Passports & Entry Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a passport to go to The Bahamas?
Yes. If you are departing or returning to the U.S. by air from any international destination a passport is required by all travelers regardless of age.
Canadians must present a passport to visit The Bahamas, which must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Permanent residents of Canada must travel with their Permanent Resident Card and a valid passport from their country of origin.
Citizens from countries other than the U.S. and Canada are required to present a valid passport which must be current up to your travel period and some countries are also required to have a Bahamas visa.
Where do I get a passport?
U.S. passports can be obtained by applying at designated Passport Acceptance Facilities, click here to find one near you. Canadian travelers can find more information on the Government of Canada’s Travel website.
How long does it take to get a passport?
Passports can be obtained in about 6-8 weeks. Expedited passport can be obtained in about three weeks for an additional fee. If you have special circumstances, a passport can be obtained in as quickly as 24 hours; however, authorization is required and extra fees apply.
I need a birth certificate to get my passport. Where do I go to get one?
You can obtain a birth certificate from the vital statistics office of the state or province in which you were born.
More information (U.S.A.)
More information (Canada)
What should I do if my passport has been lost or stolen?
You should immediately report it stolen to the local law enforcement authorities and then contact the U.S. Dept of State Lost or Stolen Passport Unit website or call them at (202) 955-0430.
More information (Canada)
How do I know if I need a Visa?
In some cases a Visa may be required for entry to The Bahamas. Please review the details on our Non-US Citizens/Visa Requirements page for more information.
What are the requirements to travel to The Bahamas due to COVID-19?
As of September 20, 2022, the COVID-19 testing requirement for entering The Bahamas has been eliminated.
All travellers, regardless of vaccination status, are no longer required to submit to pre-travel COVID-19 testing to enter the country.
Please review https://www.bahamas.com/travelupdates for important information before booking your trip!
What are the Yellow Fever Vaccination requirements for visiting The Bahamas?
Most visitors to The Bahamas do not need special vaccinations before entering the country. However, travelers over the age of 1 year must provide a YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION CERTIFICATE, if arriving after leaving or transiting the following countries and must be vaccinated 10 days before entering The Bahamas:
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela.
Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Rep., Chad, Congo, Congo (Dem, Rep.) Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Eithopia, French Guiana, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda.
I’m entering The Bahamas on a private boat – what do I need to know?
Visitors arriving in The Bahamas by private boat will need a completed Bahamas Customs Clearance Form, a Bahamas Immigration Card, and proof of citizenship (a passport). Please click here for more details.