What it's REALLY Like to Travel to Barbados | COVID Travel Vlog

[@erwinwills2289]

I Travelled late august to Barbados and I struggled myself to understand the system of test result dissemination. Some of my friends landed the day before me and got their results the same day. In comparison, my friend and I came on the same flight and got our tests taken within minutes of one another yet she got her results within 24 hours but mine took over 48 hours. I’m not sure what the process is but the operator I spoke to told me a lot of people had been calling as well. Thankfully that test quarantine system is no longer in use, as of todays date it is much easier to travel to Barbados without risk of quarantine.

[@TheMattJames]

interesting to hear your experience. And yep totally, lets hope it stays that way considering this new variant, and Barbados don't reintroduce their system!

[@TheMattJames]

I just want to add - The prime minister of Barbados contacted me directly on day 4 offering to expedite our test which we were grateful for despite the mishaps. But a MASSIVE thank you to all the staff at the amazing Little Arches Hotel, who did everything they could to help us whilst in quarantine, and made our stay truly memorable. ❤️ Also, we travelled Mid September 2021.

[@kibo8567]

3-4 days of lost time! Did you get any compensation or consolation from anyone in Barbados? Not that we demand much in this struggling times, but, I’m just curious 😊

[@TheMattJames]

@@kibo8567 No, nothing. The ministry of tourism did call me after realising I was there to shoot content and promote tourism to Barbados, but despite my attempt, nothing came of it.

[@kibo8567]

@@TheMattJames Well, you gotta have that unique travel experience at some point. On a different note relating to Barbados (and UK), do you know that they are set to remove Queen E-2 as their head of state?

[@rtg2524]

@@TheMattJames brother you feel barbados got money to waste a country that is based on tourism and you want money in covid

[@TheMattJames]

At what point did I imply I wanted money? There was absolutely zero indication I even desired any kind of compensation... I was merely replying to a previous comment asking whether or not tourists that experience what I experienced are offered any kind of compensation, to which I responded no.

[@jjslife3056]

as a barbadian i agree with you abt the test results, i went to america for 2 weeks and i came back and they took 9 days to get back my test results.

[@honestlydallas6667]

i mean 100 hours is pretty good, my friend went to Seattle to Vancouver and had to wait a week in quarantine, then 4 days for her test results back beginning of the year

[@asmartbajan]

Wow, as a Barbadian ("Bajan" as we call ourselves) I'm _so_ embarrassed and saddened you guys had to go through all that hassle, knowing you probably spent a small fortune on travel and your vacation in general. While it seems like things turned out pretty okay in the end, having to be hold up in the hotel for so long caused you to miss a lot of what our island has to offer. In case you didn't get a chance to explore the most beautiful part of the island, here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJuxXoqQg6x0hrs

[@eestsyde9775]

It isn't no hassle me and my mother fully vaccined we only spend one night in the hotel.

[@TheMattJames]

The islands beauty made up for it 💙

[@asmartbajan]

@@TheMattJames Cheers

[@wildthang9355]

@@TheMattJames you chose to go during the pandemic and therefore this was your experience. Your title is misleading and warrants the thumbs down.

[@plorr2FYI]

Really helpful video, great stuff as I am so tired of London and need to thaw out in Barbados.. after watching ya video, I'll wait til 2023!

[@TheMattJames]

Thanks!

[@silvanahusbands4786]

Please note this video does not reflect the current status of Barbados for travel. This was back in September 2021. Please check the updated information on the national website. Protocals in Barbados changed just like other countries based on the status of the Covid 19 virus worldwide.

[@dianasoloway-gubitz7853]

Not true This is exactly what is going on

[@TheMattJames]

I’m not sure what the latest regulations are, but if you do have to take a PCR test, this is an example of what could happen.

[@elisecox8785]

Planning on going in feb with the fam, as it’s where my dads side is from. But quite worried it won’t be as relaxing as usual coz of Covid. Can’t wait for the moment everyone realises we can just live with it

[@TheMattJames]

You’ll have a blast regardless! Beautiful island

[@vandelayindustre]

This is after you tested in the UK, were negative, and then tested in the country? And was waiting? Are you fully vaccinated?

