Bahamas Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

All visitors must be in possession of a return or onward ticket, plus proof of funds, and with the exception of nationals of Canada and the US, all visitors must hold passports which are valid at least six months after entry. Cruise ship passengers must hold a ticket for their ship. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travelers traveling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities.

Americans

United States passport holders must have a valid passport or a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as an original or certified birth certificate. A visa is not required for travel to the Bahamas for visits not exceeding eight months.

UK Nationals

UK nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to eight months. A passport is required, valid for six months after entry, or some form of official photo identification with a birth certificate and/or citizenship card.

Canadians

Canadians should take a passport or other form of government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. Canadians may stay in the Bahamas for up to three months without a visa; if traveling with other identification documents the maximum stay without a visa is 21 days. Extensions may be granted.

Australians

Australians do not require a visa for a stay of up to three months, but a passport valid for a minimum of six months is necessary.

South Africans

South African nationals must hold a passport valid for at least three months, but no visa is required for a stay of up to three months.

Irish Nationals

Irish nationals require a passport valid for at least six months, but no visa is needed for stays of up to three months.

New Zealanders

New Zealanders do not require a visa for a stay of up to three months, but a passport valid for at least six months is necessary.

Healthcare

A yellow fever vaccination is required by travelers aged more than one year arriving from infected areas, and Hepatitis A immunization is recommended for visitors over two years. There is a risk of malaria and travelers should take precautions before travel. Food and water is considered safe, though it is advised not to eat fruit or vegetables unless peeled or cooked. Visitors should note that some types of fish, including tropical reef fish, are poisonous to eat even when cooked. Medical facilities are good in Nassau and Freeport, but expensive and usually require payment in cash on treatment. Medical insurance is advised. Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau, where most emergency surgery is performed, is experiencing a chronic shortage of blood so those with rare blood types are advised to know the names and locations of possible donors in the event of an emergency. The Lyford Cay Hospital has a hyperbaric chamber for treatment of decompression illness.

Safety

Most visits to the Bahamas are trouble-free though care should be taken in the major cities of Nassau and Freeport. Visitors should take sensible precautions and not carry large amounts of cash or jewelry on their person or wander away from the main tourist areas, especially after dark. In light of several fatal accidents and serious injuries that have occurred using rented watersports equipment, it is advisable that only those experienced on jet skis consider renting them on New Providence and Paradise Island. The watersports industry here is poorly regulated and visitors should only rent equipment from reputable operators and make sure that they have received adequate training before going out onto the water. Hurricane season is from June to the end of November.