BIMSafe is a location and symptoms monitoring mobile app developed by the Ministry of Health and Wellness to assist in the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 in Barbados. It is intended for use by all passengers travelling from High- and Medium-Risk countries and has a number of different features which adapt to these considerations.

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BIMSafe App

A More Streamlined Barbados Travel Experience

The BIMSafe app allows fast processing through health checks, immigration and customs by allowing you to scan and go. And, as part of our comprehensive COVID 19 Management Programme, the BIMSafe app also allows travellers from High and Medium-Risk countries to check and report their symptoms on a daily basis for the first seven days.

Travel Resources at your Fingertips

A list of care providers, approved isolation hotels and testing procedures are just a few of the features of the BIMSafe App.

BIMSafe App

Features at a Glance

Features of the BIMSafe App to make your travel experience to Barbados as smooth as possible.

Travel Protocols

Get the latest top-level protocols and links to detailed information on requirements for travelling to Barbados.

Health Centres

Get locations, contact information and directions to health centres and testing locations island wide.

Approved Hotels

If you are travelling from a high-risk country, ensure that your hotel is on the approved list for quarantine.

Self-Assessment

Perform health self-assessments quickly and privately using the app during the first seven days after arrival.

Online ED Form

Visit the Online ED form and link with BIMSafe to make your entry into Barbados as smooth as possible.

In-Transit Information

Find out about requirements for travel through Barbados to another destination.

Dashboard

Get up-to-date statistics on case numbers and breakdowns both globally and in Barbados.

Testing Requirements

Find out information on testing requirements for tests before arrival as well as second tests on island if required.

Local Protocols

Find out information on local protocols that must be adhered to in Barbados.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BIMSafe

BIMSafe is a location and symptoms monitoring mobile app developed by the Ministry of Health and Wellness to assist in the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 in Barbados. It is intended for use by all arriving passengers and has a number of different features which adapt to these considerations.

General BIMSafe FAQs

The purpose of the wristband is to ensure you stay where you are supposed to for the period of time you are assigned to quarantine. The wristband provides a link between you and your phone allowing you additional mobility. This means you don’t have to physically have your phone on you at all times, you just need to be within a reasonable range of your phone. Your phone provides its GPS location and the connection status between it and your wristband.

After a brief period of time, if your device fails to check-in with the BIMSafe server, a notification will be sent to the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Surveillance Team who will try to contact you to determine the reason for the failure. Three different groups referenced below are part of this initiative: Hotline BIMSafe Technical Support Surveillance

The range between your wristband and your phone may vary based on local conditions but should be 30-50ft in most cases. If you exceed this distance, your phone will give an alert stating that it can no longer see your wristband and asking you to return. After a brief period of time, if your wristband is still not visible to your phone, a notification will be sent to the Surveillance Team who will try to contact you to determine the reason for the failure.

Your wristband contains an electrical loop that is closed when it is applied. If this loop is broken then it will fail to check in with your phone. This has the same effect as if you were out of range of your device.

Self-assessment is the completion of a short series of questions twice daily within a prescribed time window. The results of this assessment are calculated within the app and are not shared unless there is an answer which would be of concern to the Surveillance Team.

We understand that people have other priorities which is why self-assessment is not a fixed time. There is a 3-hour window in the morning and another in the late afternoon within which you are required to do self-assessment. If you have not submitted your answers by the end of a self assessment window, the app will notify you and then remind you again 15 mins after the close of the window. If you have still not submitted your self-assessment 30 mins after the end of the 3-hour window, a notification will be sent to the Surveillance Team and they will attempt to contact you.

General BIMSafe FAQs

In-transit passengers remaining inside terminal are not required to use BIMSafe. All other passengers leaving the airport through immigration/customs are required to use the BIMSafe App.

When you upload your PCR test to the Online ED Form it is sent to the Best Dos Santos Lab for review. You will be notified of the approval or disapproval of your documents upon entry at the airport.

The BIMSafe app doesn’t know your name and doesn’t store any personal information. Each user has a random unique code which is used to identity that particular user. In the event of any issues, this unique code is shared with the Ministry of Health & Wellness Surveillance Team and they have the authority to request your information from the Immigration Department so that appropriate action can be taken. Details on the privacy policy are available in the BIMSafe App prior to registration and also at https://www.bimsafe.bb.

The Surveillance Team has contact information based on the information you provide to Immigration. They will first try to contact you directly. If they are unable to reach you, they will contact the hotel or villa where you are staying and ask that the front desk or villa manager try to reach you and physically verify the issue. If they are still unable to determine your location or the reason for the notification, they may escalate the matter to law enforcement to physically visit your location.

Under the current protocols, a second PCR test is required 3 days after your arrival in Barbados. Once the results from your second test have been received and confirmed negative, you will be contacted by the Ministry of Health & Wellness and advised of your result and that you are no longer required to quarantine or perform self assessments.

Once you have completed your quarantine and have received your second negative test result you will be able to remove your wrist band. Most hotels have a collection box for safe deactivation and component recycling. If your accommodation does not have this service, you may discard it or keep it as a souvenir.

BIMSafe Technical FAQs

The app is available on the Apple and Google Play stores and we strongly encourage you to download the app prior to your arrival in Barbados.

All travellers are required to have BIMSafe installed on their phone. Doing so before you travel, completing the online ED for and uploading your PCR test in advance will expedite your screening on arrival.

Low-cost smart phones with the BIMSafe App preinstalled will be available for purchase should you not have a device or not wish to use your own device.

BIMSafe will run on most iOS and Android devices, including tablets. The device must have GPS functionality.

If you are over the age of 12, you will be required to wear a wristband until your quarantine period has been completed.

BIMSafe and the wristbands have been thoroughly tested and in general if there is a technical issue the Surveillance Team will be contacting you directly to resolve. If you have any issues or questions, please contact the National COVID-19 Hotline at +1 (246) 536-4500 or email support@bimsafe.gov.bb

General Barbados Travel FAQs

If you are unable to complete your Online ED form in advance of your arrival, you may use the kiosk on arrival in Barbados. Please note that this may increase the time that it takes to complete your immigration process.

Most airlines require PCR tests to travel, therefore without a test you may be denied boarding. In exceptional cases, PCR tests may be administered at the airport or a satellite testing hotel in Barbados.

A valid test is a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test which has been done less than 3 days prior to your arrival in Barbados by a certified laboratory.

If Nasopharyngeal or Oropharyngeal COVID-PCR testing is done on arrival, you have the option to be tested at the airport and then await for your results at your approved quarantine location.
Travellers also have the option to pre-book a satellite testing hotel outside of the airport. Your Nasopharyngeal or Oropharyngeal COVID-PCR test will be administered at the designated satellite hotel.
For more information on satellite testing hotels:- https://www.visitbarbados.org/covid-19-travel-guidelines-2020
The results will be emailed to you 24 hours after testing.

The BIMSafe App contains a listing of approved accommodation and you may also find this information and more at https://www.visitbarbados.org/covid-19-travel-guidelines-2020

Still have questions? Contact Us.

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