get to your destination sooner. Contact us today to learn more!