Entry Requirements for Air Travelers to the United States
Effective Oct. 1, 2007, U.S. citizens traveling by air to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda must present a passport or other WHTI-compliant documentation to enter or depart from the United States. It is always strongly recommended that U.S. citizens verify the specific documentary requirements for their destination country.
Entry Requirements for Land and Sea Travelers to the United States
Land and Sea Travel
The following summarizes entry and exit information available on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s website.
Currently:
U.S. citizens need to present either (a) a passport, passport card or WHTI-compliant document; or (b) a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license) along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.
In the future:
On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States by sea or ports of entry to have a passport, passport card or WHTI-compliant document.
For more information about U.S. travel requirements, please visit their website.
Other Countries
To enter The Bahamas, citizens from countries other than the U.S. and Canada are required to present a valid passport which must be current up to your travel period and some countries are also required to have a Bahamas visa. If you are departing The Bahamas for a country that has the passport validity requirement of six (6) months beyond the dates of travel, then that requirement will be enforced. You must also have a return, or onward journey ticket, and proof of funds to support your visit. To view the entry requirements for your country of birth, please download the pdf below.
NOTE: If you are using an electronic ticket, please show Immigration a copy of your travel itinerary and ticket number.
PASSPORT refers to a valid passport from the individual’s country of birth.
VISA refers to a Bahamas visa only. If a person is born in one country and resident in another (other than the U.S. or Canada), the documentation required is based upon the country of birth.
To download a Bahamas Visa Application Form or to verify the visa requirements click here.
VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS: Most visitors to The Bahamas do not need special vaccinations before entering the country. However, travellers over age one must provide a YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION CERTIFICATE, if they are coming from infected areas. Information can be found on the following sites: www.bahamas.gov.bs,www.bahamasturismo.com, www.bahamasturismo.com.br, www.cdc.gov/travel.
Customs & Immigration
Arrival:
Upon arriving in The Islands Of The Bahamas, everyone must fill out and sign an immigration form, keeping a portion of the card in hand until departing. An oral baggage declaration is required. Each adult visitor is allowed to bring 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes or one pound of tobacco, one quart of spirits and a variety of personal effects (personal radio headsets, bicycle, two still cameras, etc.). All beer imported into the country is dutiable at a rate of $10 per imperial gallon or $18 per case. Purchases up to a value of $100 are permitted by all arriving passengers.
Departure:
Departures to the U.S. must go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance. U.S. visitors may take home $800 worth of duty-free merchandise. The next $1,000 is taxed at 10%. Gifts valued up to $50 may be mailed home duty-free. One litre of wine, liqueur or liquor and five cartons of cigarettes may be taken duty-free.
Boats:
If entering The Bahamas by boat, there is a flat fee to clear Customs and Immigration, which is $150.00 for boats 35 feet and under and $300.00 for boats 36 feet and over. This covers a vessel with four persons or less. Also included is a cruising permit, a fishing permit, Customs and Immigration charges and the $15.00 Departure Tax for up to four persons. Each additional person above four will be charged $15.00 Departure Tax. If you plan to stay longer than 12 months, special arrangement must be made with Bahamas Customs and Immigration.
