Welcome to the Bahamas Travel Guide. Find helpful travel tips about this stunning chain of coral islands in the northern Caribbean. Read about airlines and ocean vessels that service the Bahamas, entry and visa requirements, accommodation and transportation, tourism specialties, customs and immigration regulations, transportation and general tips about the islands.
To find more information on travelling to the Bahamas, visit the Bahamas’ Ministry of Tourism official tourism website about the Bahamas. The website features information about the islands, experiences and attractions, hotels, special offers and more.
Travelling to the Bahamas
There are many ways to get to the Bahamas. These include flying, boating and cruising. The Bahamas is a very accessible destination, which means that you can get there from anywhere in the world.
Airlines That Fly to the Bahamas
The Bahamas islands are easily accessible via a number of regional and international airlines. These airlines include: AeroMexico, Air Canada, Air India, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Bahamasair, British Airways, COPA, Delta Air Lines, Egypt Air, Emirates, Frontier, Hawaiian Airlines, Iberia, JetBlue Airways, Reeve Aleution Airways, Spirit Airlines, Swiss, United Airlines, US Airways and Virgin America.
Airports
There are several airports in the Bahamas, but only three of them are international airports which can accommodate international commercial aircraft. Grand Bahama International Airport is located in Freeport; Lynden Pindling International Airport, the largest airport in the Bahamas is located in Nassau and San Salvador Airport is located in San Salvador.
Ocean Vessels That Sail to the Bahamas
As one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, the Bahamas boasts several ports of call. Oceans vessels may call at the ports located in Nassau and Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island, Great Stirrup Cay, Castaway Cay, Half Moon Cay, Princess Cays and Coco Cay. Some of the more popular cruise lines that berth in the Bahamas include Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebration Cruise Lines, Costa Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Lime and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.
Bahamas Entry/Visa Requirements
Before you travel to the Bahamas, there are a few entry and visa requirements to note.
Passports
All visitors to the Bahamas must possess a valid passport with at least six months before expiration.
Visas
Nationals of specific countries do NOT require a visa to enter the Bahamas. Please check the Entry Requirements for the Bahamas to see if your country of nationality is on the list. If your country is NOT on the list, you should contact the Bahamian embassy or consulate in your home country or any mission representing the Bahamas.
Entry Conditions
Visitors must possess a return ticket, confirmation of accommodation and evidence of their ability to support themselves whilst on the island.
Bahamas Customs and Immigration Regulations
All visitors (including infants) to the Bahamas must clear Customs and Immigration at the ports of entry to gain legal entry to the country.
Arriving passengers must complete the necessary immigration forms and submit to the the receiving officer.
Departing passengers must provide a completed departure record to the officer.
Accommodation in the Bahamas
There are several places to stay in the Bahamas. Choices include bed and breakfasts, apartments, condos, private homes, villas, timeshares, all inclusive properties, hotels and resorts. To guarantee your space at your desired location, you should make reservation before you visit the islands. This is also wise, because Customs and Immigration will ask you to provide this information on your arrival.
Transportation in the Bahamas
There are several transportation options on the various islands on the Bahamas. Most islands have bus services, rental cars, tour bus and taxi companies. There are also ferry services which facilitate travel to the various islands. To hire a car in the Bahamas, you must be at least 21 years old and possess a valid driver’s license from your resident country. Visitors may use their home driver’s licence if staying on the islands for up to three months. If staying longer than three months, an international driver’s license is required.
Things to Do in the Bahamas
The islands are known for their beautiful beaches, but they have also developed specialties in new areas such as: Bird Watching, Charity Tourism, Culinary Tourism, Culture/ Heritage, Cycling, Diving, Extreme Sports, Festivals, Fishing, Golf, Health, Wellness and Spa, Business (Meetings, Conferences etc.), Sailing, Soft Adventures, Sports, Weddings and Honeymoons and Wildlife Tourism.
Weather in the Bahamas
Temperatures vary between 22-32 degrees Celcius (70-90 degrees Fahrenheit). The hurricane season is June 1st to November 30th.
General Tips About The Bahamas
Here are a few other tips to note before you travel to the Bahamas.
Official Language: English
Government: Unitary parliamentary representative democracy
Capital City: Nassau
Area Code: 242
Size: 5,358 square miles
Population: 322,000
Location: Fifty miles off the coast of Florida, United States of America
Electricity: 120 Volts AC.
Currency: The Bahamian Dollar, but the US dollar is widely accepted.
Legal Drinking Age: 18
Closest Islands: Turks and Caicos Islands and Cuba
Time Zone: Eastern Daylight Time (UTC /GMT -4 hours)
Driving: Left side of the road.
Dress Code: Informal / Casual, but conservative (Beach wear is not allowed in public places; nude and topless swimming and/or sunbathing are not permitted). Camouflage clothing is illegal and will be confiscated on arrival.
Beaches: There are both public and private beaches.
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