Barbados and Guyana to accept national IDs for cross-border travel

Starting July 1, 2026, citizens of Barbados and Guyana will be able to travel between the two countries using only their national identification cards, waiving passport requirements under a new bilateral agreement.

The move, announced as both nations mark 60 years of independence, aims to ease tourism, business, and family travel while deepening integration within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley called the initiative “practical integration” that makes regional free movement “a lived reality.” Guyanese President Irfaan Ali said it reflects a shared vision for a “more connected and united Caribbean.”

Officials said eligibility rules and travel procedures will be released before the July 1 start date. The accord builds on the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), which already permits free movement of goods, labor, and skills.

Last October, Barbados signed a separate agreement allowing indefinite work and residence for nationals of Belize, Dominica, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines without visas or work permits.