The British government has updated its travel guidance for Barbados, warning citizens of potential terrorist threats despite acknowledging no recent history of such incidents on the island. The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advisory states that while Barbados lacks a recent terrorism record, attacks ‘cannot be ruled out’ given the global threat landscape affecting UK interests worldwide.
The comprehensive advisory additionally highlights concerns about violent crime trends in Barbados, including increased gang-related shootings, armed robberies, and sexual assaults occurring in populated areas. UK travelers are instructed to exercise heightened vigilance regarding personal security, particularly when using ATMs, traveling after dark, and attending large gatherings during festival seasons.
Barbados Foreign Affairs Minister Kerrie Symmonds contested the terrorism warning as ‘highly improbable’ and theoretically nonexistent. He suggested the advisory might reflect concerns about potential backlash from ‘hateful and divisive policy making’ in Northern Atlantic nations that have alienated migrant populations and developing countries.
The updated guidance includes specific recommendations: securing accommodations, using licensed taxis with pre-negotiated fares (as meters are absent), avoiding public displays of wealth, and utilizing hotel safes for valuables. Special considerations were provided for LGBT+ travelers, noting conservative Caribbean attitudes toward public affection between same-sex couples.
Minister Symmonds acknowledged the accuracy of the crime-related portions of the advisory, confirming increased serious offenses and gun-related crimes while maintaining that terrorism references represent a generic global warning rather than Barbados-specific intelligence.