Barbados 12 Month Visa – Work Remotely for a Year in Paradise!
UPDATED INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND BELOW UNDER HEADING – UPDATE ON BARBADOS ‘WELCOME STAMP’
Are you tired and frustrated from too much quarantining and you’re able to work remotely from a Caribbean island? This may be the deal for you. Barbados is offering the chance to move and work from the island for a year thanks to a new Barbados 12 month visa incentive. Barbados actually has one of the fastest internet services in the Caribbean.
Much of the world is adapting and have learned to work remotely from home. Once burdened by long and expensive commutes, employees are now seeing themselves freed from traditional workplaces. Barbados is betting that given your new flexibility, you may be interested in working next to their palm trees and warm ocean breezes.
Working Remotely Makes Perfect Sense Today
Barbados 12 Month Visa
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley announced last week that the Caribbean island nation is planning to introduce a “12-month Barbados Welcome Stamp” that allows international visitors to stay for up to a year and work remotely.
Mottley explained the special visa stamp would permit “persons to come and work from here overseas, digitally so that persons don’t need to remain in the countries in which they are.” It is much easier to contain COVID-19 in an island setting.
The Prime Minister stated that the visa “allows people from the United States, Europe, and Latin America to come and do their jobs digitally for a couple of months and then go back home, if they feel they can work better in a more relaxed atmosphere such as next to a beach.” British passport holders are allowed to visit Barbados without a visa. UK passport holders are allotted a fixed period of time for which they may remain in the country.
Crane Beach, Barbados
Barbados covers 167 square miles and has a population of about 290,000. Barbados’ Crane Beach in St. Philip was rated as one of the ‘world’s sexiest beaches’ in 2008 by Concierge.com Visitors will find that the western shores of the island are most favorable. They provide calmer waters and protection from oncoming winds off the Atlantic.
Short-Term Travel is Difficult
The idea has a lot of merit. We know that short-term travel is currently very difficult.
Prime Minister Mottley “You don’t need to work in Europe, or the US or Latin America if you can come here and work for a couple months at a time; go back and come back. But in order for those things to truly resonate, what does it mean? It means that what we offer has to be world-class and what we continue to offer is world-class.”
Mottley said on June 26 that Barbados is scheduled to reopen to international visitors on July 12. International air travel is is resuming on that date. American Airlines and JetBlue are resuming commercial passenger flights from the USA starting July 25 and August 5, respectively.
RELATED POSTS ON GLOBAL REOPENINGS:
- Reopenings – Europe Coronavirus Travel Restrictions by Country
- South America Coronavirus Travel Restrictions & Reopenings by Country
- Reopenings – Latin America Coronavirus Travel Restrictions by Country
- Coronavirus Domestic Travel Restrictions – USA States, Cities
- Reopenings – Caribbean Coronavirus Travel Restrictions by Country
Barbados – Still Committed to Island Protection
“We will continue to take a risk-based approach to the protection of our country, our people and our visitors,” added Mottley. A press release from Barbados Tourism Marketing said visitors from high-risk countries were “strongly encouraged” to take a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of their departure. In contrast, travelers from low-risk nations (fewer than 100 cases reported in previous week) could take a test up to a week before departure.
Barbados has reported less than 100 cases of COVID-19
Travelers who do not take a COVID-19 test before arrival in Barbados must take one upon arrival. Following, quarantine will be at their expense while waiting upon test results – which could take 48 hours. A test result that is positive requires isolation and medical care.
All visitors to the island must also complete and submit an embarkation/disembarkation form online related to their health and temperature checks at the airport.
According to data from Johns Hopkins University, Barbados reported just 98 confirmed COVID-19 cases (with 7 deaths.) This makes it one of the lowest impacted nations in the Caribbean.
How to Get Your Barbados 12 Month Visa & Welcome Stamp
Barbados 12 Month Welcome Stamp Application Process in Now Live!
UPDATE ON BARBADOS ‘WELCOME STAMP’
The Barbados Welcome Stamp Application has gone LIVE!
There are some specific requirements which come with the Welcome Stamp visa initiative. We are just learning details as they come out.
