Prior to your journey, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with our Bahamas entry requirements for a seamless travel experience. To ensure a smooth entry into the Bahamas by plane, a valid passport is mandatory for all visitors, and an immigration form and oral baggage declaration must be completed upon your arrival.
What is required to travel to The Bahamas?
Do I need a visa to visit the Bahamas?
American passport holders can enter The Bahamas visa-free for stays of up to 8 months. For U.S. citizens, a valid U.S. Passport is essential for re-entry into the United States. The Bahamian Government may also ask for proof of a return airline ticket to demonstrate your intent to leave the country after your visit, and sufficient funds to support the duration of your stay in The Bahamas. It's important to note that voter registration or a certified birth certificate is no longer accepted as proof of U.S. citizenship.
Everyone is required to complete and sign an immigration form upon arrival in The Bahamas, and they must retain a portion of the card until their departure. All individuals must also complete a written baggage declaration form. For those without a passport, please refer to www.travel.state.gov* for the latest information on the passport application procedure.
Canadian visitors will only need a visa if their stay extends beyond 8 months. However, they must have specific documents, including a Canadian passport valid for at least 3 months after departing The Bahamas (for direct travel) or at least 6 months if transiting through other countries like the U.S. Permanent Canadian residents will also need a Permanent Resident card and a return airline ticket to show proof of plans to leave the country after the duration of their stay.
Visa Requirements
- Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 8 months
- Business visa: not required
- Student permit: required
See the Government of Canada’s Travel website* for more details.
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What do I need to enter The Bahamas as a non-U.S. citizen living in the U.S.?
Non-U.S. citizens who are currently living in the U.S. have specific Bahamas entry requirements:
For stays up to 30 days, they must bring an Alien Registration Card (Green Card) along with a valid national passport from their country of birth. For stays that exceed 30 days, they will need a valid national passport and a Bahamas Visa.
Visiting The Bahamas from Latin America
When visiting The Bahamas, citizens from Latin America need to have a valid passport that covers their planned stay. For stays under 3 months, a Bahamas visa is not mandatory. However, if you are leaving The Bahamas to travel to a country that enforces a passport validity requirement of 6 months beyond your travel dates, you must adhere to that rule. Additionally, it’s essential to have a return or onward journey ticket, hotel confirmation (if applicable), and be prepared to provide proof of funds to support your trip if requested.
Visiting the Bahamas from Other Countries
For entry into The Bahamas directly from or via the U.S., citizens from countries other than the U.S. and Canada must have a valid passport that remains current throughout their travel period. Additionally, some countries may require a Bahamas visa. If you leave The Bahamas for a country that mandates a passport validity of at least 6 months beyond your travel dates, that regulation will be upheld. You must also have a return or onward journey ticket and provide evidence of adequate funds to support your stay.
See The Bahamas Government Website* for more information on Visa requirements by country.
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Does The Bahamas Require Proof of Vaccination?
Visitors are not required to take COVID-19 entry tests and most travelers do not need specific vaccinations prior to their arrival in The Bahamas. However, all travelers over the age of one arriving from countries where there is a risk of Yellow Fever transmission must present a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. These visitors must be vaccinated at least 10 days before entering The Bahamas.
Visit The Bahamas Government* website for the latest list of countries.
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Arriving by Boat
Entering The Bahamas on a private boat like a yacht, a fishing boat, or cruise ship requires that you provide the following documentation:
- One copy of The Bahamas Customs Clearance Form
- One Bahamas Immigration Card per person
- Proof of Citizenship (passport)
When you arrive in The Bahamas by boat, you will be asked to fill out an Immigration Arrival/Departure Card, which you will keep until you leave. You must go through Customs and Immigration at the nearest designated Port of Entry, show the yellow quarantine flag, and inform Customs about your arrival. Until your vessel is cleared, only the captain can disembark. Once cleared, passengers can embark on exciting excursions and explore the beauty of The Bahamas during their cruise stop. All travelers must be in possession of a return ticket.
Visit the Association of Bahamas Marinas* website to learn more about entering The Bahamas by boat.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): The Bahamas Travel Requirements
For travelers planning to visit The Bahamas, here are some frequently asked questions to help ensure your travel experience is seamless.
Book Your Dream Bahamas Trip Today
With our comprehensive list of Bahamas travel requirements, get ready for a smooth arrival, thrilling adventures, and memories that will last a lifetime. Book a cruise to The Bahamas with Holland America Line and set sail on an unforgettable journey.