• Citizens of the countries from this list can stay in the Bahamas for up to 90 days without a visa.
• Citizens of countries from this list must obtain a visa for the required period

To enter the Bahamas, you must have a valid passport for at least six months after your departure date

For stamps, you must have 2 blank pages

Prices for a visa depend on its type and cost from $ 110 to $ 250

• Single visit visa
• 2 types of visas for multiple visits: with and without biometric data collection

To apply, contact the nearest consulate or apply online through this page

A visa for 1 visit can be made from 3-5 days to 2 weeks.

You can find the address of the nearest consulate or embassy and their contacts on this page

Free import

1. Up to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or up to 1 pound (450 grams)
2. Up to 1 US quart (0.95 liters) of spirits or wine

Children must be accompanied by a parent. One parent or person accompanying the child must have the appropriate permits

Cats and dogs must be accompanied by a veterinary certificate obtained no more than a year ago. The certificate is valid for 1 entry only.
In addition, pets must be:

1. Over 6 months old;
2. Have a rabies vaccine received at least one month and no more than 10 months before travel (for a vaccine valid for 1 year) or 34 months (for a vaccine for 3 years).

Bahamian Dollar

BSD

Banknotes of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 dollars

Coins of 1, 5, 10, 15, 25 cents

Where can I change my currency?
Currency can be exchanged at bank offices, hotels and large stores. Although the Bahamian dollar is tightly pegged to the US dollar, the exchange rate can vary widely from institution to institution. The most stable exchange rate is at international bank offices in Nassau and Freeport, in tourist areas. often the exchange rate is less favorable, although there you can freely pay in US dollars.
Travelers’ checks can be cashed at bank offices, hotels and large shops.

Opening hours
Banks are usually open from 9.00-9.30 to 15.00 from Monday to Thursday. On Fridays – from 9.30 am to 5 pm. Opening times may vary from island to island. Some peripheral banks have very limited opening hours and are often open one or two days a week.

Commission
Some hotels, restaurants and exchange offices charge large fees for cashing checks, so it is always advisable to check the terms in advance.

ATMs are located in large tourist centers everywhere, on the outer islands there are much less of them.

What currency should I take with me?
It is best to take dollars to the Bahamas. The national currency in the Bahamas is the Bahamian dollar, which is almost 1 to 1 correlated with the US dollar, which is considered an equal currency here and settlements in dollars are allowed by law.

How to pay in hotels, shops, restaurants, taxis?
Along with the local currency, the American dollar is accepted almost everywhere.
All types of credit cards are also accepted for payment. If you are going to remote islands, it is better to stock up on cash, as there may be problems with the availability of ATMs.

Other
There are no currency control and restrictions on the import and export of foreign currency. The export of local currency in excess of 70 BSD per person must be approved by the Central Bank of the Bahamas.

The climate is tropical, with a hot and rainy season from May to October and a cooler season from November to April.

The best time to visit the Bahamas is during the dry season, from late November to mid-April.
From June to November, the Bahamas can be hit by hurricanes.

In the coolest months (January and February), the average daily temperature is around 20 °C (68 °F).

The Bahamas is a country that consists of around 700 islands and over 2000 cays. It’s not a big country by any means, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do here. One of the best things about Bahamas is the tranquil and undisturbed peace of the islands. Many islandsa and cays are very ecological and protected, nature is the king in Bahamas. You can easily encounter exotic plants and animals, the kinds of which you’ve never seen or read about before. Fishing, diving and water sports are all popular activities throughout the country. The water is very pristine and clear, in spite of all these activities. Of course, there are also urban centres like Nassau or Freeport where you can go shopping or dining. Bahamas often feels like paradise, a paradise that will make you relax and feel calm.

The Atlantis Resort, located in Paradise Island, is the most popular and the most known tourist destination in Bahamas. The biggest feature of this resort is Aquaventure, a huge 62 hectare waterscape. Here you can find various water slides, pools, lagoons and marine habitats. Of course, it’s called a resort for a reason, as there are also plenty of hotels to stay in. From the Beach Tower to the Royal Tower, there are accommodations for every type of budget. Not only that, but there’s also a golf club, a marine habitat called the Dolphin Cay and even a shopping centre, called the Marina Village. You can also go on charter boat tours to explore the nearby islands or even go snorkeling. No matter what type of person you are, you will find something to do in the Atlantis Resort.

