Bahamas Passport Requirements: Do I Need a Passport to Go to the Bahamas?

The last thing you want to think about when planning a trip to a tropical paradise like the Bahamas is travel documents—and thankfully, the Bahamas passport requirements state that U.S. citizens need only a valid passport with two blank pages for entry stamps.

If you are traveling by boat or cruise ship, you can enter the Bahamas without a passport book, but you may still want one in the event of an emergency that requires you to fly home instead.

Bahamas Passport Requirements

A valid passport at the time of travel with at least two blank pages for stamps is required when entering the Bahamas.

If you are traveling by boat or cruise ship, you can enter the Bahamas without a passport book, but you will be required to have one in the event of an emergency that requires a flight.

How to Get a Passport Book for Travel to the Bahamas

Apply for your passport book as soon as you know you will be visiting the Bahamas. It can take about six to eight weeks for a non-expedited passport to be processed. The cost will be greater if you need to apply for a passport within three weeks of your trip. You can learn more about the requirements and documents needed to obtain a U.S. passport by visiting USA.gov.

Other Requirements for Travel to the Bahamas

Visa: U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days.

Vaccinations: No special vaccinations are required when visiting the Bahamas from the United States.

What to Do if You Lose Your Passport in the Bahamas

If you lose your passport while traveling in the Bahamas, report the loss immediately to the U.S. Embassy in Nassau.

So, Do I Need a Passport to Go to the Bahamas?

In summary: Yes, you do need a valid passport at the time of travel with two blank pages for entry stamps to enter the Bahamas. And though a passport may not be required for those traveling by boat, one will be necessary in case of an emergency flight.

More Information When Visiting the Bahamas

The U.S. Department of State provides detailed information, including travel advisories and passport validity requirements, to your destination.

For information on how to apply or renew a passport, visit here.

The Islands of the Bahamas is a great resource for things to do and places to stay, as well as everything you need to know before you go when planning a trip to the Bahamas.

Protect Your Passport

We recommend investing in a passport cover or wallet to protect your pages from bends, tears and spills. It’s important to keep your passport in good condition for easy inspection. 

On travel days, only take your passport out during inspection. Otherwise, keep it stowed away in a dedicated section of your bag (if you keep it in the same place every time, you won’t ever scramble to locate it). Once you arrive at your destination, find a way to stow it securely. In-room safes or safe deposit boxes at the hotel front desk are generally good options, but if neither is available, you’ll need to decide how to keep your passport secure. You might consider keeping it in an under-clothing money belt that you wear, or leaving it in the hotel or vacation rental but locking it in your suitcase with a TSA-approved lock.

More from SmarterTravel:

• 5 Exotic Places Where You Don’t Need a Passport
• How to Renew a Passport, Global Entry, and TSA PreCheck—The Ultimate Guide
• How to Take Your Own Passport Photo

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2016. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.