Travel To Bahamas: What Americans Need To Know

The Bahamas is a popular tourist destination for Americans, and while U.S. citizens do not need a visa for visits under eight months, there are several other requirements to be aware of before travelling.

Entry requirements for US citizens

US citizens are required to present a valid US passport when travelling to The Bahamas, as well as proof of their anticipated departure from the country. This could include a return airline ticket. US citizens should also be aware that a voter registration or certified birth certificate is no longer accepted as proof of US citizenship.

If you are travelling to The Bahamas on a cruise, you may use another Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant document, such as a US passport card. However, it is strongly recommended that you obtain a passport before travel, in case of an unforeseen emergency that requires you to return by air.

US citizens coming for tourism will not need a visa for travel up to 90 days. All other travellers will need a visa and/or work permit.

Upon arriving in Nassau, everyone must fill out and sign an immigration form, keeping a portion of the card in hand until their departure. An oral baggage declaration is also required.

As of May 2023, nonimmigrant air passengers no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the US. Additionally, the Bahamian government has removed the pre-arrival COVID-19 testing requirement. All visitors, regardless of their vaccination status, are welcome to travel freely to and throughout The Bahamas.

Safety advice for US citizens

The US Department of State has issued a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution travel advisory for the Bahamas due to crime. The majority of crime occurs on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands. In Nassau, the "Over the Hill" area (south of Shirley Street) has a high homicide rate due to gang-on-gang violence. Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas. Here are some safety tips for US citizens travelling to the Bahamas:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier for the US Embassy to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the US Department of State on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest security updates.
• Review the Country Security Report for The Bahamas and the Traveler’s Checklist before your trip.
• Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times, even in areas usually considered safe.
• Stay in downtown Nassau, where there are regular police patrols, and avoid the "Over the Hill" area after dark.
• Avoid walking alone, especially at night, and stay in well-lit, tourist areas.
• Do not go on foot outside the main tourist areas and beaches. Travel in groups after dusk.
• Keep your doors and windows locked, especially when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security may not be present.
• Do not answer the door at your hotel/residence unless you know who it is.
• Do not carry large sums of cash or valuables, and keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place.
• Be extra cautious when withdrawing cash from ATMs.
• Use only registered taxis and limousines arranged through your hotel. Negotiate the price before getting into the taxi, as they do not use meters.
• Never get out of your car to remove objects blocking the road, as robberies and carjackings can occur.
• If you are threatened by armed criminals, stay calm and do not resist. Criminals often carry weapons and may become violent.
• Be cautious when renting jet skis and other water sports equipment, as the industry is poorly regulated. Many companies and individuals offering water sports activities are unregistered or use poor-quality equipment.
• Never swim alone, and always be mindful of sharks when swimming or engaging in water activities.
• Be aware of weather and water conditions and heed local warnings.
• Do not leave food or drinks unattended, as drink spiking and sexual assault are common.
• US authorities may conduct thorough drug searches, so do not use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties for drug offences are severe and include fines and lengthy prison sentences.
• Serious crimes, including aggravated murder, terrorism, treason, and war crimes, can attract the death penalty.
• Be aware of the local laws and customs, and respect cultural differences. For example, while same-sex relations are legal, it is not widely accepted, and public displays of affection may receive negative attention.
• Monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities, especially during hurricane season (June to November), as natural disasters and severe weather can occur.
• Obtain comprehensive travel insurance that covers all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation.
• Keep your passport in a safe, waterproof location, and ensure it is valid for at least six months after your planned return date.
• Always pack your own luggage and do not carry anything through customs for other people.

Travel advice for US citizens

Entry requirements

US citizens need a valid US passport to enter the Bahamas and re-enter the US. The Bahamian government may also require proof of a return airline ticket and sufficient funds to support your stay. You will also need to fill out an immigration form and complete an oral baggage declaration upon arrival.

