The Bahamas Department of Meteorological Climatology Section advises residents and visitors in North West and Central Bahamas (including Nassau) to complete seasonal hurricane preparations before Wednesday 9 November 2022.
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for The Bahamas’ current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you are transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
Details on domestic and international travel restrictions are available at website of the Bahamian Ministry of Tourism, the COVID-19 Travel page and at the Entry requirements section.
The hurricane season in The Bahamas normally runs from June to November. You should follow the advice of the local authorities, including any evacuation orders. See the Bahamian National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for more information. See Natural disasters
While most visits are trouble free, there have been incidents of violent crime including robbery. See Crime
The Bahamian authorities issued advice following a rare fatal shark attack in June 2019. See Water safety
Although there is no recent history of terrorism in The Bahamas, attacks can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism
There is no permanent consular representation at the British High Commission in Nassau. However, the British High Commission in Kingston, Jamaica can provide consular support to British nationals. See Consular assistance
Coronavirus travel health
Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for The Bahamas on the TravelHealthPro website
See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Entry and borders
See Entry requirements to find out what you will need to do when you arrive in The Bahamas.
Be prepared for your plans to change
No travel is risk-free during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.
Plan ahead and make sure you:
- can access money
- understand what your insurance will cover
- can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned
Travel in The Bahamas
Inter-island travel
COVID-19 testing is no longer required for persons travelling inter-island, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status (unvaccinated or fully vaccinated). See the Ministry of Tourism’s website for additional information.
Public places and services
There are no restrictions placed in public places in The Bahamas.
Testing is widely available from private clinics in New Providence and in main tourist locations on outer islands. A list of testing sites is available.
Accommodation
The Ministry of Tourism provides information on accommodation including updates on COVID19 related travel requirements.
Healthcare in The Bahamas
If you’re in The Bahamas and concerned that you may have contracted coronavirus the Ministry of Health call centre is 511 or 911 – for emergency services.
Doctor’s offices, hospitals and medical facilities remain open. For contact details for doctors visit our list of healthcare providers. Your emotional and mental wellbeing is important. Read guidance on how to look after your mental wellbeing and mental health
View Health for further details on healthcare in Bahamas.
Finance
For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, visit our financial assistance guidance.
Help and support
If you need urgent consular assistance, contact your nearest British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. All telephone numbers are available 24/7.
Local travel
Travel within the islands of The Bahamas is normally undertaken by commercial flight or ferry, but many charter options are also available. Some smaller airlines have mixed safety records; only travel with reputable companies. A list of reputable companies are available on The Bahamas tourism website.
Travel can be disrupted at short notice due to changeable weather – ensure you have sufficient insurance before you travel.
Crime
There have been incidents of violent crime including robbery, which is often armed and sometimes fatal, in residential and tourist areas of New Providence and Grand Bahama. The number of break-ins and robbery incidents reported to the British High Commission has increased. There are police patrols in the main tourist areas.
Be vigilant at all times and don’t walk alone away from the main hotels, tourist areas, beaches and downtown Nassau, particularly after dark. Take care if travelling on local bus services after dusk on routes away from the main tourist areas. Don’t carry large amounts of cash or jewellery. Robbers may be armed. Don’t resist in the event of an attempted robbery. If you need the police in an emergency, call 911 or 919.
The outlying islands of The Bahamas (known as the Family or Out Islands) have lower crime rates, however the risk of crime typically increases during regattas and festivals.
Excursions and activities
Before booking any excursion or activity make sure that health and safety precautions are evident and that the operator has adequate insurance cover.
The water sports industry in The Bahamas is poorly regulated. Be careful when renting jet skis and other water sports equipment as many companies and individuals offering water sports activities are unregistered. People have been killed or seriously injured using jet skis and other watercraft carelessly, or by the reckless behaviour of others. There have been reports of sexual assaults on foreign nationals by jet ski operators in Nassau.
There have reports that some organisers of day excursions are using bait to attract marine life, including sharks, leading to increased shark attacks in the immediate vicinity. Some have proven fatal. Never swim in water where the water has been baited.
