Like in most places, crime and drugs are present in Barbados. Travelers, though, are not usually victims of violent crime and generally enjoy better security than local residents. Most hotels, resorts, and other businesses catering to tourists operate in walled compounds monitored by private security staff.

Barbados is widely recognized as one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean, and its resorts are generally very secure environments for international travelers. Most major resorts—especially those in popular areas like the West Coast (Platinum Coast) and the South Coast (St. Lawrence Gap)—employ professional 24-hour security teams, utilize surveillance cameras, and have controlled access points to ensure guest safety. While the island as a whole has seen a statistical uptick in gang-related violent crime in recent years, these incidents are almost exclusively localized to specific non-tourist neighborhoods and rarely, if ever, involve visitors. For resort guests, the most common safety concern is "petty theft," such as leaving a phone or wallet unattended on a beach chair or in an unlocked rental car. Standard travel common sense—such as using the in-room safe for valuables and staying in well-lit, populated areas at night—is usually more than enough to ensure a trouble-free vacation. The local government and the Royal Barbados Police Force prioritize the safety of the tourism sector, which is the backbone of the economy, resulting in a strong police presence in high-traffic visitor zones. Compared to its regional neighbors, Barbados maintains a reputation for hospitality and a "low-risk" travel advisory status from major international bodies.