Website: https://www.atlantisbahamas.com/

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/gFMyo6DgMyDmHRqcA
This resort is located in the northern part of Nassau. From the airport, you can get there with taxi or a car. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to reach it.

Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is one of the first land and sea reserves, founded in 1958. It is only accessible by a private boat or a charter, but that doesn’t mean this amazing location is not visited often. Many divers and boaters come here daily, with the intent to see the unique marine life or to snorkel. The park is divided into three parts: Great Exuma, Little Exuma, and The Exuma Cays. It has some of the most beautiful seascapes in the Bahamas, with its extremely clear and blue water. Water sports are also a common activity here. Even celebrities, for example Johnny Depp, live in the Exuma Cays. As no fishing and other exploitation is allowed in this park, it really feels untouched by human hand.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/p237ecKqtQfwDKav9
There is no direct connection between Nassau and this park. First, you need to either board a boat or plane to Rock Sound. It’s about a 30 min trip from Nassau. From Rock Sound, you can easily reach this park with a ferry.

Andros Island is the largest island in the Bahamas. If you have a love for the marine life and nature, you definitely need to visit this island. Here you can find 5 national parks, filled with rich bird life, marine life and forests. Not only that, but you can also encounter various type of flora, like orchids or mangrove swamps. Everything on the island is very ecological and nature is very respected. In addition, fishing and diving are also very popular activities. Diving in the blue holes or fishing bonefish or tuna is an unforgettable experience. Festivals, like the Crabfest at Fresh Creek or the Pirate’s Festival, occur every year with both locals and tourists participating. Androsia Hand Made Batik Factory is a good place for shopping, as you can buy various fabrics with Bahamian motifs.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/DgdFP27djbQZoYCPA
Andros Island is about 60 kilometers west of Nassau. You can either fly from Nassau Airport or take a ferry from Nassau. By plane it will take you 30 minutes to reach the island, while by ferry it takes about 4 hours.

Elbow Cay is a 13 kilometer long cay located in the Abaco Islands. It was originally settled by British in 1785 and still retains the old-school feel and look of that era. Elbow Reef Lighthouse, built in 1862, is a also a very interesting piece of history and architecture. In Hope Town, the biggest city in the cay, you can also find the Wyannie Malone Historical Museum. It’s certainly a destination every history lover should visit. In addition, the Tilloo Cay Reserve and Hope Town marina are also two popular tourist destinations that people should not miss.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/HsCjV8nmARfYfoQV8
Elbow Cay is about 170 kilometers north of Nassau. You can either take a plane to Marsh Harbour or go straight there with a ferry.

Green Turtle Cay is a 5 kilometer long cay located in the Great Abaco. Like the Elbow Cay, this location also has that old-school British settlement feel and is a good place to relax. Moreover, in the center of New Plymouth, you can find 24 busts of promiment Bahamians, plus there’s a small museum. This is a good way to learn something about the culture and history of Bahamas. Transportation mostly consists of golf carts or walking, as both the cay and New Plymouth are not very large. Here you can also find a couple of shops, bars and restaurants. Fishing is quite popular here too, with bonefish being the main catch. For accommodation, you can stay at the Green Turtle Club and Marina.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/3xoquQMgp2jGGTDk9
This cay is about 200 kilometers north of Nassau. You can take a ferry from Nassau straight to Green Turtle Cay or first fly to Marsh Harbour and then take a ferry from there. The first option is usually much faster.

Port Lucaya Marketplace is the commercial hub and a tourist hotspot in the island of Grand Bahama. It’s the largest commercial hub in the whole country, with many different activities to do. For dining, you have 16 different restaurants to choose from and 4 bars for socializing and enjoying a drink. You can also try out exotic food at the Seafood Stand or dance to Bahamian music at the Marketplace Square. Of course, the biggest attraction at this marketplace is, as the name suggests, shopping. Here you can find a huge variety of duty free stores, two Straw Markets and various craft centres and carts.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/votrdsEGkCQujMZg8
The marketplace is about 200 kilometers northwest of Nassau. Your first option is to fly from Nassau airport, which will take about 90 minutes, and then take a taxi to the marketplace. Your second option is to board a ferry, but it will take about 9 hours to reach the marketplace.

