Bahamas

Things To Know

Airlines and Airport

How to get there:

Spirit Airlines, Air Canada, Air Jamaica, American Eagle, Continental and Continental Connection, Delta, US Airways, British Air, France, Bahamas Air, Chalk, Comair.

Airports

Nassau International Airport (NAS)

Entry Requirements

Passports are required for all air and sea travel to or from the Caribbean (including the Bahamas).

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travelers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS LISTED ON THIS WEBSITE.  FOR THE MOST UP TO DATE TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS, PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL EMBASSY OR CONSULATE.

US CITIZENS

The following information is from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s website pertaining to entry into the United States.

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.

www.travel.state.gov/travel

 

 

 

US RESIDENT (NON-CITIZEN)

To enter The Bahamas, U.S. residents who are not citizens need the following documentation:

Alien Registration Card (Green Card)

 

For visits NOT exceeding 30 days:

An original Alien Registration Card is required, along with a national passport (passport from country of birth).

 

For visits exceeding 30 days:

A valid national passport and a Bahamas visa are required for U.S. resident non-citizens wishing to stay longer than 30 days.

Departure Tax

$15.00 at Nassau International Airport. Most airlines include the departure tax in the ticket price.

Medical Help

There are two modern hospitals in the city of Nassau. Both are fully equipped to respond to any medical situation, including emergencies. Princess Margaret, with 436 beds, is the larger of the two. Doctor’s Hospital has 72 beds.

What To Bring

Clothing

Casual, comfortable clothing. Sandals or sneakers for beach days or hikes and smart casual shoes for restaurants requiring more formal attire.

Miscellaneous

When you enter The Islands Of The Bahamas, you will be asked for a verbal baggage declaration. However, your luggage is also subject to customs inspections. If you are carrying dutiable items, you will need to fill out a Baggage Declaration Form.

 

Custom Duty

Baggage declaration by temporary visitors is oral, but baggage is subject to Customs inspection. In case there are dutiable articles, the visitor will be required to complete a Baggage Declaration Form. Each adult is allowed 50 cigars or cigarettes or one pound of tobacco and one quart of spirits free of Customs Duty, in addition to personal effects. In addition, purchases up to a value of one hundred dollars ($100.00) are permitted by all arriving passengers.

Household effects, such as small appliances (such as blender etc.) are dutiable at 45% of the cost. Linen and china are duty free for each arriving visit. Computers such as laptops are considered a part of your personal effects and therefore are duty-free.

Financial Matters

Currency

The Bahamian dollar and the US dollar. Major credit cards and travelers checks accepted.

 

Bank Hours

Monday through Thursday 9:30 am to 3:00 pm and Friday 9:30 am to 5:00 pm

Business Hours

9:00 am to 5:30 pm

Utilities

Voltage

120 volt 60 cycle. (American appliances are compatible)

Transportation

Buses

You will find that most major islands have bus service (also called jitneys) that run daily until about 8 p.m. Fares for one-way destinations are 75 for adults and 50 for children. When boarding a bus, please have exact change.

Taxis

You can call a cab or flag one down on the street. Cabstands are also conveniently placed at most large hotels. Taxi service is available by telephone, hail in the street or at taxi stands. Although metered rates vary by island, they are reasonable and are fixed by law. Surcharges often apply for more than two persons and extra luggage. Suggested tip: 15% of fare.

Tours

You’ll find guided tours on almost all of The Islands Of The Bahamas. And you’ll be able to select one that suits your interests exactly, ranging from shopping sprees to ecological adventures among the birds and island wildlife.

Things To Do

Nassau/Paradise Island has everything to keep both water lovers and land lovers satisfied and your Breezes hosts want to share the beauty of their islands with you. Excellent tours are available, with experienced, friendly guides and can be arranged by the Concierge at your hotel.

Shopping

Experience the fun of bargaining at the famous Straw Market, enjoy the colorful bustle of their outdoor fruit and vegetable stalls and fresh fish market, or be entranced by the fashionable elegance of Bay Street’s international boutiques.

Gaming

If are a gambler, the dazzling casinos are alive with color, music, and the thrill of chance. Most casinos offer blackjack, slot machines, craps, baccarat, and sports book betting (but only if you’re over 18!).

Sailing and Boating

The marinas and hotels in Nassau offer a wide range of charters and rentals. There are fully crewed and catered sailing trips, bare-boat rentals for experienced sailors, day cruises, small sailboats, motorboats, and jet skis. Excursions focused around snorkeling, diving, barefoot picnics on remote beaches, or on-board dining and drinking are all available; you can even take a ride on a submarine.

Cultural Attractions

Parliament Square in downtown Nassau is the center of the Bahamian Government. Points of interest include the Houses of Parliament, the old Colonial Secretary’s Office, the Supreme Court and a marble statue of Queen Victoria.

Steps from downtown, you’ll find Fort Fin-castle, and the highest point on the island, the Water Tower. Climb the Queen’s Staircase, 66 steps, one for every year of Queen Victoria’s reign.

On Paradise Island, the peaceful Versailles Gardens are not to be missed. The Gardens are beautifully appointed with statues, fountains, elegant terraces, and French Cloisters.

Fishing

Whether you are a beginner or a deep sea expert, the outfitters and charter captains can give you all the help you will need.

Festivals

Often compared to Carnival in Rio or Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Junkanoo is an annual inherited celebration made up of elaborately costumed dancers parading to the sounds of cowbells, whistles, and goatskin drums. Some say the name Junkanoo originally came from the African freedom fighter, John Canoe. Today it simply means fun and is celebrated with a parade in the end of December and in the beginning of January.

 

Outdoor Adventures

There are miles and miles of beautiful beaches throughout Nassau/Paradise Island. But sometimes, you want more out of your vacation than a tan. While visiting the islands, you will find there is a wide range of activities that requires only your sense of adventure. Whether it’s an exciting powerboat cruise, swimming with the dolphins or kayaking on calm waters; the adventure of your choice is waiting.