Barbados
Regulations on entry, stay, residence, and treatment access for people living with HIV
The categories of restriction are:
- No restrictions on entry or staying.
Restrictions on entry to Barbados
We found no evidence of any official restrictions on entry to Barbados based on HIV status.
According to UNAIDS and the US Department of State, Barbados does not have any HIV-related restrictions on entry.
The information available on the website of the Barbados Immigration Department does not include an indication of any restrictions affecting entry of people living with HIV. There are no health checks at entry.
Antiretroviral medication can be imported for personal use.
Restrictions on short-term stay in Barbados
We found no evidence of any official restrictions on short-term stay in Barbados based on HIV status.
According to UNAIDS and the US Department of State, Barbados does not have any HIV-related restrictions on short-term stay.
The short-term work permit application does not contain questions or fields in relation to any health condition or status.
Restrictions on long-term stay in Barbados
We found no evidence of any official restrictions on long-term stay in Barbados based on HIV status.
According to UNAIDS and the US Department of State, Barbados does not have any HIV-related restrictions on long-term stay.
The permanent resident application form has a field to self-declare and explain if the applicant considers that the category ‘persons suffering from communicable diseases within the meaning of any regulations relating to such diseases made under the health services act’ applies to them. However, HIV is not considered in any of the schedules that the Health Services Act considers for communicable and notifiable diseases.
Treatment access in Barbados
The following summarises available information on access to healthcare for people living with HIV in Barbados. There is some evidence that non-nationals are restricted from accessing treatment in the same way as nationals.
Barbados offers universal healthcare cover to its citizens through a strong network of medical facilities and hospitals. The universal healthcare scheme is funded through taxation and care is provided free at the point of delivery. Patients with chronic illnesses are entitled to get medicines for free through the Barbados Drug Service.
Barbados provides HIV care through its public healthcare system, including the Ladymeade Reference Unit (LRU), an HIV dedicated reference facility.
However, free or subsidised treatment is limited to Barbadian citizens and approved permanent residents.
Non-residents typically may need to pay for these services unless they are covered by specific programs or insurance.
Non-nationals can seek HIV treatment through private healthcare providers, but this option tends to be more expensive. Medications like antiretroviral therapy (ART) are available in private pharmacies, but costs can vary depending on the treatment required.
It is highly advisable for non-nationals to have health insurance that covers HIV treatment, as the costs of medication and consultations can add up.
Barbados has laws that protect the confidentiality of individuals living with HIV, and healthcare providers are expected to follow strict guidelines regarding privacy.
The HIV Justice Network's Global HIV Criminalisation Database
Visit the Barbados page on the Global HIV Criminalisation Database to see more information about known HIV criminalisation laws in this country, an overview of how the laws are used, and any significant advocacy developments.
UNAIDS Global AIDS monitoring data
This information about access to HIV services comes from UNAIDS https://lawsandpolicies.unaids.org/, a platform to view data on HIV-related laws and policies. This is information provided by national authorities and civil society and may contradict other sources.
Migrant populations
| Laws/policies enable documented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens | Yes |
| Laws/policies enable documented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | Yes |
| Laws/policies enable undocumented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens | Yes |
| Laws/policies enable undocumented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | Yes |
| Migrants are able to access HIV services | Yes |
Refugees and asylum seekers
| Laws/policies enable asylum seekers to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens | N/A |
| Laws/policies enable asylum seekers to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | N/A |
| Laws/policies enable refugees to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens | Yes |
| Laws/policies enable refugees to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | Yes |
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This site focuses on information about HIV travel. Please also consult your own Foreign Office/Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, or the local consulate of the country you are visiting, to see what restrictions there are specifically for you as a citizen of your country, regardless of your HIV status.
