Per rental, not per driver
The Government Driving Levy applies to the rental itself, not to each individual driver.
Barbados visitor driving
Do visitors need a driving permit to rent a car in Barbados?
Not anymore. The old visitor permit process has changed, and the Government Driving Levy is now handled as part of the rental process.
Quick answer
What visitors need to know before renting and driving in Barbados.
- Valid licence: You need a valid driver’s licence to rent and drive in Barbados.
- Government Driving Levy: BBD $5 per day, capped at BBD $35 total, even for longer rentals.
- No separate permit application through Click & Steer before booking — required details are captured during the rental process.
This page explains typical rental booking steps, not legal advice. Requirements may vary by rental partner.
What changed for visitors
Visitors no longer need to arrange a separate driving permit in the way many travellers expected in the past. Instead, Barbados now uses a Government Driving Levy that is handled as part of the rental process.
When you book through Click & Steer, licence and visitor details are collected during booking. Your rental partner handles levy-related submission — you are not asked to complete a separate permit application before reserving.
Additional drivers and the levy
Adding another approved driver does not mean paying another Government Driving Levy.
Additional drivers still need a licence
Each approved driver should have a valid driver’s licence available for verification.
Details captured before pickup
Click & Steer can collect additional driver details through the booking flow so the handover stays organized.
What to bring on pickup day
Have these ready for a smoother handover. You do not need to apply for a visitor driving permit at pickup.
Pickup day
Valid driver’s licence
Pickup day
Booking confirmation
Pickup day
Pickup or arrival details
Pickup day
Any additional driver details already submitted through the booking flow
Requirements may vary by rental partner.
How Click & Steer helps
Book with verified local partners and clear steps before you travel.
Book before arrival
Browse available rentals, complete your booking online, and arrive ready for pickup.
Clear rental steps
Licence and visitor details are captured during booking so your rental partner can process levy requirements.
Pickup at your location
Your rental pickup is coordinated for your requested location, including the airport, hotel, villa, or another agreed handover point.
Ready to choose a vehicle? View featured Barbados rentals or browse all vehicles. Questions? See contact.
Barbados driving permit & levy FAQs
Do visitors still need a separate Barbados driving permit?
No separate visitor driving permit is issued for typical rentals booked through Click & Steer. You need a valid driver’s licence, and the Government Driving Levy is handled as part of the rental process.
How much is the Government Driving Levy?
The amount is summarized in the Quick Answer section above. The key point for visitors is that the levy is capped even for longer rentals and handled as part of the rental process.
Do additional drivers pay another Government Driving Levy?
No. The levy applies per rental, not per driver. Additional drivers still need to be approved and should have a valid driver’s licence available for verification.
What do I need to bring on pickup day?
Bring your valid driver’s licence, booking confirmation, pickup or arrival details, and any additional driver information already submitted through your booking. Requirements may vary by rental partner.
Does Click & Steer collect the levy during booking?
Click & Steer captures the licence and visitor details required during booking. The rental partner handles levy submission according to their process — you do not need a separate pre-arrival office visit for a permit.
Can I book before I arrive in Barbados?
Yes. You can browse available rentals, complete your booking online, and arrive ready for pickup. See featured rentals on our Barbados car rental page or browse all vehicles.
Plan your Barbados rental
Browse featured rentals or browse all vehicles, then complete your booking before you arrive.