Expired Passport? No Bahamas Holiday For You!

If you're planning a trip to the Bahamas, it's important to ensure that your passport is up to date. Most countries require a valid passport for entry, and the Bahamas is no exception. In fact, the Bahamas has specific requirements for passports that travellers should be aware of. So, can you travel to the Bahamas with an expired passport? The short answer is no. Let's explore this in more detail.

What if my passport is only slightly expired?

If your passport is only slightly expired, you may still be able to travel to the Bahamas, but it depends on your country of citizenship and residency. Here are some important points to consider:

• All travellers to the Bahamas are required to have a valid passport. However, the validity period may vary depending on your country of origin.
• For US citizens, it is recommended that your passport be valid for the duration of your trip to the Bahamas. While there is no explicit "six-month rule" for US passports, it is always a good idea to check with your airline, as they may have specific requirements.
• For Canadian citizens, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of your expected departure from the Bahamas for direct travel. If you are transiting through other countries such as the US, your passport must be valid for at least six months.
• For UK citizens, it is recommended to have at least six months left on your passport, as this is a requirement for British Immigration purposes. However, if your stay in the Bahamas is less than three weeks, you may be allowed entry with less than six months' validity.
• For Latin American citizens, your passport must cover the period of your intended stay in the Bahamas. If you are departing the Bahamas for a country that requires passport validity of six months beyond your travel dates, then that requirement will be enforced.
• For citizens of other countries (except the US and Canada), you must present a valid passport that is current for your travel period.

Please note that these guidelines may change, and it is always recommended to verify the latest entry requirements with official government sources before your trip. Additionally, airlines may have their own specific requirements regarding passport validity, so it is important to check with your airline as well.

Can I travel to the Bahamas without a passport?

Travelling to the Bahamas

The Bahamas is a popular destination for travellers, especially those from the US. However, it is not possible to travel to the Bahamas without a valid passport, regardless of your mode of transport.

Passport Requirements

All travellers to the Bahamas are required to have a valid passport. This passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date of expected departure from the Bahamas. It is recommended that your passport is valid for 6 months to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Additional Requirements

Depending on your country of citizenship and residency, you may also need to present additional documents upon arrival in the Bahamas. These include:

• A return or onward ticket
• A letter and further documentation if flying by private aircraft
• Documentation from the Captain if travelling by private vessel
• Travel vouchers or passbooks if travelling by commercial cruise ship
• Visa or entry permits for any other country you will visit
• Sufficient funds to finance your visit (approx. $200 USD per day)
• A letter of invitation if residing at a private address
• A confirmed hotel booking

US Citizens

US citizens must present a valid passport book with at least two blank visa pages when flying in and out of the Bahamas. There are no exceptions to this rule.

Canadian Citizens

Canadian citizens only require a visa if their stay exceeds eight months. They must present a Canadian passport valid for at least three months after leaving the Bahamas, or six months if transiting through other countries such as the US.

US and Canadian Permanent Residents (Non-Citizens)

US and Canadian permanent residents who are not citizens need the following documentation:

• For visits not exceeding 30 days: an original Alien Registration Card (Green Card) and a national passport (passport from the country of birth)
• For visits exceeding 30 days: a valid national passport and a Bahamas visa

Latin American Citizens

Latin American citizens are required to present a valid passport that covers their intended stay in the Bahamas. A Bahamas visa is not required if the stay is less than three months. However, if you are departing the Bahamas for a country that requires six months of passport validity, then that requirement will be enforced.

Citizens from Other Countries

Citizens from countries other than the US and Canada are required to present a valid passport that is current for their travel period. Some countries also need a Bahamas visa. If you are departing the Bahamas for a country that requires six months of passport validity, then you must comply with that rule.

What if I have a passport card, not a book?

If you have a passport card, not a book, you may be able to travel to the Bahamas, but this depends on your mode of transport and your country of origin.

Passport cards are issued by the US Department of State and can be used by US citizens and non-citizen nationals for land and sea border entry into Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. They are not valid for international air travel.

If you are travelling to the Bahamas by air, you will need a passport book. If you are travelling by sea, a passport card will be sufficient.

It is important to note that, regardless of your mode of transport, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of departure from the Bahamas. Airlines will not let passengers board with expired travel documents.

What if I'm a US citizen?

US citizens must present a valid passport book with at least two blank visa pages when flying in and out of the Bahamas. This is a strict requirement with no exceptions. Passport cards, birth certificates, etc., are not accepted when travelling by air.

If you are travelling by sea, a valid passport book or passport card is required. However, if you are on a "closed-loop cruise" that starts and ends in the same US port, you will need one of the following to re-enter the US:

• Enhanced Driver's License
• Proof of citizenship or naturalization certificate, plus a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license)

It is worth noting that some cruise lines strongly recommend that all guests travelling to the Bahamas from the US and other ports have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the end of the cruise. This is to cover any eventualities, such as missing an embarkation or having to return home early due to an emergency.

US citizens do not require a visa to enter the Bahamas.

What if I'm a Canadian citizen?

If you are a Canadian citizen, you do not need a visa to visit the Bahamas. You can remain in the country for a maximum of eight months without a visa. However, you must have the following documents:

A Canadian passport, with an expiry date that is not less than three months after leaving the Bahamas (for direct travel) and not less than six months (if transiting through other countries such as the US).

If you are a Canadian permanent resident (formerly known as a Landed Immigrant), you may stay in the Bahamas for 30 days without a visa. You must travel with the following documents:

• A valid passport from your country of origin, with an expiry date that is not less than three months after your return from the Bahamas (for direct travel) and not less than six months (if transiting through other countries such as the US)
• An original Canadian Permanent Resident Card with an expiry date that is not less than three months (for direct travel) and not less than six months (if transiting through other countries such as the US)

If your visit to the Bahamas will exceed 30 days, you should contact the nearest Bahamian Embassy or High Commission.

Frequently asked questions