- Individuals seeking to take advantage of the new visa initiative must be earning a minimum of US$50,000
- Applicants must pass a character background check
- There are standard pre-requisite requirements for documentation (to be submitted with an application
- Persons interested in staying for up to 12 months will be required to have necessary insurance arrangements in place.
- While not exclusive, the Barbados Government has also indicated that it is targeting applicants who are between the ages of 22 and 55.
- You can take a spouse as well as family members.
- A cohabitant ‘partner’ can qualify if you are “not married to each other and have cohabited continuously for a period of 5 years or more and have so cohabited within the period of 12 months immediately preceding the submission of the application”
- Fees will be as follows:
- Individual – Fee of US $2,000.00
- Family Bundle- Fee US $3,000.00 (Allows more than one member of the family to work remotely)
- Once you have you have been approved for the 12 Month Barbados Welcome Stamp, you will be able to re-apply at least two more times to extend your visa!
Recent statements made by the Barbados International Business Association’s (BIBA) president Derrick Cummins, emphasized that the BIBA welcomes the Government’s proposed 12-month Barbados Welcome Stamp initiative.
The application process begins within 72 hours the Barbados Government receiving your completed application. Afterwards, the Barbados 12 Month Visa Welcome Stamp will be processed. Approval or denial comes in 30 days or less.
You can check out the application at the Barbados Welcome Stamp site. Apply here
UPDATED Barbados 12 Month Visa Welcome Stamp Site
The Barbados Government just updated their own site and now have an extensive Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section and some additional information.
Some great new takeaways I gleaned from the site:
- You do not need to provide proof of income to apply for the Barbados 12 Month Visa
- Companies are encouraged to make applications for all their eligible employees (Any US-based businesses considering relocated their workforce?)
- Applicants are not subject to any Barbados income tax
- Applicants must maintain medical insurance while in Barbados. You may be asked to present evidence that you’re insured when you arrive in Barbados. Where applicable, you will be able to obtain medical insurance in Barbados if you qualify.
- If you have school-aged children, Barbados advises non-nationals may enroll in private schools for the 12 months. It is not clear on if public education is available, but I would suspect it is not as remote workers under this program are not paying income taxes.
Final Thoughts
I have lots of acquaintances and colleagues that work remotely. During the recent COVID-19 pandemic we’ve seen a lot more employees working from their homes, or wherever. This may be the perfect time for the world to make advances towards digital work. Before you head out anywhere, you should check out Six Things To Do Before Traveling Internationally.
With that prospect in mind, the Barbados 12 month Welcome Stamp visa program sounds like an awesome idea, if you can make it work (pun intended.) I’m already looking into AirbnB long-term accommodations!(Using that AirbnB link you’ll get $35 off your first purchase!) Also, I’ve discovered Amazon has Global Shipping to Barbados.
So if the prospect of hanging out and working remotely on an island is appealing, maybe you’ll consider this an opportunity knocking. With the Atlantic on one side and the Caribbean on the other you’d have some great office ambiance. If you had the chance to live in Barbados and work from an island surrounded by beaches, would you?
The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
97 comments
Please do provide updates!
I’ve been scouring the web for details and requirements but only come up with the announcement. We live in south Florida and can get cheap direct flights out of Miami. All we need to do is put our extra stuff in storage and go!
Joe-
You can bet I’ll update with any information I can find. Of course, I’ve directly contacted the Barbados government and am awaiting their response. Best of luck if you decide to go. I might see you on the beach! Thank you for reading.
Very interested in this project. See you there
Sharon-
It does get one’s imagination going doesn’t it? The prospect of gorgeous sunsets, sandy beaches, a safer (COVID-free) island and no worries about a working visa. What’s not to like?
See you soon!
Hi, I wanna ask you when will this program end? I can’t find information about it. Thank you a lot!
Audrey-
Since the program is so new, it’s still a ‘work in progress.’ There is no information on how long the approval process takes. I am thinking the government is waiting to evaluate the response. At the same time, new information that you can reapply for the ‘Welcome Stamp’ visa for up to two more 12-month periods leads me to believe the program is going to be around for quite a while.
Thanks for reading.
Any update on how to apply!?
John-
I’ve reached out to more persons within the Barbados Government. From what I know, they still haven’t finalized the details yet. I definitely provide those once I get them!
Thanks for reading.
Very interested, please give updates on the parameters of this “Barbados Welcome Stamp”!!! I was ready to leave yesterday!!!!
