Is it safe to travel to The Bahamas right now?

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of The Bahamas’ current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in The Bahamas set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact The Bahamas High Commission in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter The Bahamas, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual Citizenship.

Visa requirements

You can usually stay in The Bahamas for up to 30 days without a visa. You can get extensions up to a maximum of 8 months. Penalties for overstaying include a fine, detention and deportation. The Bahamas High Commission lists more information about visas.

If you arrive in The Bahamas from the USA, and you have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), the time you spend in The Bahamas counts towards the 90 days you have on your ESTA. If you are in any doubt about your US visa status, ask the US Immigration and Naturalization Service or any US diplomatic mission before starting your return journey.

Vaccine requirements

To enter The Bahamas, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Bahamas guide.

Ebola

The Bahamian Government issued a Travel Advisory note which introduces health screening, possible quarantine or isolation measures for travellers who have visited affected regions within 30 days of their arrival to The Bahamas.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of The Bahamas. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave The Bahamas.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 8 months
Business visa: not required
Student visa: required

Other entry requirements

You must complete and sign an immigration card upon entry to The Bahamas. This card will be stamped by officials at the point of entry.

Customs officials may ask you to show them:

• a return or onward ticket
• proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay

If travelling by private vessel, certain documentation is required for entry into The Bahamas.

You can obtain a cruising permit online or in-person at The Bahamas Customs Department at your port of entry.

Useful links

• Department of Immigration – Government of The Bahamas
• Pleasure vessel clearance – The Bahamas Customs Department
• Boating regulations and FAQ – The Islands of The Bahamas

Departure tax

You must pay a departure tax when you leave The Bahamas. It is usually included in your fare if you travel by commercial means.

Departing – The Bahamas Customs Department

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).