If you are planning a trip to Barbados, the Barbados Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) Card is the required digital declaration for every foreign traveler entering the country. The Barbados ED Card streamlines the Immigration and Customs process, making your arrival smoother and faster.
Applying for the Barbados ED Card online is the best way to skip filling out paperwork upon arrival. This guide provides the facts you need to know and the steps you need to take to complete your Barbados ED Card application quickly and accurately.
On This Page
- What is the Barbados ED Card?
- Do I Need the Barbados ED Card?
- Barbados ED Card Features: Cost and Submission
- Applying for Your Barbados ED Card: DIY vs. Full-Service
- The Official Barbados ED Card Process in 3 Steps
- Beyond the Barbados ED Card: Other Barbados Entry Requirements
- Barbados ED Card Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Barbados ED Card?
The Barbados ED Card is an official, mandatory online Immigration and Customs Declaration Form. It is required for all foreign travelers entering Barbados. It serves to provide the necessary passenger, customs, and immigration details of each visitor before arrival.
Do I Need the Barbados ED Card?
Yes, you need the Barbados ED Card. Completion and submission are mandatory for all travelers entering the country, regardless of age or citizenship.
You must have a Barbados ED Card if you are:
- Any foreign traveler arriving in Barbados by air or sea.
- A U.S. citizen visiting Barbados for tourism, business, or short stays.
Note: The Barbados ED Card is a declaration form, not a visa. U.S. citizens do not require a separate visa for tourist stays up to 6 months, but the Barbados ED Card is mandatory for entry.
Barbados ED Card Features: Cost and Submission
The Barbados ED Card is strictly an official government service offered free of charge. Please note: The Barbados government warns that paying for the ED Card form is a scam.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Gov. Fee: | $0.00 USD (FREE) |
| Application Window: | The form is only available 72 hours before arrival in Barbados. |
| Validity: | Single Entry (You must submit a new form for each trip to Barbados). |
| Duration of Stay (U.S. Citizens): | Typically granted up to 6 months without a visa (final duration determined by the Immigration Officer). |
Applying for Your Barbados ED Card: DIY vs. Full-Service
To ensure the smoothest entry into Barbados, you must complete the ED Card form close to your travel date.
- Applying On Your Own (DIY): The official Barbados ED Card application can be submitted directly through the official government portal. The system will not allow you to submit your form any earlier than 72 hours before your trip to Barbados.
- The Full-Service Route (Simple and Secure): Optional third-party services, like iVisa, offer assistance for a service fee. iVisa simplifies the submission process, checks documentation, and provides 24/7 multilingual support. This service is separate from the free government form.
The Official Barbados ED Card Process in 3 Steps
The process is fast and designed to streamline your arrival.
| Processing Time: | Instantaneous digital submission. |
| Use: | The saved receipt (digital or print) of your Barbados ED card must be presented to Immigration and Customs upon arrival. |
Step 1: Get Your Information Ready
- Your valid U.S. passport (Must be valid for the duration of your stay; it is highly recommended to carry a passport with at least 6 months’ validity).
- Flight or cruise information (e.g., flight number and airline, cruise itinerary and cruise line).
- The intended address where you will be staying in Barbados (e.g., hotel)
- Valid email address (to receive your digital receipts).
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
- Access the official Barbados ED Card portal or use an accredited service like iVisa.
- Enter your travel information, personal details, and address(es) where you’ll be staying in Barbados.
- Complete the necessary Immigration and Customs declarations.
Step 3: Submit and Save Your Receipts
- Double-check your form to make sure all your information is entered accurately.
- Submit the form online.
- Confirmation: Upon successful submission, you will receive confirmation receipts via email.
- You must save these receipts to your mobile device or print them out. The digital receipts must be presented at the Immigration and Customs counters upon your arrival.
Beyond the Barbados ED Card: Other Barbados Entry Requirements
The Barbados ED Card is mandatory for all foreign travelers, but approval and entry remain at the discretion of the Barbados Immigration Department. The Barbados ED Card does not grant visa permission. Immigration officials retain final authority over admission and length of stay.
Be prepared to show:
- Digital Receipts: The saved Immigration and Customs receipts from your online ED Card submission.
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay; 6 months’ validity is ideal.
- Return/Onward Ticket/Itinerary: Proof of confirmed departure from Barbados.
- Proof of Funds: Evidence of personal financial support for the duration of your stay.
Note on Minors: If a minor (under 18) is traveling with an adult other than a parent or legal guardian, a notarized letter of consent from the parent(s) is typically required.
Barbados ED Card Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: No. The Barbados ED Card is a mandatory entry declaration form for Immigration and Customs. It does not replace a visa, which U.S. citizens do not need for stays of up to six months.
A: No. The official Barbados ED Card application submitted directly through the government portal is free of charge. Optional third-party services, like iVisa, offer assistance such as application review and support for a service fee, but the form itself has no government cost.
A: No. The official system only allows submission within 72 hours of your arrival. You must wait until this window opens to submit your form.
A: U.S. citizens are typically granted a stay of up to six months for tourism purposes. The final allowed duration will be determined and stamped in your passport by the Immigration Officer.
A: Yes. You must save the receipts digitally to your mobile device or print them out for presentation at the border.
Need a fast, simple way to secure your Barbados ED Card? Start your Barbados ED Card process quickly and securely with iVisa today! Let iVisa help you prepare your documentation and ensure you are ready for entry.
