As you step out of the aircraft at Grantley Adams International airport, a blissful wall of warmth welcomes you and instantly the 8 or 9 hour flight feels worth every moment.
Soon you will be on your way. The taxi transfer or hire car arranged for you by our concierge team will be waiting, and you can almost taste the first sip of a welcoming rum punch at your villa.
But first comes the Immigration Hall, vast and air-conditioned (thank goodness), with tell-tale ropes twisting back and forth to manage what can often be a soul destroying queue of weary passengers.
How long does it take to get through the airport in Barbados?
Sometimes we have been lucky, with no other flights coinciding with our own. But we have also known occasions when the hall has been more than full and over an hour has passed before reaching an immigration desk.
At Christmas and other busy travel times the Fast Track service is particularly worth while, though we always select it for ourselves these days as it does make life more comfortable after a long flight. After all, we now have the perfect solution to potentially lengthy queues and the means to get you on your way without delay and to start your holiday even sooner.
Five Star Fast Track in Barbados: Our Firsthand Experience
When we first used Fast Track many years ago, we were greeted after crossing the runway by a friendly face, Autumn, who escorted us to a dedicated Fast Track lane at immigration. In a matter of minutes our passports were stamped and we were ready to collect our luggage, with the help of a Red Cap porter.
While we waited, Autumn was friendly company, and once our bags were with us we were guided through customs and out to the front of the terminal. The taxi transfer we had arranged weeks before had already been called down, and with our bags loaded, and a fond farewell to our new friend, we were safely on our way to our villa.
Now it is a regular part of our trip, and we look forward to seeing the smiling face of one of the Fast Track team waiting for us, as Chad did on our most recent team trip.
Why We Recommend It
- Dedicated Assistance: Your personal greeter waits just before the Immigration Hall.
- Priority Lines: Jump ahead of the regular queues at immigration and customs.
- Baggage Help: Your representative walks you straight to the carousel and waits with you while you point out your cases, since only you know which ones are yours. One of the airport's friendly Red Cap porters will collect them and bring them through the rest of the airport for you. The Red Caps are not part of the Fast Track fee and are paid directly at the time, so it is worth having a little cash to hand.
- Peace of Mind: You can book transfers in advance, and the fast-track staff will coordinate with your driver for a seamless pickup.
At £55.00 per person, we consider it well worth the cost, especially after a long flight. We were so impressed that we became a UK partner for Five Star Fast Track.
Our concierge team can arrange the service on your behalf and truly believe it's a brilliant way to start your holiday.
What happens once you are through customs
Your representative walks you out of the terminal and hands you over to whatever comes next, so there is no wandering about in the heat looking for your driver.
If you have booked a taxi transfer, your driver will be waiting. We can highly recommend Dave Young, who has looked after our guests and our own family for years and is invariably cheerful whatever time your flight lands. If you would rather drive yourself, your hire car can be collected on arrival at the airport instead. Our concierge team can arrange either for you before you travel, so it is all in place by the time you land.
FAQs About Arriving in Barbados
Is Five Star Fast Track available for all flights?
Generally, yes. The service is offered for both scheduled commercial and some private charter flights. Always confirm availability when booking.
What is included in the fast track arrival service?
Your dedicated Five Star Fast Track representative will greet you just before you enter the arrivals hall, dressed in pink and black and holding a sign with your name on it, so they are easy to spot. You'll then be fast-tracked hassle-free through a dedicated Immigration line, escorted to baggage claim, and guided through a dedicated Customs line. Finally, you'll be taken to your awaiting transportation or local representative.
One small thing worth knowing. Airport rules mean the bags are yours to identify, which makes sense as only you know which case is which, so you will point yours out as they come round. Your representative stays beside you the whole time and will happily wave over one of the airport's Red Cap porters, who will collect them and bring them through the rest of the airport to your transport. The Red Caps are the airport's own authorised porters rather than part of the Fast Track team, so they are paid directly at the time, and a little cash in your pocket makes that easy.
Do I need to do anything before I fly?
One thing, whether or not you book Fast Track. Everyone arriving in Barbados now completes the Immigration and Customs form online rather than filling in a paper card on the plane.
The form should be completed between 72 and 24 hours before you land, at travelform.gov.bb. You will be emailed a receipt once you have submitted it, so save it to your phone or print it out and have it ready with your passport when you land.
Fast Track takes you into a dedicated Immigration line rather than replacing the formalities, so it will take you past the queue but not past the form. Well worth doing before you leave home.
Is transport included?
No, transport is arranged separately, but our concierge team can take care of it. We can book a taxi transfer for you, and we can highly recommend Dave Young, or arrange a hire car to collect at the airport.
Can children use the VIP service?
Absolutely. All travelers (including children) can enjoy the expedited process. There is no fee for children under 11 years of age.
How far in advance should I book?
It's best to arrange Fast Track services at least a few weeks before your trip, especially during high season.
Please Note: Prices and details are correct as of August 2026 - please ask us for current terms when booking.
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