Regattas and Festivals
Regattas and festivals are common across all islands in The Bahamas; they do see an increase in street crime including risk of sexual assaults and robbery, though most tourists participate safely and securely. You should take sensible precautions and be vigilant of your surroundings at all times. Avoid displaying jewellery or items that may attract criminals. Do not leave your drinks unattended, practice caution at crowded events and have a clear plan to return home safely after attending any events. Overnight visitors should also make sensible extra checks when booking properties, such as asking about local security provision and surrounding street lighting. The local tourist office or police station are also good sources of local advice.
Water safety
Fatal shark attacks do occur in The Bahamas. While this is not a common occurrence, the Bahamian authorities issued advice urging the public to exercise extreme caution in and around the waters of New Providence, adjacent islands and cays. Several incidences have been reported of non-fatal attacks occurring within wider Bahamian waters where tour operators have shark encounters, fish cleaning, and snorkelling activities in close proximity. Fatal shark attacks can happen without warning; avoid swimming from dusk until dawn even in shallow waters.
Road travel
You can drive in The Bahamas with a valid UK driving licence for up to 3 months. If you’re staying longer or living in The Bahamas, you’ll need to get a Bahamian driving licence.
Although traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road, most vehicles are imported from the United States and are left hand drive.
Drink driving is illegal, but this law is not always enforced – you may experience an increased risk of accident in the evening and on rural roads.
Consular assistance
There is no permanent consular representation at the British High Commission in Nassau. However, the British High Commission in Kingston, Jamaica, can provide consular support to British nationals. In the event of a genuine consular emergency in the Bahamas, telephone +1 242 225 6033 (select ‘2’) or +1 876 936 0700. This number should not be used for passport or visa queries.
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in The Bahamas, attacks can’t be ruled out.
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.
This page has information on travelling to The Bahamas.
This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in The Bahamas set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how Bahama’s entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy, high commission or consulate.
COVID-19 entry restrictions
Information on COVID-19 entry restrictions can change at short notice. Check the Ministry of Tourism’s website for the latest information.
All travellers
As of 20 September 2022, the COVID-19 testing requirement for entering The Bahamas have been eliminated. All travellers, regardless of vaccination status, are no longer required to submit to pre-travel COVID-19 testing to enter the country.
If you’re transiting through The Bahamas
Transiting is when you pass through one country on the way to your final destination.
If you are transiting through The Bahamas on your way to another country and not passing through immigration, you need to follow the latest guidance provided by your airline.
If you are transiting through The Bahamas on your way to another country and will be passing through immigration (sometimes known as a layover), for example to stay in a hotel for a flight the next day or to join a cruise ship, you need to follow the rules applicable to your vaccination status.
Check your passport and travel documents before you travel
Visas
British nationals visiting are usually allowed entry into the Bahamas for up to 30 days without a visa. This can be extended up to a maximum of 8 months by applying to the Department of Immigration in Nassau. Penalties for overstaying include fines and detention pending deportation. See more information about visas.
If you require a visitor visa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has an electronic visa application process. The official website is: https://mofa.gov.bs/obtaining-official-documents/visitors-visa/. Please email mofaconsular@bahamas.gov.bs for more information on visa processing fees and turnaround times.
For all other types of travel, seek advice from the Bahamian High Commission in London.
If you are travelling via the USA, you may need to apply for an ESTA. The Bahamas counts as part of the ‘contiguous territory and islands’ for US visa waiver purposes and time spent in The Bahamas counts towards the 90 day maximum permitted stay in the US under this waiver. If you travel to The Bahamas via the USA under US visa waiver arrangements and are in any doubt about your US visa status, you should seek advice from either the US Immigration and Naturalisation Service or any US diplomatic mission before starting your return journey.
If you’re concerned about your immigration status (e.g. overstaying a visa) due to the emergency restrictions, contact the Department of Immigration on 225 5337 or immigration@bahamas.gov.bs. Guidance on how to apply for an electronic extension to stay and other COVID-19 related immigration concerns has also been published on the Department of Immigration website.
Passport validity
You must hold a valid passport to enter The Bahamas. Your passport should be valid for six months from the date of departure from The Bahamas.
Yellow fever certificate requirements
There is no yellow fever risk in The Bahamas however there may be a certificate requirement. Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.
Penalties for possessing or trafficking drugs are severe. Tourists may be offered drugs in pubs and bars. Police are vigilant and you could face a substantial fine, deportation or imprisonment.
