Bahamas

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of The Bahamas’ current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in The Bahamas set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact The Bahamas High Commission in the UK.

Passport validity requirements 

To enter The Bahamas, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave. 

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual Citizenship.

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. Penalties for overstaying include a fine, detention and deportation. The Bahamas High Commission lists more information about visas. 

If you arrive in 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 are in any doubt about your US visa status, ask the US Immigration and Naturalization Service or any US diplomatic mission before starting your return journey. 

Vaccine requirements  

To enter The Bahamas, 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 full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Bahamas guide. 

Ebola

The Bahamian Government issued a Travel Advisory note which introduces health screening, possible quarantine or isolation measures for travellers who have visited affected regions within 30 days of their arrival to The Bahamas.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of The Bahamas. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. 

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel. 

Emergency services in The Bahamas  

Telephone: 911 or 919 (ambulance, fire, police) 

Contact your travel provider and insurer 

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do. 

Refunds and changes to travel 

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first. 

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including: 

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider 
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim 

Support from FCDO 

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including: 

• finding lawyers and funeral directors in The Bahamas 
• dealing with a death in The Bahamas 
• being arrested or imprisoned in The Bahamas 
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime 
• what to do if you’re in hospital  
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack 

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

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