Tasha-
I’m just as excited. I’ve extended my requests to other persons within the Barbados Government and am optimistic about a response providing more details. From what I know, they still haven’t finalized the details yet. I will post them when I found out how they’re going to process these.
Thanks for reading.
Please update with any and all information on how to apply for this amazing opportunity. I have looked non stop for about 3 hours trying to find out how to make this a reality.
Susan-
I’m working diligently on answers for the Barbados Welcome Stamp process. Apparently, they still haven’t finalized the details yet. Rest assured, I’ll post the news when I get it.
Thanks for reading.
Very interested in this program, please email once finalized
Rhonda-
An update (when available) will be posted here once it becomes available. Please check back here for that information.
Thank you for reading.
This is great news
Looks like my comment didn’t save so – Very interested. What about dogs, can they come along? Is it expensive for phone calls back to the USA? I spend my day on the phone so that could be a big expense. Let me know – looking forward to working from the beach!
Greg-
Your pet will need a microchip installed before travel. More details can be found at the US Department of Agriculture’s website.
For telephone calls, I highly recommend activating Wi-Fi calls on your smartphone. There are also service sin Barbados which allow you have a ‘landline’ over an internet connection as well. In addition, you definitely need a trustworthy Virtual Private Network; I highly recommend Nord VPN so your internet browsing is secure and allows you to access US sites & service as you can select your IP connection point. When I travel and need to access US services, NordVPN is my only choice.
See you soon on the sandy shores!
Thanks for reading!
I think I would Love This
Margarita-
I know, right? Barbados is one of the 10 most tourism-dependent economies so I’m glad to see them thinking ‘out of the box’ to help their economy and the recovery while offering this opportunity.
More updates coming – so keep checking back.
Thanks for reading!
I am also interested, please keep me updated
Thank you!
Gabi
Gabi-
You’ll have to check back once we get more details from the Barbados government.
Thanks for reading
I’m interested. Please email me if you hear back from the Barbados government. Thank you!
Canny-
I’ll post updates once I get a response from the Barbados government, so please check back often.
It does sound like a great idea! Thanks for reading!
any word yet on the program or a official website from the government where I can contact someone directly to get the ball rolling im there as soon as this gets done. I work 100% remote for a university in Philly from florida and im ready to GOOOOOO!!!!!! and i make good money. Getting my passport going asap doing that tomorrow. Send me an email on all updates
Steve-
Many folks seem interested in this deal. As I’ve stated before I’ll post updates once I get a response from the Barbados government, so please check back often. It does sound like a great opportunity for those who can work remotely (myself included.) Thanks for reading!
Hey Miles, how would you feel about exchanging contact info and work on this together, two heads are better than one. [edited]
Steve-
Thanks for the offer and I’ll consider your proposal. I have written several emails to many persons in the Barbados government regarding this Welcome Stamp. I was recently told that the Prime Minister is “doing 25-30 interviews a day” so I’m guessing the issue is two-fold. First, there is not a finalized process and secondly, no one has time to tell me that.
Check back here for posted updates when they become available.
thanks man, keep me posted if i find out anything ill let you know also
Steve-
You can count on it! I’m actively reaching out to members of the Barbados government for more details as they become available.
Super interested!
Jay-
Stay tuned to this article for updates as I get them from the Barbados government.
Maybe we will all soon be sipping drinks from our island offices with our toes in the sand!
I’m ready to go, awaiting updates.
Christina-
Maybe all our readers should charter a flight out to Barbados together? Sounds as if there is a lot of interest in this “Paradise Office” option with Barbados’ ‘Welcome Stamp.’
Stay tuned, I have UPDATES coming today!
Thanks for reading.
I am ready to go awaiting update
Interesting
I’m am excited, Can’t wait To See The Update
Trudi-Gay,
One update already posted earlier today. We’re just waiting for the online process to be announced. Program begins in August.
Oh my goodness! I’m ready for this awesome adventure 🙂 watching for more info
Sarah-
Glad to hear of your excitement. This seems very popular for those ‘digital nomads.’ I’ve provided some updates in the past 24 hours. Still waiting for the online application process details; supposedly forthcoming soon from the Barbados Government.
Stay tuned!