[@TheMattJames]

negative PCR test in the UK and I was fully vaccinated.

[@willowwellness3650]

This is very helpful - dinner and the pool sounds nice but we can do that in Miami

[@TheMattJames]

Yes you can! but it wont be barbados 😉

[@sweetandyyy]

When me and my family went there in August it was the same thing. The quarantine is sooo long. I do understand that they do it for safety measures but we were required to take a test before we left the U.S which came back negative and we have the vaccine so..yea. I just wish the quarantine time would go by a lot faster. However, Barbados is a beautiful county and we enjoyed our stay!

[@TheMattJames]

I agree. Every other country only required a pre-arrival test, however, Barbados being the one country that required a pre-arrival test AND a post arrival test, you’d have thought they’d at least do everything possible to ensure it was a seamless process. And in the event they were to lose people’s tests, they would at least have the courtesy to inform them and endeavour to make alternative arrangements. I absolutely did enjoy my time in Barbados, but unfortunately, I did not enjoy my arrival.

[@JL-uz9ky]

Hi Matt!!! Any chance you could post a link to the Hotel you were staying in with the private pool etc??? Please ;-)

[@TheMattJames]

It’s called the little arches boutique. Drop them an email and tell them I sent you 😉

[@francinejaninesarmiento1797]

Are they still that strict until now? planning to travel there this month. What bag did you use for this travel? Have you tried using a duffle bag for your travel? I recommend using the Bento Bag from Nomad Lane. I've been using this bag for months now and it is such a hack. It has a trolley sleeve feature and it fits under the seat too! makes your travel more convenient and effortless and it packs like a suitcase too!

[@TheMattJames]

You’ll have to check the latest travel guidance on visit Barbados

[@TheSlayNetwork]

I said it in my video when I got stuck last year I love Barbados but the extended quarantine times and lost results all feels really scammy. It did help to expedite my results when I reached out to the Ministry of health. I wish you had this info back then. So sorry this was your experience but I’m glad you were able to enjoy the remainder of your stay after quarantine

[@briannascarda9135]

Did you have to show your hotel and your car rental service your negative test in order to get the bracelet off and get the car? Or did they not require the document? Going to Barbados in a few weeks and would love to know more details about what to expect! Thanks for your awesome and helpful video!!

[@TheMattJames]

Yes of course, the hotel are very involved. The hotel will not remove your bracelet unless everyone in your group has received a negative PCR test result back, otherwise they can get shutdown.

[@BLAKSMARSHALL]

Man, i could believe you spent all that time in quarantine, loooonngg, you kept your spirit high. really insightful

[@TheMattJames]

Thanks!

[@kategosson3104]

I was reluctant to watch this from the title but it is actually quite informative of what you went through. I’m sorry that you had to experience this massive admin blunder, but thank you for sharing your resolution. I’m hoping my friends and I won’t run into this in my trip in March, but I’m grateful to be armed with a back-up plan! Looking forward to checking out the rest of your Barbados travel videos!

[@TheMattJames]

Thanks for your comment Kate! glad you took the time to watch it, as I just wanted to be as informative as possible, to make people aware what CAN happen. Amazing, I have about 10 videos from the Barbados series, check them out!

[@michaelreidy6300]

Is the PCR still mandatory when entering Barbados?

[@eddiejones.redvees]

I am looking at this video because one of my neighbours has booked a holiday in Barbados it does not now look much different from Jamaica were we usual go now since being retired we were going for the fifth time in 2019 but was cancelled because of covid we are just picked up the courage to go back we have also been to Cuba a few times in the past if like cigars and old cars is the place to go

[@brezzyinbim3573]

As a barbadian myself im sorry you had to go through all these things on your first time here.I hope you were able to enjoy yourself even with all of these issue's.

[@TheMattJames]

Don’t worry, this was all made up for by the welcoming and friendly nature of Barbadians. My stay in Barbados was actually incredible, as you will see from the subsequent videos in this Barbados series. 😉

[@Conservancy0012]

Yeah... All of those things are in place to protect the citizens and our industry... I am glad you enjoy the country as a whole!!! I am also Barbadian btw

[@quietstorm677]

I really feel sorry for you guys. I will not be visiting at this time of Covid.

