Welcome To The Bahamas
EXPLORE OUR ISLANDS
Imagine a world where you can’t tell where dreams begin and reality ends. This is The Bahamas. And it's like no other place on Earth.
WHAT MAKES THE BAHAMAS UNIQUE
The Bahamas archipelago is an ecological oasis sprinkled over 100,000 square miles of ocean, starting just 50 miles off the coast of Florida. It comprises 700 breathtaking islands, over 2,000 rocks and cays, and boasts the clearest water on the planet—with a visibility of over 200 feet. You can see your toes as easily as you can the world’s third largest fringing barrier reef.
We invite you to explore all of our islands. One step and you’ll realize our beauty extends far beyond our extraordinary natural wonders. It’s the smiles on the faces of the Bahamian people. The unique sounds of our rich culture. The warm hospitality of our heritage and our colourful history.
WEATHER IN THE BAHAMAS
EXPLORE YOUR ISLAND WEATHER
This is weather that you can quickly get used to. The trade winds have blessed us with warm year-round weather, with winter lows averaging a comfortable 70 degrees Fahrenheit and summer highs with high humidity at around 80–90, with a gentle dip at night of just 5 to 7 degrees. The result? A climate where you can have fun anytime of the day, any season.
Average Temperature
82°F(high) 66°F(low) 28°C(high) 19°C(low)
Island Weather Information
Hurricane Season
This season officially lasts from June to November, but that shouldn’t discourage the visitor at all. Reports of bad weather are often less than accurate, causing some U.S. visitors to cancel their vacations for no reason. If the reports do turn out to be TRUE, many Bahamian hotels have a Hurricane Cancellation Policy that mitigates risk. Visitors who cancel during a hurricane can receive an immediate refund with no penalties. If you do happen to get caught in a hurricane, despite everything, hotels will continue to offer courteous service and extend the lowest possible rate.
Rainy Season
Even paradise needs to cool off with a little rain now and then. The islands have rain year-round, which explains the lush vegetation. Squalls and thundershowers pass through quickly, so the rain never has to ruin your day. May and June are the months with most rain, typically with about twice as much falling in the northern islands as in the southern ones.
Entry requirements differ depending on what country you are a resident and citizen of. Check below to find out the necessary documentation you will need to ensure a smooth entry into our country.
NOTE: Where a minor child is traveling with only one parent, a notarized letter of permit from the parent not traveling may be requested. If traveling with non-parents, a notarized letter from the minor's guardians would be required. The letter should indicate that the chaperones are authorized to travel outside the country with the minor, as well as permit the chaperones to seek medical attention for the minor, if necessary.
US Citizens
For current information on regulations for international travel, visit the Travel Section of the US Customs and Border Protection Home Page: https://www.cbp.gov/.
Canadian Citizens
Canadian visitor's only require a visa if stays exceed more than eight (8) months. The individual, however, must have the following documents:
A Canadian passport, with an expiry date that is NOT less than 3 months, after leaving The Bahamas (for direct travel) and NOT less than 6 months (if transiting through other countries such as the US)
A return ticket
Canadian Permanent Residents
Permanent Residents of Canada (formerly known as Landed Immigrants) may stay in The Bahamas for 30 days without a visa. They must travel with the following items:
A valid passport from your country of origin of which expiry date, after return from The Bahamas, must NOT be less than 3 months (for direct travel) and NOT less than 6 months (if transiting through other countries such as the US)
An original Canadian Permanent Resident CARD of which the expiry date must NOT be less than 3 months (for direct travel) and NOT less than 6 months (if transiting through other countries such as the US)
A return ticket
Latin American Citizens
To enter The Bahamas, citizens from Latin America are required to present a valid passport which must cover the period of intended stay. You are not required to have a Bahamas visa if the stay is less than 3 months. If you are departing The Bahamas for a country that has the passport validity requirement of six (6) months beyond the dates of travel, then that requirement will be enforced.