Very interested! Please keep me posted. Thank you for your work on this!
Kimberly-
Lots of folks are expressing interested in working remotely from somewhere; Barbados seems like a great option!
Glad to hear that you are another. I’ve provided some updates in the past 24 hours. Still waiting for the online application process details; supposedly forthcoming soon from the Barbados Government.
Check back often for the latest updates.
How much is the housing cost there?
Kate-
If you are comparing it to the United States, the consensus is that typical consumer goods cost about 10% more in Barbados than in the US. However, rent typically runs about half of US monthly costs. But the caveat there is the average accommodations may not be up to the same standard as the USA. You will find food prices comparable to menu prices in the United States. If you are preparing a lot of your own meals, you’ll be able to take advantage of lower grocery bills.
When it comes to housing, I have found some great values in AirbnB long-term rentals. That’s likely because owners have been without a revenue stream for their properties for a while and welcome an opportunity to rent at a bargain.
Thanks for the great questions. Check out the article again, as I have updated the application details. The application site has gone LIVE!
Does this applies to persons in the carribean
Athens-
I think you are asking if people who already live in the Caribbean, from another country, can take advantage of this special 12-month work remotely visa program. The Barbados government has not mentioned any restrictions of nationalities. So, at this time, it seems anyone may apply. Of course, we are waiting on the final details and the application process to be revealed.
Check back for details and thank you reading.
Hi there, I live in Barbados and this came out late yesterday. It’s seems to be the official website from the government.
Mariella,
The article has been updated to reflect the newest details regarding the Welcome Stamp 12-Month Visa. The application site is now LIVE, and you can find out the details in the article. Best of luck to you and thank you for the information.
I’m wondering if families can go. My wife and I work remotely, but we have three younger kids who can learn remotely. Would the stamp cover them, too?
Andrew-
Yes, family can also come along (subject to some qualifications.) Check out the new details posted in the updated article.
The Barbados application site has gone LIVE! Thanks for adding to the conversation.
Will this work visa allow for the immediate family of the worker to come as well?
Andrew-
Yes, immediate family and those which are dependent on an applicant for support as well. New details in the updated article, and the application sitr has gone LIVE!
Thanks for the info – haven’t found a good enough summary of what to do for lodging accommodations during the 12 month period. Is that literally hope to find a place via AirBNB or the like, or would longer term stays at resorts be allowed? Appreciate any insight.
Jim-
When it comes to housing, I have found some great values in AirbnB long-term rentals. Several owners have been agreeable to doing longer-term rentals (beyond the AirbnB terms.) That’s likely because owners have been without a revenue stream for their properties for a while and welcome an opportunity to rent at a bargain. Thanks for the great questions. Check out the article again, as I have updated the application details. The application site has gone LIVE!
I have so many questions about this but there is still so little info, hope they update it soon. I appreciate you are not the government but would be keen to know:
– if approved how long do you have to get out there or does your year start immediately (seems a little unfair as you don’t want to book flights before approval)
– I don’t earn £50k but have ways to support myself, it isn’t clear if this is a 100% necessity.
– what supporting documents do they require? All super vague!!
– how long will this scheme run, is it likely to disappear in a few months?
Hopefully they update their info soon as this is the least informative visa application site I have ever seen (and I have had a lot of visas!). Thanks for your info though, very helpful!
Katie H-
As to when the visa’s time limit begins, it’s fairly common that visas run from the time of entry. You can apply ahead of time, then once you arrive in Barbados, your 12-month clock begins.
I think the $50K is implied as a requirement. I base this on the fact you have to check the box next to: “Income Declaration – I certify that I expect to earn an income of US$50,000.00 or more…”
Required documents are found under “STEP 2 – SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS” Their list is specific.
We don’t have any definite answer to how long the Welcome Stamp Visa program will be offered. Since it’s so new it’s fair to say the Barbados will react to the demand.
Thank you for adding to the conversation and hopefully you’ll be successful in your application to work remotely from a great Caribbean destination!
Thanks found your site really useful. I’m still not convinced re start date of 12 months as the welcome stamp info phrases it as “12 months from date of approval”. And obviously when need to get approval, then sort out logistics of renting out current home etc will mean won’t end up with anything like 12 months! I’ve sent an email enquiry on the Welcome stamp official contact page but not hopeful of a response. If anyone who has got the stamp can confirm it is from date of arrival rather than approval?
