Destinations / Barbados
Driving in Barbados as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Barbados drives on the left and requires visitors to buy a local visitor's driving permit, usually arranged through the rental company.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Barbados expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| 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 | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| 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?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Barbados drives on the left and requires visitors to buy a local visitor's driving permit, usually arranged through the rental company.
Which translation format is used for Barbados?
Barbados uses the Local rules convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Barbados ask for a translation?
Rental desks issue the required local visitor's permit; carry your licence.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Barbados?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in North America
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.