Barbadians and Guyanese citizens will soon be able to travel between the two CARICOM nations using only a valid national identification card instead of a passport.

The new arrangement takes effect from July 1 and was jointly announced by the governments of Barbados and Guyana ahead of Guyana’s 60th Independence anniversary celebrations on May 26. Barbados is also marking its Diamond Jubilee in 2026.

In a joint announcement, both governments described the move as a significant step toward deeper regional integration and stronger people-to-people connections within the Caribbean Community.

The decision was approved after both cabinets passed the necessary orders following consultations involving government officials, CARICOM IMPACS and other regional stakeholders.

However, the ID-card travel arrangement will only apply to persons meeting specific criteria, which are expected to be outlined before the July 1 implementation date.

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley said the initiative represents a practical move to make travel easier for ordinary Caribbean people.

“This is not full freedom of movement, but it is a practical step for ordinary people. It means easier travel to see family, to do business, to celebrate, to mourn, to reconnect, and to feel a little more at home across the Caribbean Sea,” Mottley said in a social media post.

She also linked the development to the broader vision of Caribbean integration championed by regional leaders decades ago.

“Nearly 40 years ago, Errol Barrow came to Georgetown and reminded us that Caribbean people had already integrated in their hearts and in their lives, often long before governments had caught up.

“Today, Barbados and Guyana have taken another step to honour that truth.

“This is one of those moments that makes me deeply proud, not only as Prime Minister of Barbados, but as a Caribbean woman.”

Mottley also extended congratulations to Guyana on its independence milestone.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Barbados, I wish the Government and people of Guyana a happy and blessed 60th Anniversary of Independence.”