ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: U.S. Citizens traveling by air to and from the Bahamas must present a valid passport when entering or re-entering the United States. Sea travelers must have a valid U.S. passport (or other original proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a certified U.S. birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID).  Voter registration cards, Social Security cards, driver's licenses, affidavits, and other similar documents are not acceptable as proof of U.S. citizenship.  U.S. citizens do not need to obtain visas to visit the Bahamas.  However, U.S. citizens planning on an extended stay of several months may be asked to provide proof or evidence of financial solvency upon entry to Bahamian immigration authorities.  Travelers arriving via private watercraft are charged docking fees.

IMPORTANT NEW INFORMATION:   As early as January 1, 2008, U.S. citizens traveling between the United States and the Bahamas by sea may be required to present a valid U.S. passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. American citizens can call 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) for information on applying for a passport.

The Embassy of the Bahamas at 2220 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel: 202-319-2660), its Consulates in Miami and New York, or by email at bahemb@aol.com.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: High quality medical care is generally available, but expensive, in Nassau and Freeport.  Medical care is limited outside of Nassau and Freeport.  Bahamian doctors and hospitals do not usually accept U.S. medical insurance policies and typically expect immediate cash payment for professional services.  It is the patient's responsibility to seek reimbursement later from their insurance companies.  Serious health problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars.  Persons with serious or life-threatening conditions who wish to return to U.S. medical facilities for treatment normally must be airlifted.

There is a chronic shortage of blood at Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau, where most emergency surgery is performed.  Travelers with rare blood types should know the names and locations of possible blood donors should the need arise.  The Lyford Cay Hospital has a hyperbaric chamber for treatment of decompression illness.

Ambulance service is available, but may not be able to respond quickly in the event of a major emergency or disaster.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747)

 

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. 

REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in the Bahamas are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website , and to obtain updated information on travel and security within the Bahamas.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.  The U.S. Embassy is located next to McDonald's restaurant on Queen Street in downtown Nassau; telephone (242) 322-1181, after hours: (242) 328-2206.  The Consular Section’s American Citizen Services hours are 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. on Fridays.  The Embassy is closed on local and U.S. holidays.  You may wish to visit the Embassy's website at http://nassau.usembassy.gov or contact the Consular Section by e-mail at acsn@state.gov.

The U.S. Embassy is also responsible for consular services in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCIS), a United Kingdom (British) overseas territory.  U.S. citizens may obtain updated information on travel and security in TCIS from the U.S. Embassy in Nassau or the Consular Information Sheet for the Turks and Caicos.