With over 500,000 visitors arriving each year, Barbados is one of the most heavily visited destinations in the Caribbean. However, the rules for US citizen visitors are somewhat different than those of many other Caribbean nations. This is because Barbados is not included in the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, a law that governs travel requirements for the US, Canada, Mexico and most of the Caribbean.
Countries that are part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative can be visited by US citizens without a passport under certain limited circumstances. For example, US citizens on “closed-loop” cruises to WHTI countries can use a birth certificate and driver’s license to travel. A closed-loop cruise is simply a cruise that begins and ends in the same US port. Also, for land and sea travel to these countries US citizens can use either the traditional passport book, the newer passport card, an enhanced driver’s license with an RFID chip or a card from a trusted traveler program. Flying to or from a WHTI country does require a passport, however.
Since Barbados isn’t included in the WHTI, what happens if you book a cruise with the nation on your itinerary? Unless you’ll be staying less than 24 hours in Barbados, you will need to get a passport book or a US passport renewal if your passport is expired.
Completing the US passport renewal process usually takes about 6 weeks for regular processing and 3 weeks if you expedite it with the Department of State for an extra $ 60. So, it’s important to plan ahead. If you do get caught off guard and need a last-minute passport, you may be able to obtain one by making an appointment at the nearest regional passport agency office. Another option is to use an expediting company to expedite your application. A good company should be able to get your application through the system in as little as 24 hours, provided all your paperwork is in order.
Alison Kroulek is a freelance writer and blogger with a focus on the travel industry.