You must also have a return ticket or onward journey ticket, hotel confirmation (if staying at a hotel, or name and address of residence) and, if requested, proof of funds to support your visit.
NOTE: If you are using an electronic ticket, please show Immigration a copy of your travel itinerary and ticket number.
PASSPORT refers to a valid passport from the individual's country of birth.
VISA refers to a Bahamas visa only. If a person is born in one country and resident in another, the documentation required is based upon the country of birth.
Verify Visa Requirements | How to Apply for a Visitor Visa | Visa Application Form
Visitors traveling via airlines should go to https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/to see if travel documents (health requirements, visas, and immunizations) are sufficient for the airline you are traveling on.
VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS: Most visitors to The Bahamas do not need special vaccinations before entering the country. However, travelers over age one must provide a YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION CERTIFICATE, if arriving from countries with risk of Yellow Fever transmission such as Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela. This requirement also applies to travelers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission. They must be vaccinated 10 days before entering The Bahamas. Effective January 2014, The Bahamas no longer requires proof of Yellow Fever vaccination as a prerequisite when traveling from Guyana and Suriname. The Bahamas requires proof of Yellow Fever vaccination if you are arriving from a country where Yellow Fever is endemic or there is an outbreak.
More information regarding Vaccination Requirements can be found on the following sites: www.cdc.gov/travel or the World Health Organization (link 1 and link 2).
Other Countries
Citizens from countries other than the US and Canada are required to present a valid passport To enter The Bahamas, which must be current up to your travel period, and some countries are also required to have a Bahamas visa. If you are departing The Bahamas for a country that has the passport validity requirement of six (6) months beyond the dates of departure, then that requirement will be enforced. You must also have a return, or onward journey ticket, hotel confirmation (if staying at a hotel, or name and address of residence) and proof of funds to support your visit. To view the entry requirements for your country of birth, please visit the link below.
NOTE: If you are using an electronic ticket, please show Immigration a copy of your travel itinerary and ticket number.
PASSPORT refers to a valid passport from the individual's country of birth.
VISA refers to a Bahamas visa only. If a person is born in one country and resident in another (other than the US or Canada), the documentation required is based upon the country of birth.
Verify Visa Requirements | How to Apply for a Visitor Visa | Visa Application Form
Visitors traveling via airlines should go to https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/to see if travel documents are sufficient for the airline you are traveling on.
Visa Waiver Policy For Indian Nationals Holding Canadian, Schengen , USA and UK Visas And Indian Nationals Who Are Permanent Residents In Those Countries - A visa is not required if the following conditions are met: Nationals of India with a visa issued by Canada, United Kingdom, USA or Schengen Member State for a maximum stay of 90 days. Nationals of India with a Permanent Residence Permit issued by United Kingdom or Schengen Member State for a maximum stay of 90 days. Nationals of India with a Permanent Resident/Resident Alien Card (Form I-551) issued by the USA for a maximum stay of 30 days. Nationals of India with a Permanent Resident Card issued by Canada for a maximum stay of 30 days
VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS: Most visitors to The Bahamas do not need special vaccinations before entering the country. However, travelers over age one must provide a YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION CERTIFICATE, if arriving from countries with risk of Yellow Fever transmission such as Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Rep., Chad, Congo, Congo (Dem, Rep.) Cote d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Eithopia, French Guiana, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda. This requirement also applies to travelers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission. They must be vaccinated 10 days before entering The Bahamas. Effective January 2014, The Bahamas no longer requires proof of Yellow Fever vaccination as a prerequisite when traveling from Trinidad & Tobago. The Bahamas requires proof of Yellow Fever vaccination if you are arriving from a country where Yellow Fever is endemic or there is an outbreak.
More information regarding Vaccination Requirements can be found on the following sites: www.cdc.gov/travel or the World Health Organization (link 1 and link 2).
