Getting Here & Getting Around

Entry Requirements

Contrary to popular belief, the Bahamas is not part of the United States. The Bahamas is a former British colony that became independent in 1973. A valid passport is required for entry; however, visas are not required for citizens of the United States or Canada visiting the Bahamas for tourism.

If you plan to relocate or work here, you must obtain the proper documentation from the Department of Immigration before arrival.

Visitors from certain countries—particularly in Africa and the Middle East—require a visa prior to travel. Most tourists receive a stay of up to 30 days upon entry. Immigration rules are strictly enforced, so be sure not to overstay your permitted time. Working without a valid work permit is prohibited.

For the latest requirements, visit www.bahamas.gov.bs

Upon arrival, non-residents must complete a pink and white immigration card. A portion of this form will be returned to you and must be surrendered when departing. All visitors pass through customs and must declare items such as alcohol, tobacco, and gifts.

A departure tax of $20 USD is required for travelers over six years old; this fee is typically included in commercial airline tickets.

There are no vaccination requirements for travelers from the U.S. or Canada. However, if you are arriving from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever, you may have to present a valid vaccination certificate.

When departing Nassau for the U.S., travelers clear U.S. Customs and Immigration pre-clearance before boarding—a major convenience for connecting flights.

Arriving by Air

Most visitors arrive through Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau, named in honor of Sir Lynden Pindling, the first Prime Minister of an independent Bahamas. The airport underwent major expansion in 2011 and now includes:

  • A dedicated U.S. departures terminal

  • A domestic and international terminal for flights to the Out Islands, Canada, the U.K., and the Caribbean

You’ll find duty-free shops, cafés, and restaurants within the terminal, making travel comfortable and convenient.

The Bahamas has 62 airports across its more populated islands. These range from international airports servicing commercial flights to private airstrips. If you’re a pilot with your own plane, you’ll enjoy island-hopping with endless stretches of blues and greens beneath you.

Arriving by Sea

The Bahamas is only 50 miles east of Florida, so a huge number of visitors arrive by boat. Marinas are found throughout the Bahamas, most of them full-service with fuel docks and commisaries for stocking up on ice, water, and supplies.

Getting Around the Bahamas

Domestic travel in the Bahamas is relaxed and straightforward. Inter-island flights are short—usually 20 to 30 minutes—and make exploring the Out Islands easy. Domestic airlines include Western Air, Southern Air Charter, Pineapple Air, Flamingo Air and Leair. Charter flights are available out of Odyssey Aviation and Jet Aviation.

Bahamas Ferry Service also operates routes departing from Potter’s Cay Dock in Nassau, serving destinations including:

  • Marsh Harbour (Abaco)

  • Fresh Creek (Andros)

  • Freeport (Grand Bahama)

  • George Town (Exuma)

  • Simms (Long Island)

  • Spanish Wells, Harbour Island, and Governor’s Harbour (Eleuthera)

Check the Bahamas Ferries website for current schedules.

For a more traditional, cultural experience, travelers can journey between islands on the Mailboat, a long-running Bahamian transport tradition.