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Bahamas, The
Country Specific Information
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January 04, 2010
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: 
The Bahamas is a developed, English-speaking Caribbean nation composed of hundreds of islands covering a territory approximately
the size of California. Tourism and financial services comprise the two largest sectors of the economy. Independent from
the United Kingdom since 1973, The Bahamas is a Commonwealth nation with more than a century-old democratic tradition. The
capital, Nassau, is located on New Providence Island. Please read the Department of State Background Notes on The Bahamas for additional information.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: U.S. citizens living or traveling in The Bahamas are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Nassau at the Department of State’s travel registration page in order to obtain updated information on local travel and security. U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Registration is important; it allows the Department of State to assist U.S. citizens in an emergency.
Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates.
U.S. Embassy Nassau
Queen Street #19
Telephone: 242-322-1181
Emergency after-hours telephone: 242-357-7004
Facsimile: 242-356-7174
Travel by Air: All U.S. citizens are required to present a valid U.S. passport in order to enter or re-enter the United States when travelling
be air. U.S. citizens do not need visas for short trips to The Bahamas for tourist/business purposes. It is important to
note that although the Bahamian government only requires proof of citizenship and identity in order to enter The Bahamas,
the U.S. government requires that Americans have a valid passport in order to fly home. Most airlines will not permit a U.S.
citizen to fly to The Bahamas without a valid U.S. passport and risk getting stranded.
Travel by Sea: Americans may enter the Unites States from The Bahamas by sea using a passport, passport card, or other Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document. Travelers arriving via private watercraft are charged docking fees.
We strongly encourage all American citizen travelers to apply for a U.S. passport or passport card well in advance of anticipated
travel. American citizens can visit the Department of State website or call 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) for information on how to apply for their passports.
U.S. citizens planning on an extended stay should be prepared to present proof or evidence of financial solvency upon entry
to The Bahamas.
Visit the Embassy of The Bahamas website for the most current visa information.
HIV/AIDS restrictions: The Bahamian Ministry of Health has recommended that persons who are HIV-positive not be admitted to The Bahamas. However, Bahamian Immigration does not routinely require testing for persons arriving for less than 30 days. Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for other visitors to and foreign residents of The Bahamas. Please verify this information with the Embassy of The Bahamas before you travel.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains current the Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s extensive tips and advice on traveling safely abroad.
The water sports and scooter rental industries in The Bahamas are not carefully regulated. Every year people are killed or
injured due to improper, careless, or reckless operation of scooters, jet-skis, and personal watercraft or scuba/snorkeling
equipment. Visitors should rent equipment only from reputable operators, and should insist on sufficient training before
using the equipment. There have been reports that some operators do not actually provide insurance coverage even when the
renter opted (and paid) for insurance coverage. Visitors should insist on seeing proof that operators have sufficient medical
and liability insurance.
Visitors should exercise caution and good judgment at all times. Engaging in high-risk behavior such as excessive consumption
of alcohol can ultimately be dangerous as it greatly increases the vulnerability of an individual to accidents or opportunistic
crime. Visitors should not accept rides from strangers or from unlicensed taxi drivers.
CRIME: The Bahamas has a high crime rate. New Providence Island in particular has experienced a spike in crime that has adversely affected the traveling public. Pickpocketing and theft remain the most common crimes perpetrated against tourists. However, there has been a spate of more violent criminal activity in 2009. Three separate groups of tourists were held at gunpoint and robbed at popular tourist sites in and near Nassau; each of these incidents occurred during daylight hours and involved groups of more than eight persons. Several other groups of tourists allegedly were victims of armed robbery at more remote locations.
The U.S. Embassy has received reports of assaults, including sexual assaults, in diverse areas such as in casinos, outside hotels, or on cruise ships. In several incidents the victim had reportedly been drugged. The Bahamas has the highest incidence of rape in the Caribbean according to a 2007 United Nations report on crime, violence, and development trends. Much of the violent crime occurs outside of areas frequented by tourists, such as the “over-the-hill” section of Nassau. Two American citizens were murdered in Nassau in 2009, both allegedly in residential areas. Home break-ins, theft, and robbery are not confined to any specific part of the island.
The upsurge in criminal activity has also led to incidents which, while not directed at tourists, could place innocent bystanders at risk. An altercation at a major resort resulted in the shooting of two security officers, while several daytime robberies in Nassau led to exchanges of gunfire on busy streets.
Criminal activity in the outlying family islands does occur, but on a much lesser degree than on New Providence Island. The Embassy has received reports of burglaries and thefts, especially thefts of boats and/or outboard motors on Abaco and Bimini.
The Embassy has not received reports of harassment or hate crimes motivated by race, religion, or citizenship. There have been reports of harassment of persons based on sexual orientation. In addition, women have reported incidents of verbal harassment and unwanted attention.
Counterfeit and pirated goods are available in The Bahamas. Transactions involving such products may be illegal under Bahamian law, even though those laws are not routinely enforced. In addition, bringing such products into the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines.