Customs and Immigration
Arrival
Upon arriving in The Islands Of The Bahamas, everyone must fill out and sign an immigration form, keeping a portion of the card in hand until departing. An oral baggage declaration is required. Each adult visitor is allowed to bring 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes or one pound of tobacco, one quart of spirits and a variety of personal effects (personal radio headsets, bicycle, two still cameras, etc.). All beer imported into the country is dutiable at a rate of $10 per imperial gallon or $18 per case. Purchases up to a value of $100 are permitted by all arriving passengers.
Departure
For up-to-date information on regulations for International Travel, US Residents should visit the Travel Section of the US Customs and Border Protection Home Page: https://www.cbp.gov/
Boats
If entering The Bahamas by boat, there is a flat fee to clear Customs and Immigration, which is $150.00 for boats 35 feet and under and $300.00 for boats 31 feet and over. This covers a vessel with three persons or less. Also included is a cruising permit, a fishing permit, Customs and Immigration charges and the $25.00 Departure Tax is waived for up to three persons. Each additional person above three will be charged $25.00 Departure Tax. If you plan to stay longer than 12 months, special arrangements must be made with Bahamas Customs and Immigration.
US Permanent Residents (Non-citizens)
To enter The Bahamas, US residents who are not citizens need the following documentation:
Alien Registration Card (Green Card)
For visits NOT exceeding 30 days:
An original Alien Registration Card is required, along with a national passport (passport from country of birth).
For visits exceeding 30 days:
A valid national passport and a Bahamas visa are required for US resident non-citizens wishing to stay longer than 30 days.
Canadian Residents (Non-citizens)
To enter The Islands Of The Bahamas, Canadian residents (and landed Canadian immigrants) who are not Canadian citizens are required to present the following documentation:
Passport
For visits NOT exceeding 30 days:
A valid national passport accompanied by a Canadian Permanent Resident Card.
For visits exceeding 30 days:
Contact our nearest Embassy or High Commission.
NOTE: Persons are advised to purchase return tickets (and seek reimbursement upon returning home for the unused ticket), even when they are certain to return via a private boat—the chance of an airline/cruise line ticket agent allowing travel on a single ticket is very slim. If, however, the person gets to the point of Bahamas Immigration on a single ticket, the Captain of the boat would have to present himself and the cruising permit. However, a copy of the cruising permit will be permitted for crew members, who may be arriving by plane and returning by boat as their names will appear on the manifest. A letter will not suffice.
Cruise Passengers
Please be advised that all nationalities who would normally require a visa for travel to The Bahamas and intend to travel to The Bahamas by way of cruise ship must obtain a Bahamian visa. The same applies for persons traveling by air to join a cruise ship traveling through The Bahamas.
Click here to see the countries that DO NOT require visas to enter The Bahamas.
Click here to see the countries that DO require visas to enter The Bahamas.
Apply for Visa
There are several Bahamas embassies and consulates around the world where you can apply for a Bahamas visa. For more information, visit the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs website at http://www.bahamas.gov.bs. Click on "Overseas Missions" under Useful Links.
https://www.bahamas.com/entry-requirements
TRAVEL TIPS
The more you know about traveling to The Islands of The Bahamas, the more you'll be prepared when you arrive.
Bahamahost
Alternative TextTo experience the professional and knowledgeable Bahamian hospitality during your trip to The Bahamas, look for this sticker on Bahamahost taxis and buses. Managed by the National Association of Bahamahost, the program promotes professionalism, pride and education in the hospitality industry to ensure a warm welcome to visitors.
The training familiarizes all participants with correct and accurate information on the country's history, geography, civic education, economy, culture, flora, fauna, and places of interest. Additional emphasis is placed on attitudinal training, teamwork, and cooperation. Graduates of the program receive a Bahamahost ID badge and vehicle owners receive a Bahamahost sticker. All graduates are encouraged to post their badge or decal with pride.
Banking
Bank opening hours are Monday to Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Some banks are open on Saturday; hours vary between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
In Nassau / Paradise Island, there are ATM machines at Paradise Island casinos and commercial banks. In Grand Bahama Island, they can be found in major banks, the casino, and Port Lucaya Marketplace. On the Out Islands, ATMs are installed in all major islands. Most are equipped with ATM + and Cirrus systems.
