Destinations / Barbados
Driving in Barbados as a visitor
Usually yes. Barbados expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Barbados expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | Local rules |
| Valid for | Not recognised |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 211 (police), 511 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 80 km/h ABC Highway |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| Booklet format they know | Local rules |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in BBD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Documents | Buy a visitor's driving permit. |
|---|---|
| Right of way | Narrow rural roads and roundabouts. |
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
On the road in Barbados
At the pump
Fuel prices are government-fixed so every station charges the same, roughly BBD$3.90 (about US$1.96) per litre for gasoline; stations are attendant-served and accept major cards.
After a crash
Call Police on 211 (Ambulance 511, Fire 311), do not move the vehicles, photograph the scene and exchange details; notify your rental company and obtain a police report for any insurance claim.
Sources: drivebarbados.com · bra.gov.bb · totallybarbados.com · barbadosdigital.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Barbados?
Usually yes. Barbados expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Barbados accept?
Barbados recognises the Local rules format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Barbados ask for one?
Rental desks issue the required local visitor's permit; carry your licence.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.