CayHopper — Bahamas Travel Intelligence

Passports and Visas

US Citizens

US citizens do not require a visa to enter the Bahamas for stays of up to 90 days. A valid US passport is required — passport cards are accepted at sea ports of entry but not at airports. The passport must be valid for the duration of the stay; some airlines and immigration officers apply informal extensions beyond that, but travelers should not rely on them. A return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds may be requested on arrival.

Canadian Citizens

Canadian citizens do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. A valid Canadian passport is required.

UK Citizens

UK citizens (British passport holders) do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days under the standard visitor category.

EU and Other Nationalities

Most EU citizens and citizens of Commonwealth countries do not require a visa for short stays. Requirements vary for other nationalities. Travelers should confirm visa requirements with the Bahamas Department of Immigration or the nearest Bahamian embassy or consulate before booking.

Visa Extensions

If extending a stay beyond 90 days, travelers must apply to the Department of Immigration in Nassau. Extensions are not guaranteed and require a fee.

Immigration Form

All arriving visitors must complete an immigration/embarkation-disembarkation card, which is typically distributed on arriving flights or available at the port of entry. This card asks for contact details in the Bahamas, length of stay, and travel document information. Keep the departure portion of the card — it is collected on exit.

Customs Allowances

The Bahamas Customs Department sets the following general allowances for arriving visitors (amounts are standard duty-free thresholds; verify current figures before travel):

Alcohol: 1 quart (approximately 950ml) of spirits duty-free
Tobacco: 200 cigarettes (one carton) or 50 cigars or 1 pound of tobacco
Personal goods: Reasonable quantities of personal effects for the duration of the visit, not for resale
Currency: No limit on currency brought in or out, but amounts over US$10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared

Prohibited items include firearms and ammunition without a permit, illegal drugs, and certain agricultural products. Spear guns require a permit for non-residents.

Health Requirements

As of mid-2026, the Bahamas does not require proof of vaccination for entry from any country. There are no mandatory COVID-19 testing or documentation requirements in effect. Health entry requirements can change; check the official Bahamas Tourism website and your country's travel advisory service before departure.†

Arrival Process

Nassau (Lynden Pindling International Airport)

Nassau is the primary international entry point. Arriving passengers proceed through immigration (passport control), collect checked baggage, then pass through customs. Processing times vary by flight volume; arriving on a busy morning flight from Miami or Atlanta during winter peak can involve substantial queues.

Freeport (Grand Bahama International Airport)

Freeport handles direct international arrivals, primarily from Florida. Smaller passenger volumes typically mean faster processing than Nassau.

Family Islands and Private Arrivals

Travelers arriving at smaller islands by private aircraft or private boat must clear customs and immigration at a designated port of entry. Nassau, Freeport, Marsh Harbour (Abacos), Georgetown (Exumas), Governor's Harbour (Eleuthera), and Staniel Cay are among the designated ports. Private vessels must fly the yellow quarantine flag until cleared by customs. Failure to clear properly carries significant penalties.

Departure

No departure tax is required for travelers who have paid the Tourism Levy included in their airline ticket or accommodation rate. Air travelers departing Nassau pay a departure tax that is typically included in the airfare — confirm with your airline whether it is included.

See also: when-to-go · getting-there · overview · getting-there

Entry Requirements