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Do You Need a Passport to go to the Bahamas from the U.S.? 1

Do You Need a Passport to go to the Bahamas from the U.S.?

Everything you need to know about travel documents required to go to the Bahamas

Home » Travel Tips » Do You Need a Passport to go to the Bahamas from the U.S.?
Author: Tim White Last Updated: April 10, 2022
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Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • Bahamas Passport Requirements for U.S. Citizens+−
    • Requirements when arriving by plane
    • Requirements when arriving by boat or cruise ship
    • The exception to the rule - A "Closed-Loop" Cruise
  • Do Canadians need a Passport to travel to the Bahamas?
  • Visa Requirements for the Bahamas
  • Vaccination Requirements for the Bahamas
  • How do I get a Passport?+−
    • Additional Passport Information
  • Frequently Asked Questions

The last thing you want to have happen is arrive at the airport for your trip to the Bahamas, only to find out you don’t have the proper travel documentation to complete your journey. This article will help you avoid that situation by answering the question “do I need a passport to go to the Bahamas?”. We will also cover some other important questions regarding required travel documents and vaccinations.

Bahamas Passport Requirements for U.S. Citizens

A passport is required any time you cross international borders. As a fully self-governing member of the Commonwealth and a member of the United Nations, the Bahamas are no exception. So the answer is yes, you will (almost always) need a passport to enter the Bahamas.

Bahamas passport requirements state that U.S. citizens need only a valid passport with two blank pages for entry stamps, as well as proof of anticipated departure from The Bahamas.

Royal Blu Golf Course
View of the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar from the 9th Green at Royal Blue

Requirements when arriving by plane

As with adults, children in any age group must have a passport to travel to The Bahamas by plane.

Another thing to bear in mind is your passport validity, specifically the expiration date. As a rule of thumb, ensure your passport is valid for more than 6 months before you travel. Different countries have different laws around passport validity. Some will allow for 3 months validity while you travel, but most countries, including the U.S., require that your passport is valid for at least another 6 months while on your trip. Don’t take a chance and make sure you have at least a 6 month cushion.

Requirements when arriving by boat or cruise ship

If you are traveling by boat or cruise ship, you can enter the Bahamas without a passport book, as long as you have one of the following documents instead:

  • passport card
  • trusted traveler card such as NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST card
  • enhanced driver’s license

However, having a passport will always make your trip easier, especially if you run into an unplanned event during your cruise, such as a stop at an unscheduled international port due to bad weather or a family emergency that requires you to book a last-minute plane ticket home.

Important Note regarding Passport Cards: In the event of a family, medical, personal or business emergency, where the traveler must fly back to the U.S., a passport card is not a valid travel document. If one of these situations arises, you will need your actual passport.

The exception to the rule – A “Closed-Loop” Cruise

If you’re a US citizen, you can take a “closed-loop cruise” (one that begins and ends at the same port) to The Bahamas without a passport. Instead, you’ll need to present another proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID.

Most cruises beginning and ending in the U.S. are considered “Closed Loop,” vessels that depart a U.S. port and return to the same U.S. port upon completion of the voyage. For instance, if you board a cruise ship in Miami, FL and after visiting at least one foreign port of call, such as The Bahamas, you return back to Miami, then you have taken a “closed loop” cruise.

Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean
Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean

U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL), a government-issued birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where he or she was born) or passport, and if 16 or older, a government issued driver’s license, picture ID, denoting photo, name and date of birth.

Do Canadians need a Passport to travel to the Bahamas?

Yes. Canadians must present a passport to visit The Bahamas, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure. Permanent residents of Canada must travel with their Permanent Resident Card and a valid passport from their country of origin. Find out more at the Canadian Government travel website.

Visa Requirements for the Bahamas

U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Visit the Bahamas Immigration website for the most current visa information.

Vaccination Requirements for the Bahamas

No special vaccinations are required when visiting the Bahamas from the United States. However, due to the COVID-19 epidemic, there are some additional precautions that have to be made. The latest information can be found here.

How do I get a Passport?

Recommended Reading:

  • How to apply for a passport
  • The best locations to get a passport photo
How to Apply for a Passport - Everything you Need to Know

Additional Passport Information

Here are some other articles that address passport requirements of popular destinations for U.S. Citizens

  • Passport Requirements for Puerto Rico
  • Passport Requirements for Hawaii
  • Passport Requirements for the Bahamas
  • Passport Requirements for the U.S. Virgin Islands
  • Passport Requirements for Canada
  • Passport Requirements for Mexico

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a passport?

It can take about six to eight weeks for a non-expedited passport to be processed.

What is a passport card?

A passport card is something between a passport and a government-issued ID card. It can only be used for land and sea travel into the US from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada, and Mexico. It is not valid for air travel.

What is you lose your passport while in the Bahamas?

If you lose your passport while in the Bahamas, report the loss immediately to the U.S. Embassy in Nassau.

How many islands are in the Bahamas?

The Bahamas consists of 700 islands and 2,400 cays with an area of 5,358 sq. miles (13,878 sq. km.). It extends 760 miles from the coast of Florida on the north-west almost to Haiti on the south-east.

What Islands do not require a passport?

U.S. Citizens do not require a passport to travel to Hawaii, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Category: Travel Tips
Previous Post: « Grand Hyatt Baha Mar: Hotel Review Grand Hyatt Baha Mar: Hotel Review
Next Post: Do you need a Passport to go to Puerto Rico? Do you need a Passport to go to Puerto Rico from the U.S.? »

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