[@rashadbennett4103]

@@Conservancy0012 iws

[@rashadbennett4103]

Y sorry?

[@princemckenzie5227]

Hi, how did you manage to record drone footage, is there a process for bringing and using a drone in Barbados?

[@TheMattJames]

Yep! Apply for a permit, super simple

[@traylong]

I thought they got rid of the 3 day quarantine on Oct 24th, is it back? I am coming on Dec 17 staying with family. When did you actually travel there? surely not 2 days ago on Nov 28th

[@TheMattJames]

This was filmed September, best to check their official website for latest guidance 😊

[@BajanLifestyles]

Well, appreciate the honesty

[@TheMattJames]

You’re welcome!

[@jaisel8469]

Love your videos of Barbados!!

[@TheMattJames]

Thanks!

[@therealgodessisis]

In Jamaica we roast the bedfruit in its skin then peel and fry. 😋

[@chrisrm18]

Wow in Aruba PCR tests take 4-8 hours since last year even. Does Barbados not have certified laboratories?

[@TheMattJames]

They only have 2 doing the entire island. I believe since they have introduced a third one, but that is only for private tests, not government testing.

[@kareemagard5515]

Thoroughly enjoyed your video Matt. I understand your frustration however I am glad you got you and your family got to enjoy the food and the beach. Be sure to come again when the is Kadooment. That festival is going to be great.

[@TheMattJames]

Amazing place! Defo returning soon

[@labsbiotech1474]

This blog title should have been called "Covid-19 PCR test Barbedos" 😃

[@aliasmari]

I enjoyed your video, greetings from Saudi Arabia

[@TheMattJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@watafiya]

I spent 13 days in quarantine, no symptoms and came in with a negative test result during the backlog of January 2021 and I was just glad that I wasn’t coming for a short vacation and came with the amount to cover the hotel stay (I was reimbursed a couple months later) because that would’ve really sucked. I was at the terminal about to board the plane when I found out about the backlog and I had to pay for a test in FL because my initial test expired. So, I was going for sure. I read lots of forums of people talking about how they went for vacation during that time and they didn’t get to do anything. What I wondered as the 14 days approached was if I would be able to leave even though my result never came back since I would’ve basically been in there for two weeks with no symptoms. I was really gonna risk it all for the ocean just a walk away🤣 I kept on having to rebook my next location which obviously wasn’t enjoyable. It doesn’t matter if it’s a pandemic and “things happen”. You don’t promise people one thing and then expect them to be 100% okay if it doesn’t actually work that way. It can’t be that hard to maintain things organized and in order. Why would some get their results before other if they took the test after? That’s not on the traveler.

[@MzWhoDey513]

So wait, I’m traveling to Barbados in 2 weeks. Were you not vaccinated???

[@TheMattJames]

i was triple vaccinated.

[@rosanneroszetta4484]

I love Barbados and i have family out there but i would rather stay home during this Covid period, if you travel you take chances on getting blocked out there, you stress with paper work and tests, tests and more tests, Holidays are for relaxing.... i will wait till 2023 !

[@plorr2FYI]

Definitely share your views my dear.. Love Bim but it must wait til 2023 for me

[@TheChris7690]

Nice tan!

[@TheMattJames]

Thanks!

[@karenwiltshire4311]

Oh wow 😮 we go in just over two weeks time just trying to get my head round the pcr test and all the forms counting down the days 😀

[@TheMattJames]

Hopefully you had no issue!

[@karenwiltshire4311]

@@TheMattJames forms, qr codes etc took a while but was worth it had a fantastic time can’t wait to go back

[@noramargherita17]

It hurts me to see you guys frustrated from your covid test experience. I can't imagine! But hope you and your family had fun. Looking forward to seeing more videos!

[@TheMattJames]

Had an amazing stay as you can see from the videos!

[@chubbycheq]

Totally out of date. These are no longer the travel protocols for Barbados

[@TheMattJames]

Again, simply sharing my experience of travelling to Barbados in 2021, as the title suggests…

[@michaelmarini94]

What material is your face mask made out of?