Visit the Bahamas Yellow Pages for banking locations on individual islands.
Boating
Checklist for boaters before leaving for The Bahamas:
- Bahamas maps for navigation / GPS
- Fuel (quantity appropriate for travel and additional)
- Food and supplies
- Coast Guard approved safety equipment (if required, by size / type of vessel)
- Dockliners and wings
- Engine and equipment maintained and fully operational
- Appropriate spare parts
- Quarantine flag (yellow flag)
- Portable VHF Radio / Portable Floating Spare Radio
- Separators 30/50 Amp (if necessary)
- Appropriate documentation on the ownership and registration of vessels
- Proof of Citizenship - Passport
- Wharf reservations
Changing of the Guard
Since 1958, this marching display with precision drills has been performed at Government House, just before a member of the new guard replaces a member of the old guard. It is held the second Friday of each month throughout the year and is free of charge. It is a must-see attraction for visitors and locals alike. More information.
Clothing
Casual summer wear can be worn during the day at any time of the year; but be sure to bring a jacket or sweater for the cooler evenings from December to February. Most hotels / restaurants / casinos require jackets for men at night, especially in more cosmopolitan areas, such as Nassau / Paradise Island and Freeport / Lucaya.
Beachwear is inappropriate in churches, restaurants, and casinos. Away from the beach or the pool, you should cover your swimsuit with shorts or a long shirt when walking the city streets. In the more relaxed remote areas, the dress code is more flexible.
Communications
Visitors and business travelers will find that telecommunication services in The Bahamas are comparable to the services found in most developed countries. A 100% digital switching system allows direct dialing in more than 100 countries. The United States and Canada are accessible by a direct call and most hotels offer direct dialing from the rooms and / or the conference center. The Bahamas Telephone Company (BTC) provides a variety of services beyond the telephone: fax, telex, Internet, cellular service, private line service, satellite and radio leasing, and an enhanced VHF-FM radiotelephone service that allows you to contact vessels at sea. You can save money on long distance calls by purchasing phone cards. These have good rates to the United States and Canada and can be found at any BTC location in Nassau / Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island, or The Out Islands.
For those who want to use their mobile phones, BTC also has roaming agreements with 128 companies around the world. To access BTC's GSM roaming system, simply turn on your phone and wait for it to connect to the network. To check if your home service provider is a BTC roaming partner or for country-specific roaming charges, see btcbahamas.com.
Currency
The Bahamian dollar is maintained at the same level as the U.S. dollar and both are accepted interchangeably on all islands. Credit cards and traveler's checks are accepted at most locations on Nassau / Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island. ATMs + PLUS and Cirrus are in banks on Nassau / Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island, and most major Out Islands.
Driving
UK rules apply in The Bahamas, so please drive on the left and be very careful on the roundabouts. Visitors can use their residence permit for up to three months and may also apply for an international driving license. Pedestrians must remember to first look right and then left before crossing streets.
It is the law that all drivers and their passengers wear seat belts while riding in a vehicle. Please note:
A child weighing less than 20 pounds must be placed in a child seat, installed in the back seat and facing the rear of the vehicle.
A child of 20 pounds and under 40 pounds should be in a convertible car seat adapted to the back seat.
A child over 40 pounds or up to 4 feet / 9 inches tall should be fitted in a booster seat.
A child over 4 feet / 9 inches tall and between 8 and 12 years old should wear a seatbelt.
Duty-free Shopping
On most large islands you can find cameras, binoculars and telescopes, porcelain and crystal, watches and clocks, jewelry, perfumes, linens and tablecloths, alcohol and leather goods. The savings on these items are usually between 25-50% below U.S. prices.
You can find local crafts in straw markets and specialty shops, or at Festival Place in Nassau, the Bahama Craft Center on Paradise Island, and at Port Lucaya Marketplace on Grand Bahama Island.
