The Bahamas Travel Advice

Threat level: Low-Medium

COVID-19 Situation in the Bahamas

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Bahamas have declared a state of public emergency and has imposed nightly curfews for some of the islands. A night curfew is in effect daily between 22:00 and 05:00 in Abaco, New Providence (Nassau, Paradise Island), Grand Bahama island, Eleuthera (except ’Harbour and Spanish Wells) and Exuma (except Exuma Islands).

People must wear a facemask in public places indoors and outdoors and must respect social distancing rules.

On the 1st of July, the Bahamas have reopened their borders to international travellers and international commercial flights have been allowed to resume but are limited. However, all airports and seaports will conduct temperature screenings and all incoming visitors must present a COVID-19 negative test certificate on entry taken no more than 5 days prior to arrival together with an electronic health visa application and they must opt-in for a health insurance that covers them for their entire stay as soon as they've applied for their visa. Tourists must also fill in daily an online heath questionnaire to declare eventual symptoms.

Further to this, when travelling between islands, travellers must also fill out an electronic domestic travel form for contact tracing purposes.

To avoid contracting the disease, apply good hygiene practices, maintain social distancing, avoid unnecessary travel and gatherings.

When visiting the Bahamas, the best travel advice for the Bahamas is that travellers are advised to remain on high alert as there are high rates of crimes, often violent on some of the islands. There have been 34 homicides this year. The security threat of terrorism is low but you should be aware of the global risk of attack.

The Bahamas is a popular tourist destination, with over 700 islands offering a diverse array of activities and luxuries, making it desirable for many. Providing tourists are vigilant during their stay, visits to these beautiful islands should be trouble-free.

Further to the significant damage caused by Hurricane Dorian to the infrastructure of Grand Bahama and Abaco Islands, essential supplies (water, food, medical care, power distribution, transportation, telecommunication networks) have been restored to the majority of Grand Bahama island except the eastern part and conditions have improved in Abaco. Both islands are slowly being rebuilt and hotels and resorts started re-opening on both islands.

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Recent Security Risk Events
In June 2016, 2 men were shot dead in New Providence which called for the leader of the political party ‘Free National Movement’ to criticise the National Security Minister’s approach to the country’s high crime levels. This was an isolated incident and does not represent a threat to foreign tourists, however, it is advised to keep up to date with any changes in political instability in the islands.

There was a report of an armed robbery and shootout with the police in the Bahamas in 2016, in which 4 men went on a high speed chase with the police, before being caught and detained. It is thought that the males were accountable for a number of armed robberies across Nassau.

Security Risks
In Nassau, there have been an increasing number of armed robberies aimed at tourists, it is strongly advised that you do not carry large amounts of cash on you. There have also been some reported cases of sexual assault incidents, particularly when the victim has drunk an excessive amount of alcohol, leaving them vulnerable to perpetrators. You should be wary of this when drinking and do not consume large amounts.

The Bahamas enjoys bilateral relations with countries including the United Kingdom and many Commonwealth Nations since its independence in 1973. It holds particularly strong ties with the United States of America through mutual ethnic and cultural ties, alongside its joint effort to combat drug smuggling and its threats. It further associates itself with other Caribbean Community nations.

Traffic congestion in the capital city can often be severe, making drivers aggressive or careless. Cars will regularly pull out from side streets, with little regard for the other road users, so you should stay alert throughout your journey. The two cities of Nassau and Freeport have generally good road conditions, however, roads outside of this may be in poorer condition.

The minimum age to hire a car in the Bahamas is 25 and most driving licences can be used for up to three months including UK, U.S. and EU citizens.

There is a fast ferry service available that allows tourists to travel between islands quickly. There is also the option of day trips to other islands.

Inner islands emergency services: 911
Inner islands emergency services: 919
Fire emergency: 411

Official languages: English
Religion: Christianity
Currency: Bahamian Dollar (US Dollar widely accepted too)
Time now in Nassau:

U.S. Embassy Nassau
P.O. Box N-8197,
42 Queen Street,
Nassau,
The Bahamas
Telephone: +242 322 1181
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +242 357 7004
Email: acsnassau@state.gov

British Honorary Consulate Nassau
P.O. Box N-918,
Nassau,
Bahamas
Telephone: +1 242 422 1939

British High Commission Kingston
P O Box 575,
28 Trafalgar Rd,
Kingston 10,
Kingston,
Jamaica
Telephone: +1 876 936 0700

Most foreign nationals are able to enter the Bahamas for a period of time without a visa, however the duration of this time varies. For British travellers, a 21 day visa is available, which can be extended to 8 months long by application via the Department of Immigration in Nassau. U.S. and Canadian nationals do not require a visa at all to visit the Bahamas, however, they do need a valid passport for the duration of the stay.

It is advised that visitors to the Bahamas are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. You should ensure that you have been further vaccinated against diseases such as Tetanus, which is usually administered when you are a young baby. You may also want to consider a Hepatitis A vaccination. Check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.

Medical facilities are very good in the Bahamas, more so in the cities. In rural areas it is advised to get to the nearest city and not attend local medical centres.

There are excellent medical facilities in the two main cities Nassau and Freetown, however there may be limited access in other destinations.

Ambulance facilities are available on most islands, although response can be slow and heavy congestion on the roads often means that travel to the hospital can take longer than expected. If the injury or illness is severe, medical evacuation to the United States may be necessary, so you should ensure that your insurance will cover you for this.

Extreme weather and natural disasters
Between June and November, the Bahamas enters its hurricane season. This can cause disruption on the roads and to accommodation. Travellers are advised to ensure they know what the procedures are if they are caught in a hurricane and to keep up-to-date with the local weather and news whilst travelling the islands.