Bahamas
Caribbean • BHS
Last updated: October 12, 2026
The Bahamas is a stunning archipelago nation known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. It offers a perfect blend of luxurious resorts, historical charm, and diverse marine life for travelers seeking relaxation or adventure.
Visa Requirements
Citizens of the US, Canada, UK, and many EU nations can enter the Bahamas visa-free for tourism purposes for up to 90 days.
Typically Required Documents
- Passport valid for at least six months beyond your stay
- Return or onward travel ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the trip
- Completed immigration card provided by the airline or at the port of entry
Popular Attractions
Atlantis Paradise Island: A massive resort complex featuring a famous water park, marine habitats, and a casino.
Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park: A pristine protected area famous for its swimming pigs and untouched coral reefs.
The Queen's Staircase: A historic landmark in Nassau carved from solid limestone by enslaved people in the late 18th century.
Pink Sands Beach: Located on Harbour Island, this beach is world-renowned for its unique soft, rose-tinted sand.
Lucayan National Park: A beautiful park on Grand Bahama featuring underwater cave systems and scenic nature trails.
Local Customs & Etiquette
Dress conservatively when away from the beach by covering up swimwear in towns and restaurants.
Greet locals with a polite 'Good morning' or 'Good afternoon' before starting a conversation.
Tipping is customary in the Bahamas, with 15 percent being the standard for restaurants and taxis.
Respect the relaxed pace of 'island time' and avoid showing impatience if service is slower than expected.
Ask for permission before taking photographs of local residents, especially at festivals or in traditional neighborhoods.
Safety Tips
Avoid walking alone at night, especially in isolated areas or deserted beach locations.
Keep your valuables and passport in a hotel safe rather than carrying large amounts of cash or expensive items.
Only use licensed taxis that are clearly marked with yellow license plates to ensure your transportation is regulated.
Stay aware of your surroundings in crowded tourist areas like downtown Nassau to prevent petty theft.
Follow all local marine safety guidelines, such as wearing life jackets and avoiding swimming alone in strong currents.
AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.
Yellow Fever
Source: CDC
Not required when traveling directly from non-risk countries.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: CDC
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers aged 1 year or older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: CDC
Core Vaccines
Routine Vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to prevent common preventable diseases.
View sourceRoutine Vaccines
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date, including MMR, DTaP, Polio, and Varicella.
View sourceRoutine Vaccines (MMR, DTaP, Polio, etc.)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to prevent common preventable diseases.
View sourceRoutine Vaccines (MMR, DTaP, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to prevent common preventable diseases.
View sourceTdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers who have not received a booster in the last 10 years.
View sourceMeasles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers who are not immune to measles, mumps, or rubella.
View sourceTetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis
Source: CDC
Routine vaccination is important for overall health.
View sourceFood and water safety precautions
Source: CDC
To prevent food and waterborne illnesses.
View sourceInsect bite prevention measures
Source: CDC
Due to potential mosquito-borne diseases, use repellents and nets.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, etc.)
Source: CDC
Make sure routine vaccinations are up to date before traveling.
View sourceInfluenza vaccine
Source: CDC
Recommended for older adults and those at high risk of complications.
View sourceInsect bite prevention
Source: CDC
To prevent mosquito-borne diseases; use repellents and nets.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers to all countries in the Caribbean.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, etc.)
Source: CDC
Ensure vaccinations are up to date before traveling.
View sourceTdap
Source: CDC
Ensure adequate protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis for all travelers.
View sourceMMR
Source: CDC
Recommended for all travelers to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella.
View sourceFor Most Travelers
Insect bite prevention
Source: CDC
Prevent diseases like Zika, dengue, and chikungunya transmitted by mosquito bites.
Use repellent, wear protective clothing, and stay in places with air conditioning or window screens.
View sourceFood and water safety
Source: CDC
Drink only bottled or boiled water and ensure food is cooked thoroughly to prevent diarrheal illnesses.
Follow safe eating and drinking habits to avoid common travel-related infections.
View sourceInsect Bite Prevention
Source: CDC
Use insect repellent, protective clothing, and mosquito netting to prevent vector-borne diseases.
View sourceFood and Water Safety
Source: CDC
Practice food and water precautions to prevent diarrheal diseases and foodborne illnesses.
Drink only bottled, sealed, or treated water; avoid undercooked food.
View sourceInfluenza vaccine
Source: CDC
Recommended annually for all travelers during flu season.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, etc.)
Source: CDC
Recommended for all travelers to ensure basic immunity against common diseases.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers who might need medical care or have sexual exposure.
View sourceFood and water safety precautions
Source: CDC
Prevent gastrointestinal illness by consuming only safe food and water.
Drink bottled, boiled, or chemically treated water. Eat only cooked food served hot.
View sourceTyphoid
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities and rural areas.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers to protect against contaminated food and water.
View sourceItinerary-Specific
Medication for traveler’s diarrhea
Source: CDC
In case of severe gastrointestinal issues.
Consult a healthcare provider.
View sourceInsect bite prevention measures
Source: CDC
Recommended to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
View sourceInfluenza
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers during flu season (October to April).
View sourceRabies
Source: CDC
Consider for travelers involved in outdoor activities or working with animals.
View sourceCOVID-19 vaccine
Source: CDC
Recommended for protection against COVID-19 during travel.
View sourceTyphoid
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers who may eat or drink outside major restaurants and hotels.
View sourceRabies (if risk exists)
Source: CDC
Consider for travelers involved in outdoor activities or who may come into contact with animals.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers who might have sexual contact with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or undergo medical procedures.
View sourceFood and water safety precautions
Source: CDC
To avoid foodborne illnesses, travelers should practice safe eating and drinking habits.
View sourceInsect bite prevention
Source: CDC
To prevent diseases transmitted by insect bites, such as dengue fever.
View sourceOther region-specific vaccines (e.g., Rabies)
Source: CDC
Consider rabies vaccination for travelers planning to engage in outdoor activities or interact with animals.
View source