Electricity
Electrical outlets in The Bahamas are 60 cycles / 120 volts, which is compatible with all American devices. British and European appliances require a two-pin flat adapter and a 220-volt converter.
Getting Around
Jitney Buses
A public transportation service (called jitneys) is available on several of the major islands, including Nassau / Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island. It usually runs from early morning (around 6:30 a.m.) until around 7:00 p.m. Rates vary depending on the route and the exact change is required. Bus stops are marked. On New Providence, the basic rate is $1.25 per person; areas outside the city of Nassau could cost up to $3.50.
Taxis
Taxis are conveniently placed in most hotels and at airports. You can also call for a taxi or get one off the street in the main islands. The metered rates vary by island, but they are reasonable and set by law. Please note that surcharges often apply for more than two persons and extra luggage. Check the 'Getting Around' page for the island you are visiting to get more specific information.
Health and Security
Vaccines are not required to visit The Bahamas, unless you are traveling from an infected area.
You can have peace of mind knowing that there are facilities available to meet your health and pharmacy needs. Medical facilities on the islands, particularly Nassau / Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island, have North American and European doctors.
Pets/Plants/Fish
Importation of Pets
You can bring your pet to The Bahamas, but you must prepare before you leave home. An import permit is required from the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources (Nassau) for all animals brought into the country. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue.
Follow the links below for important information on importing pets and to download the pet import form:
Application to Import Domestic Animals
Application For CITES Import/Export Animal Product/By-Product
Application To Import CITES Plants (Orchids)
Application To Import Freshwater Fish
Spring Break
Spring Break Season in The Bahamas runs from late February to mid-April. This is important information, whether you're aiming to avoid the season altogether, or you're intent upon landing right in the middle of this weeks-long youth fest.
Evenings on the beach, sports meets, and musical entertainment are some of the events usually organized for the Spring Break calendar. The front desk of your hotel will be able to provide detailed information on what's happening in their area.
Time Zone
The Bahamas falls in the Eastern Time Zone.
In March 2007, the country adopted the new Daylight Saving Time policy—the same one followed by parts of Canada and the United States. As a result, Daylight Saving Time begins each year on the second Sunday in March at 2:00 a.m. and ends on the first Sunday in November at 2:00 a.m.
Tipping
Tipping in The Bahamas should be treated just like where you come from, and you should tip according to the quality of service you receive. Bellboys and porters usually receive $1 per bag, while most other servers (waiters, taxis, etc.) receive 15%. Many establishments include the gratuity in the total, so make sure you check your bill to see if it has already been added.
Tips for Safely Enjoying Vacation on Land and Sea from the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation
The Islands of The Bahamas feature 700 islands and cays stretched across 100,000 square miles of the most beautiful water in the world. Located just 55 miles off the coast of Florida, and with numerous islands from which to choose, The Bahamas is a convenient and ideal Caribbean getaway whether visitors are seeking the high-end resorts and festivities of Nassau and Paradise Island or the untouched beaches and tranquillity of the Out Islands.
When making the most of their vacations and soaking in the sun, sand and sea, travellers should exercise the same basic precautions that they would at home. As the safety and enjoyment of our visitors is of paramount importance, we recommend the following tips for visitors to observe:
- Maintain awareness of your surroundings and valuables when in public areas, beaches and pools, as you would at home.
- Only accept rides from licensed operators on land and sea, including taxis and watercraft operators, such as water taxis, jet skis, banana boats, speedboats, etc.
- Enjoy the sun but use sunscreen, take breaks and hydrate with non-alcoholic beverages to avoid heat stroke.
- Do not swim alone and use caution if you choose to swim during early morning or after dusk.
- If you have medical issues that may affect your ability to participate in strenuous excursions, please consider before diving in.
- When booking an excursion, work directly with your hotel or travel provider to find a trusted tour operator. It is not recommended to work with individuals who may approach you on the beach or street.
- The purchase and usage of marijuana is illegal and enforced with strict penalties