Bahamas Travel Requirements Entry Guide
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In addition to the expiration date being at least six months after your return home, you also need at least two available blank pages for stamps. While some cruises don’t require you to travel with a U.S. passport book, we always recommend you bring one on your trip, even on a closed-loop cruise. If you need to fly back to the United States during your cruise, you’ll only be able to board a plane with a passport book. If you are cruising to a destination not located within Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda, you need to bring a U.S. passport book; a passport card will not be allowed as a valid travel document. You won’t be able to board an international flight without a passport book.
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THE RIGHT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
For travelers from the United States traveling to The Bahamas for tourism, travel within the country is exempt from visa requirements for eight weeks. Even if you do manage to get a boat back as soon as possible, it’s possible (you wouldn’t believe how often!) that you may miss it and need to fly to the next stop to board the liner. Again, the lack of a passport will mean that you can’t board any island hoppers to catch up with your cruise.
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Passport for Air Travel to The Bahamas
The benefits of a closed-loop cruise extend beyond passport exemptions. They offer opportunities to explore other Caribbean destinations, like Jamaica and Barbados, without needing additional documents. Bringing a passport on your Bahamas cruise is a safety net, giving you peace of mind during your trip. Generally, it takes 6-8 weeks to obtain a passport, although there may be delays during busy periods.
Can You Get off a Cruise Ship in the Bahamas without a Passport?
Port-of-call regulations can vary, so checking the specific requirements before you start your journey is crucial. Even with these alternatives, carrying a passport is still beneficial. Unexpected circumstances, like missing the cruise ship and needing to fly back, would require a passport. Air travel from the Bahamas to the U.S. requires a valid passport. U.S. citizens can use alternatives like an Enhanced Driver’s License or a birth certificate coupled with a government-issued photo I.D.
Visiting boaters must clear Customs and Immigration at the nearest designated Port of Entry. As you enter each port, fly the yellow quarantine flag and notify Customs of your arrival. Only the captain is permitted to leave the boat until your vessel has been cleared. We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review.
More Information When Visiting the Bahamas
In comparison, a 7-night voyage from Baltimore on Carnival Pride starts at $814 per person. The cost of a cruise depends on numerous factors including, but not limited to, your chosen sail date, stateroom category, duration, and add-ons. A 3-night cruise in an inside cabin will be much cheaper than a 7-night cruise in a balcony. The overall cost for short cruises tends to be less than longer ones, albeit they usually have a higher cost per night. If you want to splurge on add-ons, a 3- or 4-night cruise to The Bahamas could be a good compromise, as you will have extra money to spend on things like drink packages, shore excursions, specialty dining, and more. How can I get my passport renewed while keeping my current passport in my possession?
Cruising to the Bahamas
When traveling to any international destination, you need to be aware of local laws and proper etiquette to avoid unnecessary violations. The Typhoid vaccine is also recommended, particularly for travelers staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas. What happens if you stay too long at the shops or Señor Frog’s and miss your ship? No, travelers do not need to apply for a Health Visa to visit The Bahamas. All visitors, regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status, can travel freely to and throughout The Islands of The Bahamas. For travelers planning to visit The Bahamas, here are some frequently asked questions to help ensure your travel experience is seamless.
Minors Traveling without Parents
The Bahamas requires compliance with regulations to divert child abduction similar to U.S. policies. This can also work the other way—in case you miss your boat in the United States and need to fly to the next port to embark, you’ll need your passport. A flight back home is the fastest, cheapest, and most easily accessible option in such a circumstance.
Cruising further from the U.S.
If you are cruising to the Caribbean, you will need to enter with either your U.S. passport book, passport card, Trusted Traveler card (Nexus, SENTRI, or FAST), or an enhanced driver’s license. Given the high demand for passport cards, it’s recommended to apply well ahead of your trip. Regular processing takes 6-8 weeks, while expedited service takes 2-3 weeks. If you need the passport cards in less than 2 weeks, you’ll need to visit a regional agency or use a professional expediter. For these closed-loop cruises, U.S. citizens can depart and re-enter the U.S. with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID. If you’re planning a trip to the beautiful islands of The Bahamas, it’s essential to understand the entry and exit requirements, as well as the safety measures recommended by the U.S.
Countries have rules about traveling with a passport book that’s near the end of its validity. For information about obtaining a passport or passport card for the first time, or about renewing a passport or passport card, click here to visit the CIBT Web site. Passports are not required for U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from Hawaii or a U.S. territory, including Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S.
Now, you might wonder why a cruise to the Bahamas is the way to go. With a cruise, you can experience multiple Bahamian destinations in one trip. Each day brings a new adventure, and you’ll also have the flexibility to choose activities that suit your interests. As long as you're on a closed-loop cruise, you’ll be able to skip the passport in favor of other government-issued IDs.
The in-room safes are easy to use and will keep your passport in a secure place at all times. When you’re on your cruise, there is no need to carry a passport on you since you’ll use your Sea Pass card for all transactions. If you take a closed-loop cruise to Bermuda, you can leave your passport at home and travel instead with a state-issued ID and an original birth certificate. 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). 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.
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