Bahamas Foreign Travel Advice. Traveling always involves some level of risk. Therefore, it’s crucial to thoroughly go through all the tips in this guide. Also, make sure to explore the support available for British travelers abroad for more detailed information on various travel-related matters. Moreover, you can stay connected with FCDO travel through social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Furthermore, you have the option to subscribe to receive email notifications whenever there are updates to this advice.
Bahamas Foreign Travel Advice
No journey is 100% safe. So, it’s important to read all the advice in this guide and check out the support for British nationals abroad for more details on specific travel topics. You can follow and contact FCDO travel on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Additionally, you can sign up to receive email notifications when this advice gets updated.
When it comes to travel insurance, if you decide to travel, make sure to research your destinations and get the right travel insurance. This insurance should cover your travel plans, activities, and any emergency costs. The advice given here is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel. See also the travel information on the Notary in Australia as well as the BNO and Hong Kong residents.
Entry into the Country
Remember, the authorities in The Bahamas are the ones who set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure about how these requirements apply to you, it’s best to contact The Bahamas High Commission in the UK. As for 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. However, be aware that penalties for overstaying include a fine, detention, and deportation. The Bahamas High Commission provides more information about visas. Read more on the Bahamas Foreign Travel Advice down below.
Visa Requirements
If you’re travelling to 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’re unsure about your US visa status, it’s recommended to ask the US Immigration and Naturalization Service or any US diplomatic mission before starting your return journey.
Vaccination
In terms of vaccination requirements, 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 complete details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, you can refer to TravelHealthPro’s Bahamas guide.
When it comes to customs rules, The Bahamas has strict rules about what goods you can bring in or take out. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. Unfortunately, violent crimes and armed robberies, sometimes fatal, have occurred in residential and tourist areas of New Providence and Grand Bahama.
Crime
To reduce your risk, it’s advised not to walk outside the main tourist areas and beaches, especially if you are alone. It’s safer to stay in downtown Nassau, where there are regular police patrols. Avoid unlit areas, and travel in groups after dusk.
Be cautious if travelling on local bus services at night away from the main tourist areas. If you are attacked, do not resist and comply with any demands. Keep in mind that robbers may have concealed weapons. There has been an increase in reported break-ins and thefts. The outlying islands of The Bahamas (known as the Family or Out Islands) have lower crime rates.
The risk of petty theft and pickpocketing increases during regattas and festivals. You can take precautions by keeping valuables in a safe place. Make sure to lock doors and windows when staying at short-term vacation rental properties, especially if there are no security guards. See also the Bahamas Foreign Travel Advice on LGBTQ travel. See also the Hong Kong Foreign Travel Advice on here.
LGBTQ
The risk of drink spiking and sexual assault also increases during regattas and festivals. So, never leave your drinks unattended. There have been reports of sexual assaults on foreign nationals by jet ski operators in Nassau. When it comes to laws and cultural differences, penalties for possessing or trafficking drugs are severe. Tourists may encounter drugs in pubs and bars. The police are vigilant and you could face a substantial fine, deportation, or imprisonment.
For LGBT+ travellers, 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 aware that showing affection in public may attract unwanted and negative attention. Public displays of affection, especially for same-sex couples, are uncommon.
Problems in the Country
Before you embark on your journey, it’s crucial to ensure that your destination can provide the healthcare you might need. Also, make sure you have suitable travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation. This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
In case of an emergency, dial 911 or 919 and ask for an ambulance.
If you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment, it’s important to contact your insurance company promptly. You can stay updated with FCDO travel by following and contacting them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Additionally, you can sign up to receive email notifications when this travel advice is updated. See also the British Consulate in Jamaica on this page.
You can also reach out to FCDO online.
If you find yourself in The Bahamas and need emergency help from the UK government, your first point of contact should be the Bahamas High Commission in Nassau. If something has happened to a friend or relative abroad and you need urgent help, you can call FCDO in London at 020 7008 5000 (available 24 hours). This was the summary for the Bahamas Foreign Travel Advice as well. See also the India Foreign Travel Advice on here as well.
