Travel To Bahamas: What You Need To Know

The Bahamas is a popular tourist destination, with its 16 major islands offering a diverse range of attractions, from secluded beaches to bustling cities. However, travellers should be aware of the potential risks associated with visiting the country. The US Department of State and the Government of Canada advise exercising increased caution in the Bahamas due to high rates of crime, especially in Nassau and Freeport. Sexual assaults and robberies are common, and gang-related violence has resulted in a high homicide rate. In addition, the water sports industry is poorly regulated, and tourists have been injured or killed in jet-ski and watercraft accidents. Travellers should also be aware of the risk of credit card and ATM fraud, as well as food and drink spiking in tourist resorts. Despite these concerns, the Bahamas remains a popular destination for sun-seekers and adventure enthusiasts alike.

Entry requirements

The Bahamas has specific entry requirements that you must meet before you can enter the country. These requirements vary depending on your country of citizenship and residency, and the type of passport you hold. Here are the entry requirements you need to know:

Passport Requirements:

Before travelling to the Bahamas, ensure that your passport is valid for the duration of your stay. Some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. It is recommended that you verify the specific passport requirements with your transportation company, as their rules may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Visa Requirements:

The visa requirements for the Bahamas depend on your country of citizenship and the length of your stay. Here are the visa requirements for some common countries:

• United States Citizens: No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
• U.S. Permanent Residents (Non-citizens): For visits not exceeding 30 days, an original Alien Registration Card (Green Card) and a national passport are required. For visits exceeding 30 days, a valid national passport and a Bahamas visa are necessary.
• Canadian Citizens: A visa is not required for stays up to eight months. A Canadian passport with a validity of at least three months beyond the departure date is needed.
• Canadian Permanent Residents: Can stay in the Bahamas for 30 days without a visa. They must have a valid passport and a Canadian Permanent Resident Card, both with a validity of at least three months beyond the return date.
• Latin American Citizens: No visa is required for stays of up to three months. A valid passport covering the intended stay period is mandatory.
• Other Countries: Citizens from countries other than the U.S. and Canada need a valid passport and may also require a Bahamas visa, depending on their country of citizenship.

Health Requirements:

Most visitors to the Bahamas do not need special vaccinations. However, travellers over the age of one, arriving from countries with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission, must provide a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. Additionally, it is recommended that you are up-to-date with all your routine vaccinations before travelling.

Customs Requirements:

Upon arrival in the Bahamas, you must complete and sign an immigration card, which will be stamped by officials. This card must be retained until your departure. An oral baggage declaration is also required, and there are restrictions on the amount of alcohol, tobacco, and personal effects that can be brought into the country.

Other Requirements:

• Minor Travelling with One Parent: A notarized letter of permission from the parent not travelling may be requested.
• Return or Onward Ticket: Customs officials may ask to see your return or onward ticket upon entry.
• Proof of Funds: You may be asked to show proof of funds to support your visit.
• COVID-19 Requirements: Recent protocols and travel requirements related to COVID-19 have been implemented. Ensure you check the latest information before travelling.

Crime and safety

The US State Department has issued a Level 2 warning for the Bahamas, advising travellers to exercise increased caution due to the prevalence of violent crimes. The Bahamas has a moderate crime rate, and the majority of crimes occur on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands. In Nassau, the "Over the Hill" area (south of Shirley Street) is particularly dangerous, with a high homicide rate due to gang-on-gang violence. Violent crimes such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas.

When staying at short-term vacation rental properties, be vigilant as private security companies may not be present. Crimes against travellers in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, and Nassau include robberies, which occur in cruise ship terminals, popular resort areas, and even during daylight hours. Crime increases during the holidays. It is advised to stay in tourist areas, remain vigilant, and avoid walking alone at night.

Sexual assaults occur frequently in the Bahamas, particularly near hotels, in hotel rooms, casinos, on cruise ships, and on the beach. Reported incidents are on the rise in Nassau, including on Paradise Island. In some cases, victims were drugged. Be wary of embarking on jet-ski rides, as several incidents of sexual assault have been reported.

Credit card and ATM fraud occur in the Bahamas, especially in Nassau. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards, and only use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside banks.

The water sports rental industry is poorly regulated in the Bahamas, and tourists have been seriously injured using jet skis and other watercraft. Tourists are advised to rent water sports equipment from reputable, locally registered operators only, and to ensure that the equipment is safe and in good condition.

Boaters should be alert to the possibility of encountering watercraft operated by illegal drug traders. It is recommended to remain vigilant and use only officially recognised docking and berthing facilities.

When travelling by car, keep your doors locked and windows rolled up. Never get out of your car to remove items blocking the road, as this could be a ploy by armed assailants to rob you. Keep valuables out of sight in your parked vehicle.

After dusk, avoid travelling on local buses outside of the main tourist areas. Only use licensed taxis, and never share a taxi with strangers. Negotiate the price before getting into the taxi, as they do not use meters.

The Bahamas is generally safe for women travellers, but it is advised to avoid excessive alcohol consumption and to be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum, or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as these may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

The Bahamas is also prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes, with the hurricane season lasting from June to November. While hurricanes typically do not pose a direct life-threatening risk, it is recommended to stay informed about the latest hurricane updates and adjust your travel plans accordingly.

Overall, while the Bahamas is a beautiful destination, it is important to stay vigilant and follow safety precautions to ensure a worry-free vacation.

