Barbadians & Guyanese To Travel With ID Cards From July 1

As Barbados and Guyana prepare to celebrate the 60th anniversary of their Independence, the Governments of both countries have that gives practical expression to their shared history, deep friendship, and enduring commitment to Caribbean integration.

Effective 1 July 2026, citizens of Barbados and Guyana who hold a valid national identification card will be able to travel between the two countries without the need for a passport.

The new arrangement represents an historic step in the relationship between the two sister nations. It reflects not only the confidence and trust that Barbados and Guyana continue to build together, but also a shared determination to make regional integration more meaningful, more practical, and more accessible to ordinary Caribbean citizens.

This initiative affirms the true meaning of Independence in a modern and transformative era. It is not only about national identity, but also about the ability of Caribbean states to work together with confidence, imagination, and purpose. It guarantees the pursuit of a more connected and integrated region.

The measure is expected to make travel easier and more affordable, while supporting deeper peopleto-people ties, stronger family connections, expanded tourism, greater cultural exchange, increased business travel, and new opportunities for trade and investment between Barbados and Guyana.

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley expressed satisfaction with the new initiative. “This initiative represents another significant step forward in regional cooperation, south-south collaboration, and people-centred governance. It demonstrates what can be achieved when Caribbean nations act with trust, ambition, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of our people.  As our two nations mark 60 years of Independence, it is fitting that we take this step together. This is the kind of practical integration that Caribbean people can feel in their daily lives. It will truly make Caribbean integration a lived reality.”

President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, also welcomed the announcement, describing it as a powerful expression of the close and growing partnership between Guyana and Barbados.

“As Guyana and Barbados celebrate 60 years of Independence, this initiative symbolises not only the enduring friendship between our nations, but also our shared vision for a more connected, accessible, and united Caribbean community.  I commend the exemplary work done by government officials from both Guyana and Barbados, together with our CARICOM partners, in making this historic arrangement possible. I look forward to seeing our governments continue to deepen an already strong and productive working relationship in ways that bring direct benefit to our people.”

The arrangement was made possible through the passage of the necessary Orders by the Cabinets of both Barbados and Guyana, following extensive collaboration among officials from both governments, regional agencies including CARICOM IMPACS, and other key stakeholders.

The Governments of Barbados and Guyana have indicated that further details regarding implementation procedures, eligibility, and travel requirements will be shared with the public ahead of the official commencement date. (PR/GIS)