Some organized crime activity is believed to occur in The Bahamas, primarily related to the illegal importation and smuggling of illicit drugs or human trafficking. The Bahamas, due to its numerous uninhabited islands and cays, has historically been favored by smugglers and pirates. Most visitors to The Bahamas would not have noticeable interaction with organized crime elements; however, persons who operate their own water craft or air craft should be alert to the possibility of encountering similar vessels operated by smugglers engaged in illicit activities on the open seas or air space in or near The Bahamas.
Visitors are advised to report crime to the Royal Bahamas Police Force as quickly as possible. Early reports frequently improve the likelihood of identifying and apprehending suspected perpetrators In general, the Royal Bahamian Police Force is responsive to reports of crime and takes the threat of crime against tourists very seriously. However, the police response is sometimes slowed by a lack of resources or by the physical constraints imposed by geography and infrastructure.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you are the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. This includes the loss or theft of a U.S. passport. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, help you find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends, and explain how funds may be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime are solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in the Bahamas is 919 or 911.
Please see our information on Victims of Crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. Persons violating Bahamian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.
Customs: The Bahamas’ customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation or exportation of firearms. U.S.
citizens have been arrested and face stiff penalties for entering The Bahamas with firearms or ammunition, including so much
as one forgotten bullet lost in a backpack. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in Washington
or one of the Bahamian consulates in the U.S. for specific information regarding customs requirements. Tourists who plan
to arrive by private boat may seek permission to declare firearms to Bahamian Customs and leave firearms securely on the boat
for the duration of their stay in The Bahamas. Please see our information on Customs Regulations.
Boating/Fishing: Boaters should be aware that long-line fishing in Bahamian waters is illegal. All long-line fishing gear is required to
be stowed below deck while transiting through Bahamian waters. Fishermen should note that stiff penalties are imposed for
catching crawfish (lobster) or other marine life out of season, undersized, or in protected areas.
Wildlife: Hunting of certain types of fowl in The Bahamas requires a special license and may only be done in season. All other hunting is prohibited in The Bahamas. A number of endangered and/or protected species reside in The Bahamas. U.S. citizens should not disturb, harrass, or otherwise
threaten wildlife, including species that may be huntable in the U.S. Americans have been arrested and prosecuted in The
Bahamas for disturbing and/or hunting animals, including reptiles and birds. Specific information is available from the Bahamian Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources.
Time-Shares: U.S. citizens should exercise caution when considering time-share investments and be aware of the aggressive tactics used
by some time-share sales representatives. Bahamian law allows time-share purchasers five days to cancel the contract for
full reimbursement. Disputes that arise after that period can be very time-consuming and expensive to resolve through the
local legal system.
Hurricanes: The Bahamas, like all countries in the Caribbean basin, is vulnerable to hurricanes. Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, although hurricanes have been known to occur outside that time period. Visitors to The Bahamas during hurricane season are advised to familiarize themselves with the Department of State’s preparedness tips and to monitor weather reports closely in order to be prepared for any potential threats. Be aware that airports and seaports invariably cease operations well before a predicted storm actually arrives, and that seats on most commercial transportation are sold out far in advace. General information about disaster preparedness is available from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Adequate medical care is available on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands. Medical care is more limited elsewhere. Serious
health problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost tens of thousands of dollars,
and air ambulance companies generally require payment or an insurer’s guarantee of payment up front. Bahamian physicians
and hospitals do not usually accept U.S. medical insurance policies and typically expect immediate cash payment for professional
services.
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 (CDC) hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the infectious diseases section of the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to consult their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to determine whether the policy applies overseas and whether it covers emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United
States. The information below concerning The Bahamas is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate
in a particular location or circumstance.
Traffic in The Bahamas moves on the left side of the roadway (i.e. opposite from that in the United States). Traffic congestion in Nassau is endemic, and drivers occasionally display aggressive tendencies. Round-abouts are a common feature. Some major streets do not have adequate shoulders or even passable sidewalks, compelling pedestrians to walk in the right-of-way. Motorcyclists frequently swerve through slow traffic and drive between lanes of moving vehicles. It is not uncommon to see poorly maintained or excessively loaded vehicles on roadways. Rural roads can be narrow, winding, and in poor condition.
Flooding frequently occurs on roads in many areas, including Nassau and Freeport, during and after storms. Drivers should
be alert for unmarked or poorly marked construction zones. Travel by moped or bicycle can be quite hazardous, especially in
the heavy traffic conditions prevalent in Nassau. Visitors should exercise appropriate caution when renting vehicles in The
Bahamas. Those who choose to ride a moped or bicycle in particular should follow Bahamian helmet law and drive very defensively.
Accidents involving U.S. tourists on motorbikes have resulted in severe injuries and fatalities.
Pedestrians need to remember that vehicular traffic comes from the opposite to what one would expect in the United States,
as many tourists have been struck by cars after failing to check properly for oncoming traffic.
Emergency ambulance service is generally available and can be reached by dialing 911 or 919. Roadside assistance is also widely available through private towing services. Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the web site of The Bahamas’ national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of The Bahamas’ Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of The Bahamas’ air carrier operations. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s web site.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
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This replaces the Country Specific Information for The Bahamas dated 4 May 2009.