Sexual assault

The Bahamas is a popular tourist destination, but visitors should be aware of the risks of sexual assault in the country. Sexual assault occurs frequently in the Bahamas, particularly near hotels, in hotel rooms, in casinos, on cruise ships, and on beaches. Reported incidents of sexual assault are on the rise in Nassau, including on Paradise Island. In some cases, victims have been drugged.

There have been several recent incidents of tourists being sexually assaulted in the Bahamas. In one case, two American women on a Carnival cruise reported that they were drugged and sexually assaulted by resort staff on Grand Bahama Island. In another case, two Kentucky women claimed they were sexually assaulted by staff members at a resort in Freeport, Grand Bahama, after their drinks were spiked. These incidents highlight the importance of being vigilant when travelling in the Bahamas.

• Stay in tourist areas and always remain vigilant.
• Avoid walking alone at night and don't carry large sums of cash or valuables.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended, and be wary of accepting snacks or beverages from new acquaintances.
• Be cautious when using jet skis or other water sports equipment, as several incidents of sexual assault have been reported in this context. Only use reputable, locally registered operators, and ensure that you receive proper training before using any equipment.
• Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and avoid using drugs.
• Don't accept rides from strangers or unlicensed taxi drivers.
• Follow general safety guidelines for preventing sexual assault, such as being aware of your surroundings and trusting your instincts.

The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas due to increased crime, including sexual assaults. This advisory recommends that travellers exercise increased caution when visiting the country. It is important for travellers to be aware of this advisory and to stay informed about any updates before travelling to the Bahamas.

Water sports

Jet Skiing

Jet skiing is a popular activity in the Bahamas, offering thrill-seekers the chance to explore the open ocean and experience the thrill of driving on the water. When hiring a jet ski, you will receive instructions on how to operate it safely.

Parasailing

Parasailing is another water sport that allows you to experience the feeling of flying. This activity involves being harnessed to a parachute attached to a boat, which then propels you into the air as it moves forward. Many vendors on local beaches offer parasailing, and you can also book in advance.

Snorkelling

Snorkelling is one of the most popular water sports in the Bahamas, allowing you to explore the country's diverse marine life up close. With warm waters all year round, you can snorkel right from the beaches or a boat without the need for a wetsuit. The Bahamas is home to a variety of marine life, including fish, coral reefs, crabs, lobsters, and the famous conch.

Boat Tours

Boat tours are a great way to experience the Bahamas and offer the opportunity to swim, snorkel, and visit different islands. You can take a full-day excursion to a private island, enjoy local cuisine, and participate in various water activities.

Swimming with Marine Life

The Bahamas offers unique experiences such as swimming with pigs, turtles, dolphins, stingrays, and even sharks. In Nassau's Blue Lagoon, you can take dolphin swimming tours and interact with these intelligent creatures. Turtles are also common sights for divers and snorkelers.

Kayaking

Kayaking is a fun and relaxing way to get out on the water and enjoy the sunshine. It is a calm activity perfect for those who prefer a more tranquil experience compared to jet skiing. Kayaking is also a safe option for beginners due to the calm waters and beautiful conditions in the Bahamas.

When participating in water sports in the Bahamas, always review and follow local weather and marine alerts. Be mindful of sharks and other marine life, and never swim alone. Additionally, be cautious when hiring independently operated jet skis or participating in jet-ski rides, as there have been reports of sexual assaults by jet-ski operators.

Medical care

However, it is important to note that the Bahamas has limited medical facilities outside of major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and provide urgent medical treatment. Therefore, it is recommended that travellers purchase medical evacuation insurance. Additionally, ambulances may experience delays due to traffic congestion, especially on New Providence Island.

The Bahamas has a mix of public and private healthcare systems. Since 2016, all Bahamians and legal residents have been able to register for free primary healthcare under the National Health Insurance Bahamas (NHI Bahamas) programme, funded by the government. This programme covers basic primary healthcare services such as physical examinations, screenings for high-risk behaviours and mental wellness, oral health and visual impairment screenings, routine examinations for newborns and young children, height, weight, and BMI checks, and early diagnosis and treatment of common diseases. However, it does not cover pharmacy services, inpatient care, chemotherapy, child delivery, or emergency care for heart attacks and broken bones.

Private healthcare in the Bahamas is often sought by expats, especially those with more serious conditions, as many specialists work from private clinics. Private hospitals offer both general and emergency services, as well as specialised care. Even with insurance, it is recommended to have enough cash when visiting hospitals, as they may require payment upfront, which will be reimbursed later.

Regarding emergency services, the Bahamas has two emergency numbers: 919 and 911, the latter being the U.S. emergency number due to the high number of U.S. tourists and residents. Expats living on smaller islands may need to travel to one of the main islands for medical treatment, as smaller islands have limited or non-existent medical facilities, and clinics may only be open a few days a week.

The Bahamas has a psychiatric hospital, the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre on New Providence Island, which deals with both geriatric care and mental health. However, health insurance is recommended for mental health treatment, as the free healthcare service only covers mental health assessments and screenings.

Before travelling to the Bahamas, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional and ensure that you have received the necessary vaccinations and medications. Recommended vaccinations include Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTP), and Hepatitis A and B. Additionally, insect bite prevention is crucial, as bugs can spread diseases such as dengue fever and Zika virus.

Frequently asked questions