[@hanaadiscovery496]

Which hotel did you guys stay at ?

[@TheMattJames]

The little arches

[@makabiyahe593]

Awesome video... I visited Barbados around July and my test result came the next morning which meant i was only in quarantine for 1 nights sleep... But yeah this video brings me back to all the procedures I went through...

[@TheMattJames]

Yeah I got super unlucky! I can’t wait to return though

[@makabiyahe593]

@@TheMattJames Good thing you werent stuck in your room though and was able to use the facilities... That would have been annoying...

[@TheMattJames]

@@makabiyahe593 yeah that was a blessing!

[@DanielHBTL]

Are Drones Allowed in Barbados

[@TheMattJames]

With a permit, yes

[@DanielHBTL]

@@TheMattJames how did you get the permit?

[@TheMattJames]

@@DanielHBTL apply online a couple weeks before

[@koladenurse]

This is so weird, i am Barbadian and every PCR test i had last year and this year i got under 24hrs, in many cases the results came in early morning like 1am or 2 am. You definitely would have been a unique case. Plus there are a number of private labs that could have even come to the hotel... Geez this is unfortunate, but the Gym is a mess... The Policlinics are more organized and the Queens Park site from a public health perspective.

[@TheMattJames]

I know right :(

[@K4Lku]

I saw you took a drone! I thought drones are prohibited there?

[@TheMattJames]

apply for your permit

[@K4Lku]

@@TheMattJames did you apply online? I read the confiscate it upon arrival then you have to go the transportation department to get a permit?

[@houseofwynn]

Talk about a rollercoaster of ✨character building✨ Barbados looks insane! 🌞

[@TheMattJames]

Wait for the rest of this series! Barbados is unreal 😍🏝

[@AdventurewithvegUS]

How is it now? Anyone been recently?

[@TheJansenJournal]

Nice video Matt!

[@TheMattJames]

Thanks!

[@nicolaoffert4006]

Although this was really rotten for you and your family, it does highlight the hassles, risks and ever changing hoops to jump through if one chooses to travel at the mo. You did a great job and demonstrated that this could have happened to anyone. Hope you all enjoyed the rest of your hols. 😊👍🌊☀🏖🍹

[@TheMattJames]

thanks nicola! i appreciate your comment - and yes, as you will see from the subsequent videos of the barbados series, we had a pretty amazing time 😉

[@gingermarie1760]

God loves you so much that He sent His Holy Son Jesus from heaven to earth, to be born of a virgin, to grow up and die on a cross for our sins, and to be put into a tomb 3 days and rise from the dead the third day, and He (Jesus) went back up to heaven. We must receive Sinless Jesus sincerely to be God's child(John 1:12).After we get saved by grace through faith in Christ, if we truly love the Lord Jesus Christ, then we will obey Jesus(John 14:15). Mark 1:15 "And saying, the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: Repent ye, and believe the gospel." Jesus said in John 14:15 "If you love Me, keep My commandments. "There's a real hell. It says in Revelation 21:8 "But for the cowardly, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, & immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone..." Please sincerely receive Holy Jesus and put your true faith and trust in Him today and please repent.

[@HectorPerez-ds4sp]

Good trip with your grandparents! Jejej

[@TheMattJames]

parents

[@stephenhall3597]

Unfortunately, most of this is out of date before you published the video; no pcr test at the airport, you can collect a car at the airport etc...no quarantine for most visitors (fully vaccinated) but everyone understands the frustration of being stuck for too long in quarantine. The Gymnasium isn't in Bridgetown.

[@TheMattJames]

Most of this is out of date? This video was simply documenting facts that occurred for us when travelling in September. I explicitly stated to check the latest news/rules as they always change. However, considering this new SA variant, I would not be surprised if the same measures are reintroduced.

[@stephenhall3597]

@@TheMattJames The tests were scrapped In October, same time as quarantine etc. Obviously you had problems, but this makes your example look the normal. My test came back negative inside 14 hours when tests were in place.

