Besides the visa requirements and pet permit procedures already explained at the VISA to The Bahamas section, it is also paramount to take into account the Customs requirements that apply upon your arrival in The Islands of The Bahamas. According to the current regulations, you need to fill out and sign an immigration form and make a baggage declaration. The latter is an oral process rather than a written one, where you must state what items you carry in your travel bags. The pertaining Customs laws enable every adult visitor to bring:

• Up to 200 cigarettes or up to 50 cigars or 1 pound (0.45kg) of tobacco.
• One quart (1.13lt) of spirits.
• Personal effects (a variety of), such as two still cameras, a bicycle, personal radio headsets, etc.

Children Travelling to The Bahamas

Children travelling with both their parents do not need to present any documents. Those travelling to The Bahamas with one parent, though, might be required to carry a notarised letter of permission from the parent that is not with them. As for minors travelling with no parents, the person or persons escorting the child (aka the chaperone or chaperones) is /are obliged to show a notarised letter from the child’s parents or guardian(s) indicating that they (the chaperons) have received proper authorisation to travel with the minor outside the country. In addition, they should seek medical attention for the child if required or necessary.

Vaccinations Required Prior to Visiting The Bahamas

There are no special vaccination requirements for the majority of The Bahamas visitors before they enter the country. However, if travelling from countries with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission (please see below for the list of these countries), you will need to provide a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. This applies only to travellers over 12 months old.

Countries with a high risk of Yellow Fever Transmission

(as of July 2022 – kindly consult your embassy for current information)

The same vaccination requirement applies to travellers that have transited through an airport of a country with Yellow Fever transmission risk of more than 12 hours. In this case, they need to be vaccinated 10 days prior to entering the country (The Bahamas). This regulation is also applicable to individuals travelling from a country with a Yellow Fever outbreak or where Yellow Fever is endemic. The only exception (effective January 2014) is travellers coming from Tobago and Trinidad. Although there was a Yellow Fever vaccination prerequisite for these countries, it is no longer in effect.

Important Note/Health Consideration:

In general, there is no risk of malaria or yellow fever in The Bahamas. However, dengue fever and other insect-borne diseases have been known to occur. The Bahamas has also been classified as having a risk of Zika virus transmission by both the UK and USA health authorities. For that reason, it is crucial that you use common sense and apply all means necessary to protect yourself from mosquito bites, including insect repellent and adequate clothing.

Appropriate Clothing for a Trip to The Bahamas

Before you start packing your bags, remember that The Bahamas is a country whose evenings could get cool in the high season, especially between December and February, despite the usually balmy temperatures. So, it is strongly suggested to bring a light jacket or an extra layer with you for those chillier nights.

When it comes to footwear, although flip-flops always come in handy with exotic destinations, especially if visiting them during their hottest season/weather, kindly bear in mind that many of the restaurants, casinos and luxury hotels do not allow guests and visitors to wear flip-flops. So, it might be wise to pack a pair of comfy shoes just in case.

In addition, walking around the streets of large cities like Nassau wearing a swimsuit is seriously frowned upon and regarded as totally inappropriate. A dress code that strict is not usually found in other islands like Harbour and Eleuthera, which promote and welcome more casual attire. Nevertheless, always check with the restaurant or another venue you wish to visit to ensure your outfit is well-suited to their requirements.

Accommodation options in The Bahamas

The country provides several different accommodation options, including a broad range of hotels, resorts, and elegant villas. You will find the most renowned and exclusive resorts at the city-island of Nassau, offering, perhaps, the largest plethora of activities, facilities, and amenities. Of course, if you would rather have something more peaceful and remote, away from the noise, city bustle, and tourist flows, you could opt for either Harbour Island or Eleuthera Island, which are considered ideal locations for independent accommodation, enabling you to live in a whitewashed villa featuring perfectly-trimmed gardens, private pools, and well-manicured lawns. Or you may choose one of the many tents in these areas that captivate the senses with their safari style!

Final Notes:

• The official language spoken in The Bahamas is English.
• Apart from English, which is spoken in all official communications, many citizens also speak Bahamian Creole, which shares roots with the South Carolina language called Gullah and is classified as an English-based Creole language.
• The voltage at The Bahamas is 60Hz and 120V, with a two flat-pin plug (parallel type).
• It is not polite to wear swimsuits in religious sites, including churches.
• The majority of Bahamians go to church every Sunday morning. During mass, most local businesses are closed, while some of them remain closed for the rest of the day and don’t open at all on Sunday. Others open on Sunday morning and then close for the day, especially after a busy morning.
• The beaches are usually too crowded on Sundays, especially in the afternoon hours. During this time, you will see many locals having family picnics at popular hot spots or the beaches along the Bahamian coast.