National Art Gallery of Bahamas is an art gallery located in Nassau. It’s the first art gallery in the Bahamas and also the biggest one. The building itself is a 1860s villa, which makes this whole location very authentic. Inside the museum, exhibits mostly focus on various Bahamian artists and their works. Art pieces like sculptures, paintings and photographs highlight Bahamian culture and history. Moreover, other Caribbean artists also have their own exhibits, showcasing not only Bahamas, but the Caribbean region as a whole.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/AjpMPD6cb41xGPbN6
This art gallery is located in the northern part of Nassau. From the center of the city, you can easily take a bus or taxi. Going on foot is also an option, it’s only 30 minutes from the center.

Garden of the Groves is a 5 hectare botanical garden located near Freeport. It’s a very tranquil place, lush with flora. In the garden you can find various exotic plants, like jawa plum trees, and wildlife, which you won’t see anywhere else. Families and kids can also have fun here, as there is a kid’s playground and a zoo where you can play and interact with various animals like pigs. For other activities, there’s also an Arts and Crafts Center, a cafe and even a chapel. You can also buy souvenirs at the gift shop.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/BmEziQmqb29AgV1b9
Garden of the Groves is about 200 kilometers north of Nassau. Your first option is to fly from Nassau airport, which will take about 90 minutes, and then take a taxi to the this garden. Your second option is to board a ferry, but it will take about 9 hours to reach the garden.

Please visit this page to find your country’s embassy.

To travel to the Bahamas, medical insurance is not required, but it is still necessary to get it, since the resorts are far from major medical clinics, and the prices for medical services are very high. Insurance is issued for each tourist and eliminates the need to pay medical expenses for emergency medical care and the return of the victim to their homeland. If you are a fan of water sports, then to the standard insurance it is worth adding insurance for risks associated with outdoor activities and the organization of rescue services.

There are no compulsory vaccination requirements to visit the Bahamas, but there are diseases for the avoidance of which, vaccinations are desirable:
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus (once every 10 years), influenza vaccination – seasonal, recommended annually, hepatitis A and B.

Tap water is chlorinated and relatively safe for health, but drinking this water is not recommended, it is better to use bottled water. The food is reasonably safe.

Most of the beaches are separated from the ocean by coral reefs and rocks, so there are no dangerous inhabitants in the water. However, you should not swim in the open sea, as the coastal currents are very strong and the likelihood of encountering sea predators and underwater rocks is quite high. We recommend using repellents to keep out mosquitoes.

1. Call the assistance company, which is a partner of your insurance company. Contacts can be found in the insurance policy.
2. Provide all the necessary information regarding the insured event and the symptoms with which the illness proceeds.
3. The representative of the assistance company will find a suitable medical institution where you should go. If the clinic is far from your place of stay, ask what type of transport you can use and whether the trip will be paid for by the insurance company later. For payment, keep all documents proving your transportation costs to the medical facility. These documents must reflect the cost and route (if possible).
4. Upon arrival at the medical facility, do not pay for any services other than those agreed with the assistance company. Do not leave any important documents at registration.
5. Keep all documents that prove the costs of purchased drugs.
6. Do not contact medical institutions (individual doctors) before receiving approval from the assistance company. You will have to pay for such requests yourself and there is a high risk that these costs will not be reimbursed by the insurance company in the future.

In the Bahamas, the level of medicine is quite high, clinics have modern equipment and provide a full range of services. However, the prices are very high.

• Lucayan Medical East,
  E Sunrise Hwy, Freeport, The Bahamas,
  Phone: (242) 373-7400
  Website: www.llhhospital.com
• Rand Memorial Hospital,
  E Atlantic Dr, Freeport F-40071, The Bahamas,
  Phone: (242) 350-6700
  Website: www.phabahamas.org
• HawksBill Clinic,
  Hawksbill Village, Freeport, The Bahamas,
  Phone: (242) 352-7722

1. Contact the local police as soon as possible, where you will be given a temporary ID. Ask to certify two copies: show one at the embassy, ​​and the second will be useful at home when you restore your passport.
2. Call the embassy, ​​clarify what documents will be required to restore your identity card, and the time of reception.
   Usually this:
   – two photos;
   – an identity document (civil passport, its certified copy, driver’s license, hunting ticket or any document with your name, photo and seal);
   – if any, electronic copies of the international passport and the general civil passport;
3. Go to the embassy. If everything is in order with the documents, a certificate of the right to return to your homeland will be issued to you on the same day within a few hours, and you will present it at the airport at passport control on your way home. Keep in mind that this certificate is valid for 14 days, so if you came for a long vacation and lost your passport on the very first day, it is worth doing the restoration no earlier than 2 weeks before departure.