[@TheMattJames]

@@stephenhall3597 this ‘example’ could have happened to anyone. I was merely documenting my experience, as I would have if the process was a smooth one. Check my previous videos, it’s kind of what I do… Irrespective of your comment, what happened to me could’ve happened to anyone, and the purpose of this video and all my covid travel videos, are to highlight the risks you’re taking by travelling in this climate. With absolutely zero bias, and the utmost integrity.

[@garryboyce]

You should start it with September:

[@garryboyce]

How easy was it to get the drone authorization?

[@maybezane0]

I live in Barbados yayayay Woohoo

[@TheMattJames]

Lucky!

[@teslamastermind]

Why is Jamaican music playing in the background

[@loseyourself6881]

It's almost Christmas but it's summer in Matt's world lol

[@TheMattJames]

haha its always summer in the Caribbean!

[@Femmecreole91]

Thank you for this video because we were contemplating going over there so i guess that's a no

[@TheMattJames]

You’ll love the island though!

[@jclifestyle3426]

Looked amazing, how’s your luck getting a rainstorm straight away...

[@TheMattJames]

I know crazy haha

[@bellakinish9121]

Loving the accent totally

[@TheMattJames]

Haha really

[@soulovelee_2433]

What was the name of the hotel?

[@TheMattJames]

little arches, i made a full video about it on my channel.

[@davidpierre4737]

Hello, what the name of the hotel.

[@TheMattJames]

The little arches

[@tomwilkins9110]

Man really said the Reggae Bus 💀🤣

[@TheMattJames]

That’s what it’s called.

[@kareemagard5515]

It is called a van. There are reggae buses or party buses but those are not the party buses.

[@virassammydarren]

Unfortunate and thankfully the protocols have changed...for vaccinated travelers, no more quarantines required or PCR tests required upon entry.

[@TheMattJames]

amazing news!

[@virassammydarren]

@@TheMattJames It definitely is. Hope you make your way back here at some point to enjoy again.

[@TdotSoul]

Man, that testing situation is brutal!

[@TheMattJames]

Sure is!

[@GabrielleStuart]

This is insane

[@TheMattJames]

Yep!

[@jesseyounker]

Sorry for this, I love Barbados and have lived there and visited over 20 times but this seems par for the course. They have a bunch of silly procedures. I won’t go back until it changes.

[@TheMattJames]

Still love the island!

[@dianasoloway-gubitz7853]

Extremely LOW vaccination rate in Barbados but money goes towards punitive measures against tourists instead of vaccination programs

[@ericstone3027]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@peterbynoe9457]

Next time having bread friut dip with sauce

[@TheMattJames]

Noted!

[@iankelly781]

I can’t believe the trouble you had to go through to enjoy a holiday ? Even if your vaccinated ? Mental !

[@microsoftbighard]

The world has gone completely insane.

[@TheMattJames]

Has a bit!

[@pemetikmadu]

iam from indonesia thank you for your information, i hope i can g o travel Vlog there, sory iam not good in english, i hope we can succes together

[@iankelly781]

Would put you off going until they lift restrictions it’s not a cheap place to go ! Is it the same for unvaccinated travellers ? Can’t wait to get back there but will wait till the madness has lifted

[@TheMattJames]

Yes, but as I'm aware I think they have lifted restrictions. But the best bet is to check latest guidance

[@iankelly781]

@@TheMattJames ta enjoyed the vids

[@Itxjaylax]

I live there ahhhhh

[@TheMattJames]

Amazing!

[@aviral5132]

I have lived in Barbados for 3 years just came back now. Its a great place to live. I know the covid tests and evrything make it a bad experience especially when u are on a vacation. I needed a covid test too when i was returning from Barbados. But i decided not to go to any government sites and instead chose a private laboratory. It might cost more, but atleast there weren't any long waits and got the results within 5 hours. Barbados is expensive though . I wouldnt have imagined going to Barbados if i wasn't enrolled in a university there. But overall, it was a great experience. Living there for 3 years I now know how to save money on the island. I would love to go back again for a long vacation. :D

[@gabriel54647]

Next time visit Trinidad and Tobago 🇹🇹

[@TheMattJames]

I want to badly!

