Barbados customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Barbados enforces strict biosecurity and environmental rules: fresh produce, meats, and dairy are banned without a permit, and single-use plastics are prohibited. All arrivals must declare food, plants, or animal products on the Customs Declaration Form (C7).

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1L of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2L of wine/beer. Must be 18+. Duty-free up to BBD 150 (USD 75) in value.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Declare if carrying BBD 20,000 (approx. USD 10,000) or equivalent in foreign currency. Use the Customs Declaration Form (C7) upon arrival.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts up to BBD 1,600 (USD 800). Above that, duty is charged at 20% on the excess value.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Illegal drugs and narcotics
  • Single-use plastic bags, straws, and utensils (ban since 2019)
  • Firearms and ammunition without a license
  • Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated items
  • Obscene materials and publications

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing codeine or other controlled substances (permit required)
  • Pets (dogs, cats) — must have import permit, rabies vaccination, and health certificate
  • Plants, seeds, and cut flowers (phytosanitary certificate required)
  • Drones — require a permit from the Barbados Civil Aviation Authority
  • Satellite phones and radio transmitters (license needed from the Telecommunications Unit)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After collecting luggage, proceed to Customs. Use the Green Channel if you have nothing to declare; use the Red Channel if you have goods above the allowance, cash to declare, or restricted items. Complete the Customs Declaration Form (C7), available on the plane or at the airport.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Barbados offers a VAT refund scheme for tourists. Minimum purchase of BBD 500 (USD 250) at a single retailer. Ask for a Tax Free Form at the store, then present it with goods and receipts at the VAT Refund Desk at Grantley Adams International Airport before check-in. Refund is 8.5% of the purchase price.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 30 days are allowed without a prescription. For longer stays or controlled drugs (e.g., narcotics, psychotropics), bring a doctor's prescription and a letter of medical necessity. Codeine-containing medications require a permit from the Barbados Drug Service.

Food, plants & animal products

No fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, or live plants are allowed without a permit from the Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (BADMC). All food items must be declared. Processed and packaged foods are generally allowed for personal use.

Rules worth knowing

Plastic Ban

Barbados bans the importation and use of single-use plastic bags, straws, and utensils. Do not bring them in your luggage — they will be confiscated and you may be fined.

Biosecurity Declaration

All arriving passengers must declare any food, plants, or animal products on the Customs Declaration Form. Failure to declare can result in fines of up to BBD 10,000 (USD 5,000).

Currency Declaration

If you carry BBD 20,000 (USD 10,000) or more in cash or monetary instruments, you must declare it. Non-declaration can lead to seizure and penalties.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but you need a permit from the Barbados Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA) at least 14 days before travel. Drones must be registered and you must follow local flight restrictions. Without a permit, your drone will be confiscated.
You can bring 1L of spirits (over 22% ABV) or 2L of wine/beer duty-free. If you buy rum at the airport duty-free shop, it counts toward your allowance. Excess alcohol is subject to duty and taxes.
If you carry BBD 20,000 (USD 10,000) or more and fail to declare it, customs can seize the money and you may face a fine or prosecution. Always declare on the C7 form.
Yes, but you need an import permit from the Barbados Veterinary Services, a valid rabies vaccination certificate, and a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Pets must enter via Grantley Adams International Airport and may be quarantined.
Yes, Barbados offers a VAT refund of 8.5% on purchases over BBD 500 (USD 250) from a single retailer. Get a Tax Free Form at the store and claim at the airport before check-in. You must show the goods and receipts.
Yes, personal quantities for up to 30 days are fine. But if your medication contains codeine (e.g., some cough syrups or painkillers), you need a permit from the Barbados Drug Service. Bring a doctor's prescription.
Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, and live plants are banned without a permit. Processed and packaged foods like chocolate, biscuits, and canned goods are generally allowed for personal use. Always declare any food.

Official source

Barbados Customs and Excise Department

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Barbados Customs and Excise Department before travelling.