The Bahamas is one of the safest countries to travel to. However, you should be aware of the precautions.
When arriving in the country and traveling long distances, use the services of city taxis.
Do not take drinks from strangers and do not carry large amounts of money with you, do not display money and valuables, choose main roads and well-lit places. Indoor smoking is prohibited everywhere. There are specially designated places for this.
Wash your hands often.
Tipping is welcome and is a minimum of 15% of the taxi bill or services, USD 1 per suitcase and USD 2 for the maid.
Use sunscreen to avoid sunburn.
For active recreation, use the services of trusted organizations, since recently the number of accidents on the water (surfing, diving, etc.) has increased due to the poor quality of services of little-known companies.

There are 2 major mobile operators in the Bahamas

We suggest you to select “BTC”, because this is the largest and the most widespread operator in the Bahamas. With “BTC” SIM you will have enough data for all of your needs.

Check if you need an adapter before starting a trip

Some appliances never need a converter. If the label states ‘INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz’ the appliance can be used in all countries in the world

Bahamas is a country composed of many different islands. Their transportation is mostly good, but options are limited. Roads in the country are uneven, with some being good, while others are quite poor. Public transportation consists only of buses, while in Out Islands you can only travel by taxi or by renting a car.
Road traffic is on the left side.

Buses are the only ground based public transport in the country. Moreover, Bahamas also have many minibuses, that are called jitneys. Buses are more formal and have stricter schedules, while minibuses are cheaper and depart only when they are full. Minibuses are also much more popular and have many more routes, but they are not as reliable. Buses are also rarely have stops, they mostly stop when someone flags them down. Most of them also run from 6:30 am to 19:00 pm. Tickets can only be bought from the bus drivers. New Providence and Grand Bahamas are the only islands in the country with a bus service, others do not have any type of ground public transport.

There are many taxis in Bahamas and they are easy to find. All taxis in the country are licensed and fares are determined by the government. Some taxis are metered, some are not, so agreeing on the price before departing is advised. Some cabs can be in a quite bad condition, especially if you hail one from the street. Because of that, it is highly recommended to book a taxi via phone call and only ride taxis that have yellow license plates. Taxi travel is expensive, so if you’re on a budget, taxi travel should be kept to a minimum. In Out Islands, taxis are one of the few options for travelling around, as they have no public transportation.

In airports and popular tourist destinations like the Nassau, you can find many car rental services. Local services tend to be cheaper, especially if you can negotiate. In Out Islands, renting a car can be a great choice, as there are no public transport there. The biggest question about driving in Bahamas, is whether you can adapt to driving on the left side. Road conditions in the country are uneven. Popular roads are usually in a good state, but many old and less traveled roads tend to be poor. Moreover, navigating Nassau can also be a headache, due to its narrow streets and traffic jams. Weather conditions like rainstorms can also flood the roads, making them more dangerous. In addition, rental and fuel prices are high. To rent a car in Bahamas, you must be 21 year old and have a driving license.

Because Bahamas is composed of many islands, there are many ferries running between them. There are several different types of ferries, like the Bahamas FastFerries and Mail Boats. Ferries run pretty much between every island in the country, but tend to be slow and expensive. Tickets can be bought at ports or online at https://www.bahamasferries.com/book-now/

Domestic flights in Bahamas are quite popular. This is an alternative to taking a ferry, but it’s usually more costly, although faster. Most flights are between Nassau and other islands throughout the country.

The main international airport in the Bahamas is Lynden Pindling International Airport

Car rental

There are several car rental services at the airport.

Taxi

You can easily find a taxi outside the airport.

Private transfer

You can also book a private transfer from the airport.

The local population is quite friendly and ready to provide assistance if necessary. However, there are some restrictions and prohibitions.
Fishing with spearguns and other devices for these purposes is not permitted.
Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and theft are quite common in the Bahamas, so you need to be careful. It is undesirable for girls and women to walk alone after dark.
There is practically no state supervision over local firms offering services in active sports, which entails frequent accidents and fatalities during spear fishing, diving, surfing.
Going to the Bahamas, it is not necessary, but it is advisable to get vaccinated against hepatitis B, diphtheria and tuberculosis. The widespread prevalence of HIV and AIDS in the region should also be taken into account.