Ive spent 3mths there beautiful spot plenty of cheap long term apartments going when I was working remotely before. I had a great rate on long car rentals from ezecars. Does this current stamp allow children to go to school on the island if they are open ?
Tom-
I agree there are lots of accommodation options on the island for anyone’s budget. Barbados is embracing families with this Welcome Stamp visa program. They want these long-term residents to avail themselves of goods and services provided by local businesses. That’s part of their thoughts trying to jump-start the economy. Private schools would be open for children of Welcome Stamp holders, but I think not the public education system.
Thank you for adding another great consideration to this conversation.
Thanks for reading!
Hi, thanks for your dedication to keeping us informed. Everyday I have been checking the web for the application launch (including the Barbados government website, plus sent them a message), but it’s only since checking on your site that I’ve been able to access the application which was launched 3 days ago. When I type ‘Barbados 12 month welcome stamp’ into Google, it doesn’t come up (certainly not on the first page anyway). I echo Katie H’s queries/concerns. I earn just in excess of $50k p/a, but if I want to go, I would have to take a career break as my backward-thinking employer won’t let me go. However, I would be saving over the coming months plus renting out my home to ensure I can support myself. The declaration does say something like ‘earn $50 and/or have the means to support yourself’. I agree with Katie that the application site is too vague (where is the FAQs or ‘Contact Us’ section?) and I am a little disappointed they haven’t provided accommodation advice or some kind of accommodation scheme to help settle us into the country. Also, last moan I promise, I’m disappointed that a $2,000 fee is payable if application approved. I thought the whole point of this ‘welcome‘ stamp was to ‘welcome’ us into the country with a view that we would spend our money on their groceries, home rentals, restaurants, entertainment and shopping, not slap us with a hefty $2,000 fee before we’ve set foot. As a UK citizen, I can stay in Barbados for free for 6 months so why would I want to pay $2,000 when I could leave after 6 months then go back for another 6 months? Sorry for all the moans, just needed to vent!
Cat-
I hear you loud and clear! So let me attempt my best efforts to address your points.
Google search will probably catch up at some point with a higher ranking for your search term. My article shows up fairly high as I have tried to remain a reliable source on the subject and I do update the post as information drifts in. By the way, the Barbados government has still yet to respond to any of my questions.
Since I don’t know your specifics, I’m not too sure why your employer balks at your request to work remotely. If you are doing it in the UK, (or anywhere for that matter) why not from the Caribbean? More and more companies are opening up to this idea. Siemens just announced that their employees can work remotely permanently!
Nope, there aren’t any FAQ’s on Barbados’ Welcome Stamp’ site. You could shoot off an email, but from my experience, you’re probably going to have a long wait until (if ever) you hear back from them.
As far as accommodations go, that’s going to be the most difficult part of the process, I think. Of course there are lots of rentals properties on the island. You can find something that fits any budget. I’ve been there several times but never stayed beyond 30 days. I have used AirbnB for many rentals in the Caribbean. If you use this link to join, you can get $35 USD (about £ 27.50) on your first booking.
Cat, I was a bit surprised at the initial cost of the Welcome Stamp 12-month visa at $2,000 myself. It would be great to see that as a much lower amount; actually ‘welcoming’ digital nomads to the Caribbean nation. Of course you’re right; the government is expecting these remote workers to bring money into the economy by purchasing local goods and services.
As a UK citizen, you can stay in Barbados for up to six months free, but you cannot work there. So be careful as I am sure Barbados is going to scrutinize foreigners who stay longer without getting the ‘Welcome Stamp visa.
Let me know as you navigate this potentially exciting path to a beautiful landscape and (hopefully) safer environment in the midst of this pandemic.
Thanks Miles. Don’t worry, I don’t intend to breach their visa rules, I was just pointing out that I could save up and go there (not work) for up to 6 months, come back for a bit, then potentially go out there again for up to another 6 months without having to pay any fee.
Don’t even get me started on my 19th Century employer… that’s a whole other topic!
Excited about this program! My biggest question is are there accommodation and rental car discounts? Special offers for the year long program? How do I find a long-term rental at a great price?
