Things You Need to Know Before Going to the Bahamas
Requirements for tourists entering into the Bahamas differ depending on which country you live in and where you reside. All U.S. citizens who travel by air are required to present a valid U.S. passport in order to re-enter the United States. If you are not a US citizen leaving the U.S. your requirements will differ from that of a U.S citizen, be sure to check with your travel agent when booking your Bahamas vacation.
U.S. citizens do not need a visa 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 US government requires that Americans have a valid passport in order re-enter the U.S. Most airlines will not permit a U.S. citizen to fly to the Bahamas without a valid U.S. passport and risk getting stranded.
Upon arrival in the Islands of the Bahamas, everyone is required to fill out and sign an immigration form. One half of the form is taken but the remaining half is required for departure. Usually an oral baggage declaration is needed.
If you are departing from Freeport/Lucaya, Grand Bahamas (FPO) or Nassau, Paradise Island and heading to the U.S. be sure to give yourself plenty of time as you will go through Customs and Border Protection before you depart. You will not have to go through Customs when you reach the US; no formalities are required upon arrival in the U.S. because of the pre-clearance.
Because the Bahamian economy does rely heavily on tourism you are welcome to make purchases while on your Bahamas vacation. U.S. tourists are allowed to take home $800 worth of duty-free merchandise; however, the next $1,000 is taxable by 10%. Gifts valued at $50 or less may be mailed home duty free. Note, be sure to keep accurate receipts and be wary of any merchant that is willing to produce a false receipt.
Preparing the documents you need for your Bahamas vacation should not be a hardship. A U.S. passport can generally be turned around fairly quickly if you have the proper identification. For passport information to the Bahamas or other foreign destination go to http//travel.state.gov.
U.S. citizens do not need a visa 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 US government requires that Americans have a valid passport in order re-enter the U.S. Most airlines will not permit a U.S. citizen to fly to the Bahamas without a valid U.S. passport and risk getting stranded.
Upon arrival in the Islands of the Bahamas, everyone is required to fill out and sign an immigration form. One half of the form is taken but the remaining half is required for departure. Usually an oral baggage declaration is needed.
If you are departing from Freeport/Lucaya, Grand Bahamas (FPO) or Nassau, Paradise Island and heading to the U.S. be sure to give yourself plenty of time as you will go through Customs and Border Protection before you depart. You will not have to go through Customs when you reach the US; no formalities are required upon arrival in the U.S. because of the pre-clearance.
Because the Bahamian economy does rely heavily on tourism you are welcome to make purchases while on your Bahamas vacation. U.S. tourists are allowed to take home $800 worth of duty-free merchandise; however, the next $1,000 is taxable by 10%. Gifts valued at $50 or less may be mailed home duty free. Note, be sure to keep accurate receipts and be wary of any merchant that is willing to produce a false receipt.
Preparing the documents you need for your Bahamas vacation should not be a hardship. A U.S. passport can generally be turned around fairly quickly if you have the proper identification. For passport information to the Bahamas or other foreign destination go to http//travel.state.gov.