The most comfortable time to be in the Bahamas is the high season. It lasts from November to May.
The low season begins with the arrival of summer. At this time it becomes not only very hot, but humid. The danger of this season lies not only in heavy torrential rains, which can go on for several days without stopping, but also in hurricane winds that are typical for the entire Caribbean region. Usually, the largest number of hurricanes occurs in June and September-October.

Accommodation in any hotel in the Bahamas guarantees impeccable service and a luxurious view of the coast. The classification of hotels here starts with 3 stars and is determined by either the owners themselves or the tour operators.

In Nassau and other major cities, you can find hotels housed in historic buildings. They are distinguished by their unique flavor and beautiful interiors. A number of hotels are located along the coastline; these are complexes consisting of several houses. There are no inexpensive hostels here, but you can rent an apartment from local residents.

Most of the cheapest guest houses are located on the coast of the larger islands. Guesthouses are especially popular with divers and surfers. Accommodation here is relatively inexpensive, besides, you can rent all the necessary equipment for outdoor activities.

Children’s menu and baby food are provided in most hotels.
Necessary items for children can also be purchased in supermarkets, shopping centers, pharmacies or small shops in the hotel or nearby.

• Nassau is home to the popular Aquaventure water park, one of the ten best water parks in the world.
  “Pirate’s Cove” in Freeport is a water park with pirates as its main theme.
• Capital’s “”Fun Galaxy Amusement Park”” – an entertainment center for the whole family with carousels, train, basketball court, bowling and motorcycle tracks.
• Museum and Art Center “”Junkanoo World”” in Nassau.
• Another metropolitan museum called Pirates of Nassau invites you to plunge into the world of pirates from the early 16th century.
• On the beautiful island of Eleuthera, children and adults have the opportunity to look into the world of turtles. This is the location of the Edwin’s Turtle Lake Marine Reserve.
• We recommend that you definitely visit the Grand Inagua (Great Inagua), which is an excellent place for bird watching (flamingos).
• Abaco National Park, Maine-O-War Reef (Abaco Cay).

Babysitting services are available in hotels, and for older children, some hotels provide professional animation services.

In the capital Nassau, you will find a huge amount of entertainment for children (water parks, parks, museums)
For a more comfortable family holiday in the Bahamas, we advise you to choose hotels away from the capital Nassau. There are so-called “”family islands”” in the Bahamas. These include Exuma, Abaco, Androsa, Vimini, Yelesara and Kat. In their surroundings, you will find virgin nature and tranquil relaxation. The indigenous population of the Family Islands is renowned for its friendliness and warmth towards tourists. Visitors are welcomed here as family members.

• Light clothing, preferably made of natural fabrics. For going to a restaurant – evening dress.
• Comfortable shoes
• Beach accessories and high factor sunscreen.
• Necessary medicines: drugs for headaches, drugs for poisoning and indigestion, cardiovascular and choleretic drugs, eye drops, iodine, brilliant green and dressings. In addition to the first-aid kit, you may also need: remedies for motion sickness and insect bites, adhesive plaster, wet wipes and hand sanitizer.

The Bahamas is a country with loyal attitude to animals

You can transport your pet on public transport in a suitable carrier.

It is better to discuss this issue directly with the driver.

There are many hotels in the Bahamas where you can stay with your pets and you can pick one of them when booking.

If all of the above rules are followed, there will be no problems traveling with animals in the Bahamas.

Transporting animals long distances is a huge stress for them. Please consider this fact in order not to harm your little friend.
And if you cannot leave your pet under the supervision of the house, then take care of purchasing the most comfortable carrying and take with you enough medicines to solve the problems of the animal as soon as possible.

You can find additional information on this page

For a luxurious beach holiday, the clearest waters of the Atlantic Ocean and coral reefs, shopping, and casinos, definitely go to the Bahamas! And here are a couple of rules to make your trip even better:
It is forbidden to talk on the phone without a headset or speakerphone
In the Bahamas, children under 12 cannot ride in front. Use child restraints in the back seat. Penalty for violation is $ 100.
For safety reasons, it is better to refuse to travel in bad weather.
All you need to have is a European driving license or an international driver’s license, if you are not from Europe or the United States, you will also need a registration document (vehicle passport, the details of which must be indicated on the vehicle registration application). if you have insurance. Third party insurance is required in the Bahamas. Have a nice trip!

There are no toll roads in the Bahamas, tolls are charged only on the territory of some bridges