[@gabriel54647]

@@TheMattJames no pcr needed as of now just a antigen test I not there currently I am in the uk but we have the best food

[@GFeintuck]

Thanks Matt, but come back soon! December 21, it took us longer to get our hold luggage off the carousel than to negotiate the Immigration red-tape

[@maxvlogswithu7495]

Definitely not going to chance it!

[@TheMattJames]

Beautiful island though!

[@gooddaymba6641]

This guy went there as white guy then the sun there changed him to Indian man 😂😂😂

[@TheMattJames]

Hahaha this is the funniest thing. Happens every time I travel, the Indian heritage becomes obvious!

[@loganhh1043]

Bro be flying a drone when it’s illegal there lmao

[@TheMattJames]

apply, and get a permit.

[@kareemagard5515]

As long as he has applies for a permit it is okay

[@peterbynoe9457]

Hi from Barbados

[@TheMattJames]

Hey!

[@richardwilkinson8552]

The caribbean is one of the places in the world thats not very efficient or organised, so it was a bad idea from the start to visit during a pandemic. Great food, wonderful beaches, more Zrs than you'll ever need, but everyting else is very very poor standard. EVERYTHING else. but the people, are wonderful... and make decent hosts. love barbados.

[@roamingrucksack]

Covid has made travel so complicated.

[@Traveljetsetter954]

I can go to st thomas usvi to get a rum punch amd don't need need a passport

[@joeshmoe1585]

Screw all this BS, Im staying home.

[@TheMattJames]

Hahaha

[@Originalman144]

Just cut the stupid wristbands off and go to beach. Hopefully people look back and see how manipulated they allowed themselves to be. It's pathetic listening to this chap be such a compliant drone. With food on his mouth.

[@Chelezj]

Beautiful republic

[@TheMattJames]

Beautiful place

[@tiana2478]

Hi I am from Barbados it might take long to get test but you will enjoy the island

[@TheMattJames]

i loved it!

[@Sunsplash.1217]

Why was your visit to Barbados a travel nightmare ?! If you're referring to the quarratining and covid testing; it's necessary to prevent the spread of infection on the island. Besides it seems you had a fabulous time.. 🌞🌺🌴

[@TheMattJames]

Because it was supposed to be 24-48 hours, which is totally understandable. The 'nightmare' is referring to losing our tests, thus being stuck....was this not clear?

[@Sunsplash.1217]

@@TheMattJames 😇 👌

[@alaylakadph64]

New Subs from the Philippines! Lovely content. Full Coverage.

[@TheMattJames]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@kelvinmasika]

You could've just gone to Zanzibar,...

[@TheMattJames]

Next time!

[@lilitapaegle1089]

4 days still from holiday

[@TheMattJames]

Enjoy!

[@jerryandersson1540]

What tyrrani looks like.

[@Vesalate5151]

It's a new republic this week, so things are slow . To be expected

[@cripteaching2743]

Actually she sells jelrew

[@nativeberry8216]

i hope this guy knows that drones are illegal in barbados

[@TheMattJames]

Apply, and get a permit.

[@ajwatson9974]

The entertainment choices on Virgin are rubbish same old same old

[@paul.uk9913]

This is what flu with 99.8% survival rate did! 🙀

[@algae_rhythms]

What a load of bullshit. I'll carefully avoid the country. Thank you

[@dereck4187]

Vlogging is Barbados people are so weird to it..........

[@TheMattJames]

People are so weird to vlogging everywhere 😅

[@adriennefloreen]

If you think being stuck in quarantine for 100 hours is bad, how about being stuck on a ventilator for 100 hours... then dying?

[@jeffreykeith808]

I don't feel sorry for anyone who thinks they can 'comply' their way back to being 'normal' It's because of the people who bow down and comply that this will just go on and on This has never been about your health, this has never been about your safety and definitely has never been about science This has always been about power and control over you and you let it happen by complying The only way this ends is when people say it ends with mass non-compliance Until then, enjoy the world you've created by complying

[@genghissu1185]

demand your money back

[@TheMattJames]

Lol the islands beauty made up for it

[@gabriel54647]

Very unprofessional

[@karenh2945]

Your hand pointing in every shot is annoying, and you’re not even wearing your mask appropriately (over both mouth and nose)). Had to stop watching after a couple minutes.