Before you go to Bahamas: what to know
Must know
- Do not bring firearms, ammunition or cannabis/CBD; accidental possession can still lead to detention.
- A Digital Arrival Card pilot began in May 2026 on selected flights. Follow airline and immigration instructions; do not assume a universal digital requirement.
Entry and visas
Bring a passport, onward or return ticket, accommodation details and funds. British tourists are usually admitted visa-free for 30 days, with extensions possible. Requirements differ by passport and residence; check the Bahamian High Commission. Complete the immigration card; selected flights participate in a digital pilot alongside paper processing.
Passport validity: Bahamian High Commission London asks for 6 months beyond departure; check the requirement for your passport.
At the border you may be asked for
- Keep the immigration card portion required for departure.
Customs
- Declare restricted or dutiable items.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, bahamashclondon.net ↗, bahamas.com ↗, travel.state.gov ↗
Money
Cash and cards are both common. Cards are widely accepted.
Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data
- US and Bahamian dollars circulate at equal value.
- Carry cash for the Out Islands; card acceptance is less predictable there.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.state.gov ↗, bahamas.com ↗
Rules and bans
Prohibited
- Unauthorised firearms and ammunition
- Cannabis and CBD products
Laws visitors break unknowingly
- Drug offences carry severe penalties.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.state.gov ↗, gov.uk ↗
Culture and clothing
Religion: Cover beachwear when visiting churches.
Clothing: Cover swimsuits away from the beach; some evening venues have a smarter dress code.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: bahamas.com ↗
Climate
Atlantic hurricane season runs June-November; follow local forecasts and evacuation instructions.
Month by month
- January: Jan: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- February: Feb: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- March: Mar: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- April: Apr: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- May: May: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- June: Jun: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- July: Jul: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- August: Aug: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- September: Sep: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- October: Oct: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- November: Nov: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- December: Dec: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
Best season: December-May avoids the official hurricane season; check local rainfall and forecasts.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗
What to pack
- Travel documents and insurance details
- Medicines in original packaging
- A backup payment method
Do not bring / prohibited to import
- Carrying packages for strangers
Practical
Plugs: Nassau/Paradise Island: North American outlets, 120 V, 60 Hz
Water: Nassau/Paradise Island tourism guidance says tap water is drinkable; check local notices on other islands.
Traffic: drives on the left
Emergency: 911 or 919 police/ambulance
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: nassauparadiseisland.com ↗, gov.uk ↗, travel.state.gov ↗
Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.