Lisa-
I typically start long-term rentals with an Airbnb one-month rental and during the communication process, contact the property owner directly and ask if there is some longer term arrangement we can work out beyond the one month. Most have been willing to help. Although not my favorite site for rentals, you will find a lot of listings in the Facebook pages of people on Barbados offering rentals.
If you use this AirBnb sign-up link, you’ll get $35 for your first booking.
Best of luck and thanks for reading!
My wife and I just applied last night and are anxiously waiting on approval. However I noticed that while they request a marriage cetificate (we were married in Barbados) with your documents, there is nowhere on the online application to upload the marriage certificate!? Any idea how long the approval process takes?
Steve-
Best of luck on your application! As the program is so new, there is no data on how long the approval process takes. I would just keep the marriage certificate with you to show immigration upon your arrival in Barbados.
Hoping all goes well…I might see you there soon myself!
Any news on how the arrival process will work? We’re in the US (currently considered high risk), will we have to stay in a quarantine hotel for a week before we can go to our long term rental? Even with providing an approved Covid test
Agnes-
If a person is arriving from a designated high-risk location (yes, the United States is currently on that list) will be quarantined for at least 7 days, monitored daily and retested for COVID-19. This would also apply to those approved under the Barbados ‘Welcome Stamp’ visa (work remotely) program.
You should have a COVID-19 PCR Test result from an accredited or certified facility/laboratory. If you do not, then you will have to pay $150 to have a test done upon arrival.
Regardless, for those coming from high-risk areas, a second test is required (at your expense) after the 7-day quarantine.
As for airlines into Barbados, Jet Blue will resume flights on August 15 and American Airlines is planning resumption on September 9.
Best of luck if you’re going…and thank you for reading!
Miles,
Thanks we are looking forward to it. Keep you posted on any developments.
Steve
Steve-
Looking forward to it!
Miles-
We were approved about 5 days ago and will be arriving 29 August! It’s been a quick and smooth process once the approval notification arrived and we paid our fee. Excited to be heading back to Barbados 5 years after our first visit. As I mentioned we were married there, so this brings it all full circle. Appreciate the information you provided on the forum here.
Steve-
Congratulations! Wishing you the best.
Hi Miles,
Excellent informative post. We are hoping to apply for our family visa but we can’t seem to find out if my spouse can continue to work remotely on this visa. We both earn over the minimum threshold, and both work remotely from Ireland. If I apply for the family visa, do you know if he can continue to do his job on the welcome visa too? Looking forward to hearin g from you! Sara
Sara-
Yes, from what I know if you apply and pay the family fee of $3,00 USD (about 2,635 Euros) that allows more than one member of the family to work remotely. There is a completely updated site at the link provided in the article as the Barbados Government has rallied to provide an FAQ section and more!
Wonderful, thanks so much Miles!
Sara-
My pleasure…
I have a question! Does anyone know if our employer has to get involved? Is it possible to obtain the welcome stamp without my employer knowing? The move from Michigan will not affect my job, but I still don’t know if my manager will think very highly of me moving to paradise just because I can. My time zone won’t even change so the only way my employer would know is if they are required to ‘approve’ my application.
I am 24 and I work remotely (even before Covid-19) as a software consultant! I meet all of the requirements and have applied for the 12-month Welcome Stamp.
Paul-
Your employer does not have to get involved. They never have to know.
Thanks for adding to the conversation and best of luck!
I applied today. Looking forward to seeing if it works out. Thanks for all of the great info. I’ll keep you up with what I learn/experience.
Robert-
Sounds great; hope you get it and can enjoy the digital nomad life (if just a while.)
We’ll be looking for an update from you!
Thanks for reading.
I was accepted yesterday!! The acceptance email isn’t much, just a short note with a link to pay online. My main concern is housing. Should I find that first? And should I just go with AirBnB? Are resorts offering specials? I’m assuming housing should be finalized as I am guaranteed a spot for 28 days from yesterday. I haven’t made a final decision because I need to do more research on housing and cost of living (has to be cheaper) before confirming with $2000. I’m also wondering if there is a place online where I can meet other potential digital nomads? My divorce should be finalized soon, so this truly is a nomadic adventure. Lol. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Robert-
That’s excellent news! By my accounts, that took you about 8 days!