Health and safety

The Bahamas has a high rate of violent crime, including armed robberies, burglaries, bag snatchings, theft, fraud, and sexual assaults. These crimes occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas, including in resorts and cruise ship terminals. Be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rentals where private security companies are not present.

The Bahamas also has a high rate of sexual assault, which has occurred near hotels and in hotel rooms, and by jet ski operators. Do not visit isolated areas, including beaches, especially at night, and do not walk alone after dark.

Food and drink spiking is a risk in tourist resorts, and is often followed by sexual assault or robbery. Never leave your food or drink unattended.

The water sports industry in the Bahamas is poorly regulated. Be careful when renting jet skis and other water sports equipment, as many companies and individuals offering water sports activities are unregistered.

Getting around

Traffic congestion in Nassau is severe, and drivers frequently display aggressive or careless tendencies. Accidents involving pedestrians on New Providence Island are common. Drive defensively and be alert to cars pulling out from side streets.

Public transportation is available by minibus (jitneys) and taxi. Agree on a fare with taxis before departing for your destination.

Other considerations

• US authorities may conduct thorough drug searches in the Bahamas. Do not carry anything through customs for other people.
• The legal age for same-sex relations in the Bahamas is 18, but it is not widely socially accepted. Avoid being affectionate in public.
• The Bahamas experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including hurricanes. Monitor local media for the latest information.

Visa requirements for US citizens

US citizens do not need a visa to enter the Bahamas if they are entering as bona fide visitors for a stay not exceeding eight months. However, they must have a valid passport and a return or onward ticket. If they are arriving by cruise, they may use another Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant document, such as a US passport card, although it is strongly recommended that they obtain a passport before travel in case of an unforeseen emergency that requires them to disembark and return by air.

US citizens should also be aware that they must declare currency or other negotiable instruments of $10,000 or more upon entry and exit.

US permanent residents (non-citizens) need different documentation depending on the length of their visit. For visits not exceeding 30 days, they need an original Alien Registration Card (Green Card) and a national passport (passport from the country of birth). For visits exceeding 30 days, they need a valid national passport and a Bahamas visa.

Health advice for US citizens

COVID-19

As of May 2, 2023, nonimmigrant air passengers no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States. Additionally, the Bahamas has removed its COVID-19 testing requirements for fully vaccinated travellers. However, it is important to check for the latest updates before travelling, as requirements may change.

Vaccinations

It is recommended that you are up to date with all routine vaccinations before travelling to the Bahamas. This includes:

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Food and Water Precautions

Food and water standards vary around the world and within countries. In the Bahamas, it is recommended that you:

• Avoid drinking water and instead opt for bottled water
• Avoid ice unless it is made from bottled or disinfected water
• Avoid raw or undercooked foods, especially meat and eggs
• Avoid unpasteurized dairy products
• Only eat fruits or vegetables that have been cooked or that you have peeled yourself

Preventing Bug Bites

To reduce your risk of bug bites:

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats
• Use insect repellent containing 20% or more DEET
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (do not use permethrin directly on the skin)
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms
• Use a bed net if sleeping in an area exposed to the outdoors

Heat-Related Illnesses

Heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. To stay safe:

• Eat and drink regularly
• Wear loose and lightweight clothing
• Limit physical activity during high temperatures
• Eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating

Water Safety

To stay safe around water:

• Swim only in designated swimming areas and obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket
• Do not dive into shallow water
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming
• Wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste

Animal Safety

To protect yourself from animals:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds or get their saliva in your eyes or mouth
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces
• Supervise travelling pets closely and do not allow them to come in contact with local animals
• If you wake up in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately as bat bites may be hard to see

General Safety

To maintain your personal security:

• Research your destination, including local laws, customs, and culture
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home
• Pack as light as possible and leave at home any item you could not replace
• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel
• Follow all local laws and social customs
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewellery
• Always keep hotel doors locked and store valuables in secure areas
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors

Frequently asked questions