Local attitudes towards the LGBT community are mostly conservative throughout the Caribbean. In the Bahamas, same-sex sexual relations have been legal since 1991, with an age of consent of 18. However, LGBT travellers should be mindful of local attitudes and be aware that public displays of affection may attract unwanted and negative attention. Public displays of affection (such as hand-holding or kissing) between opposite or same-sex couples are uncommon. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.
Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry anything through Customs for anyone else.
Carry photocopies of your passport and travel insurance documents and keep the originals in a safe place.
If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.
See the Coronavirus travel health and Healthcare sections in the Coronavirus page for COVID-19 health information.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.
General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).
Medical treatment
In an emergency dial 911 or 919 and ask for an ambulance. Medical treatment is of a good standard but can be expensive. Emergency medical facilities are limited on all the Family Islands and serious cases are transferred to Nassau, Freeport or Miami by air ambulance. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Health risks
Health risks in The Bahamas include:
See the ‘Other risks’ section of the TravelHealthPro Bahamas guide for more details.
In the 2013 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 7,600 adults aged 15 or over in The Bahamas were living with HIV; the rate was of infection was estimated at around 3.2% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.3%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.
The hurricane season in The Bahamas normally runs from 1 June to 30 November. The Bahamas Department of Meteorological Climatology Section advises residents and visitors in North West and Central Bahamas (including Nassau) to complete seasonal hurricane preparations.
You should monitor local and international weather updates and keep up to date with the progress of any approaching storms, including via the US National Hurricane Centre website and the Bahamian National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
Hurricane Dorian in 2019, in Abaco and Grand Bahama, led to the deaths of over 200 people – most killed by the rapid surge in sea water, as well as high winds and debris; after effects included the salinisation of the ground (drinking) water. In preparation for a hurricane, you should ensure your residence is secure, you have sufficient drinking water, and you have considered your means of escape in the event of a tidal surge (including access to life jackets). A list of government-provided hurricane shelters for all islands is available here. You should follow the advice of local authorities, including on any evacuations. Due to the risk of flight cancellation, many local residents will take early decisions to avoid hurricane paths even before an evacuation is ordered.
See our tropical cyclones guidance page for advice about how to prepare effectively and what to do if you’re likely to be affected by a hurricane or tropical cyclone.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. If you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad, contact the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on 020 7008 5000 (24 hours).
Foreign travel checklist
Read our foreign travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe while you’re there.
Travel safety
The FCDO travel advice helps you make your own decisions about foreign travel. Your safety is our main concern, but we can’t provide tailored advice for individual trips. If you’re concerned about whether or not it’s safe for you to travel, you should read the travel advice for the country or territory you’re travelling to, together with information from other sources you’ve identified, before making your own decision on whether to travel. Only you can decide whether it’s safe for you to travel.
When we judge the level of risk to British nationals in a particular place has become unacceptably high, we’ll state on the travel advice page for that country or territory that we advise against all or all but essential travel. Read more about how the FCDO assesses and categorises risk in foreign travel advice.
Our crisis overseas page suggests additional things you can do before and during foreign travel to help you stay safe.
Refunds and cancellations
If you wish to cancel or change a holiday that you’ve booked, you should contact your travel company. The question of refunds and cancellations is a matter for you and your travel company. Travel companies make their own decisions about whether or not to offer customers a refund. Many of them use our travel advice to help them reach these decisions, but we do not instruct travel companies on when they can or can’t offer a refund to their customers.
For more information about your rights if you wish to cancel a holiday, visit the Citizen’s Advice Bureau website. For help resolving problems with a flight booking, visit the website of the Civil Aviation Authority. For questions about travel insurance, contact your insurance provider and if you’re not happy with their response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Registering your travel details with us
We’re no longer asking people to register with us before travel. Our foreign travel checklist and crisis overseas page suggest things you can do before and during foreign travel to plan your trip and stay safe.
Previous versions of FCDO travel advice
If you’re looking for a previous version of the FCDO travel advice, visit the National Archives website. Versions prior to 2 September 2020 will be archived as FCO travel advice. If you can’t find the page you’re looking for there, send the Travel Advice Team a request.
Further help
If you’re a British national and you have a question about travelling abroad that isn’t covered in our foreign travel advice or elsewhere on GOV.UK, you can submit an enquiry, or contact us on Twitter or Facebook. We’re not able to provide tailored advice for specific trips.’
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