Entry Requirements

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.

As of May 2026, the Bahamas introduced a Bahamas Digital Arrival Card (BDAC) pilot program at selected flights and ports of entry. The BDAC allows eligible visitors to complete entry documentation online before arrival, combining the immigration card and customs declaration into a single digital form. The traditional paper immigration process remains available alongside the pilot. Check with your airline or port of entry to confirm whether BDAC is available for your arrival.

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 upon entering each port until cleared by customs. Only the captain is permitted to leave the vessel until clearance is complete. All persons aboard must have proof of citizenship. Failure to clear properly carries significant penalties.

Private vessels require a Bahamas Customs Clearance Form, one Bahamas Immigration Card per person, passport as proof of citizenship, and vessel registration documents or proof of ownership.

Cruising permits are required and vary by vessel length and duration. A 30-day permit costs $150 for vessels up to 30 feet, $250 for 31–50 feet, $350 for 51–100 feet, and $600 for vessels over 100 feet. Six-month and 12-month permits are available at higher rates. A Frequent Digital Cruising Card valid for two years costs $1,500 for vessels up to 50 feet, $2,500 for 51–99 feet, and $8,000 for vessels 100 feet and above.

Firearms aboard are limited to shotguns and handguns only, which must be declared with serial number, manufacturer name, and ammunition count. Weapons must be under lock and key at all times and cannot be removed from the vessel.

A separate fishing permit is required if fishing from the vessel. A 30-day fishing permit costs $100 for vessels up to 50 feet and $300 for vessels over 50 feet.

Private aircraft must land at an Airport of Entry on first arrival. Nassau and Freeport are the only airports with instrument approaches. Customs hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Aircraft require a Mode C transponder, 12-inch tail numbers, and a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board. A flight plan must be filed and activated before entering the Bahamas and closed after landing. The customs processing fee is $50 per aircraft, and landing fees range from $4 to $75 based on aircraft weight. Parking fees range from $3.33 to $20 per day based on takeoff weight.

Government departure tax is $29 per person for those six years and older.

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.