My recommendation is to grab an AirbnB accommodation for a month…then work from that base you’ve established. That provides you time to look for and secure longer term arrangements. Resorts are offering some specials, and are great for a bit of pampering on the island. You can check out the best resorts here. There are certainly many Digital Nomad sites online. My first suggestion is search Facebook. I’m actually a member of a few of these groups. They offer advice, tips and helpful information on the ‘Digital Nomad’ life. Again, Congratulations and let us know how it’s going. I may ask you to help with an update post in the near future on how it’s going! Thanks so much for adding to the conversation!
Excellent advice. I will stay in touch. I should know what my employer says next week and move forward if all is well. Best.
Does anyone know if it’s multiple entrance stamp? Can I move in and out ? Thanks
Henry-
Yes, the Barbados Welcome Stamp allows multiple entries.
Thanks for adding to the conversation.
Ok, so it’s a go. I got word from my work that they have no issues with me going for the semester, but if life goes back to normal, we may return to the office for the spring semester. That usually starts in late January. I like my chances that won’t happen so I’m going regardless if it may only be for 5 months. I have someone at a rental company looking for longterm rental, an apartment, for 6 months. I still think he should get a place to stay first, plane ticket 2nd, and then pay the $2000 fee third. Does anyone see anything wrong with that plan? Am I missing something else? I want an apartment in a gated community, so it will increase my chances of meeting other international workers and allow me to bond with those that already live there in the various amenities provided, pool and gym etc. I also need reliable WiFi for work. Please let me know if I’m missing anything. Oh, and I need to decide what to pack. With access to amazon, I will use that for basic necessities.
[…] that your sales reps have the freedom to move wherever they would like. (And we’ve heard that Barbados is welcoming workers who want to live in the Caribbean for 12 […]
I understand that this is new however I am interested in Jamaica as being the place I’d like to work remotely. Has their been any further decision as to when and/or if this will be an option, if not, approximately when/where can I stay updated on the latest developments?
Inez-
Thanks for the question! For Jamaica, although they do not have a current 12-month visa, perhaps six months would work for you? While most travelers are given a 30-day visa when they arrive in Jamaica, it’s possible for digital nomads to apply for a six-month stay. All Americans traveling to Jamaica right now must have an approved Travel Authorization ahead of their trip showing proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
Does anyone know what the COVID measures are like with regards to day to day life? I’ve tried to find out on the web but it all relates to travel there and on arrival at the airport. Are masks required everywhere or just in enclosed public buildings? Is it all quite relaxed and easy going? Thanks for any info!
Hey All! it’s awesome to read all this interest in Barbados!!
Leona. I relocated from the UK to Barbados 26 years ago and loving every minute of it.
We are wearing masks when in malls, stores, banks, public transport etc. If you visit a restaurant or bar you wear a mask when moving around but not when seated or stationary. I am totally impressed with the way the virus is being controlled here while still enjoying a chilled and relaxed lifestyle in comfortable safety. Hope that helps
Angie-
Thank you for the first hand update from Barbados!
Hope everything is going well for all the Caribbean nations.
Readers interested can check here on the latest ReOpenings for the Caribbean Nations.
Thanks Angie for the reply and all of the info around COVID. It’s not easy to find online. It’s encouraging to hear you’ve been there so many years and are very happy.
Do we need to complete an embassy interview in our own country first to attain the visa before arriving on Island?
Darren-
As we understand the Barbados Welcome Stamp program, if you complete the required paperwork then the Barbados government will process your application and advise you if you have been accepted. I have already been contacted by a few persons accepted. Your welcome stamp is sent to you electronically on successful completion of your application.
Thanks for being a part of the discussion!
Hello my boyfriend and I are planning on applying for the welcome stamp, the only issue is they require proof of relationship. How do you prove this if you’re not married. Is living together enough proof?
Chez,
The Barbados government seems willing to be pretty easy on this restriction. If you can provide proof of same residence then you should be good. Perhaps submitting images of mail delivered to the same address with your names? Also, a rental or lease agreement showing both of you as current tenants seems to fit the bill. Best of luck with your nomadic adventure!
[…] In response to the devastation to the tourist economy, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley announced that the Caribbean island nation has developed a “12-month Barbados Welcome Stamp.” This […]