(877) 503-9838
UPDATE: Effective June 1st, 2009, the requirements to travel to the Bahamas have changed. Please see this entry for the most up-to-date information.
Changing travel regulations have left many people scratching their heads, wondering whether or not you need a passport to go the Bahamas.
Actually, it depends. Right now, if you’re traveling to or from the Bahamas by sea, all you need is government-issued photo identification and proof of citizenship, such as your birth certificate. However, if you’re flying, you have to have a US passport to re-enter the US from the Bahamas.
On June 1st, 2009, the rules are changing again. After that date, almost everybody who is traveling to the Bahamas will need a passport to re-enter the US, whether they are traveling by land or by sea. There are only a few exceptions:
- Children under the age of 16 can use their birth certificates if they are traveling by sea.
- Children aged 18 and under traveling by sea can also use their birth certificates if they are on a chaperoned trip with a school group, church group or sports team.
- Passengers on “closed-loop” cruises, cruises that begin and end in the same port in the United States, can use government-issued photo ID and a copy of their birth certificate.
Even if you fall into one of the groups listed above and are not required to carry a passport, it’s still a good idea to bring one with you. That way, you’re protected if you need to fly home unexpectedly.
If you need to get a passport to go the Bahamas, you should apply for it as soon as possible. It can take 6 weeks or longer for you to receive your passport if you apply for regular processing, so make sure you allow enough time.
If you need your passport more quickly, a private passport expediting service like RushMyPassport.com can help. Expediting companies will deliver your passport application by hand to the US Passport Agency, resulting in faster processing times and an easier passport application experience. Check out the different passport packages we have available, and see how easy it can be to get a passport to the Bahamas!
Tags: Bahamas, international travel, passports, WHTI
I have one question. I’m from Kuwait and I’m planning to go to the Bahamas between Sep and Nov. Do I need a VISA? What kind of VISA do I need? What are the documents needed? Please let me know.
March 17th, 2009 at 2:28 amHello, and thanks for commenting!
If you’re a Kuwaiti citizen, you should check with the Bahamas’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs to find out what documents you need. Here’s the link:
http://www.mfabahamas.org/
Thanks so much, and have a wonderful trip!
March 17th, 2009 at 9:46 amMy friend is 17 years old, we are leaving for the bahama’s on sunday and it looks like she is not going to recieve her passport in time. Can she use her original birth certificate to leave and enter the U.S?
April 1st, 2009 at 6:41 pmHi Shelby,
It depends. You don’t specify if you are flying to the Bahamas or going on a cruise. If you are flying, she absolutely has to have a passport. If you’re going on a cruise or otherwise traveling by sea, she should be okay with a driver’s license and a birth certificate, as long you’ll be back in the States before June 1st.
I hope this helps. Have a great trip!
April 2nd, 2009 at 2:41 pmHey i was just wondering if i got a green card would it work if il go to bahamas? And what about an age because i heard you have to be 21 to check in or something?
May 6th, 2009 at 3:05 amHi Alex,
You’ll need your green card and your passport from your country of origin. You should also be able to use your green card and your passport to get back into the US. The Bahamas don’t appear to have any age restrictions, but if you’re planning a cruise you should check with your cruise line.
May 6th, 2009 at 11:15 amHere’s more information:
http://www.bahamas.com/vacation-planning/us-resident-non-citizen
We are leaving June 5th on a Cruise. Im pretty sure we leave and come
May 27th, 2009 at 6:40 pmback to the same port. We were told we only need a id and birth certificate
Also im in the Army Reserve and have a military id. do i need a birth certificate
and is there any other documents that work for a birth certificate
Hi Cadman,
Unfortunately, your military ID wont’ work for proof of citizenship.
“U.S. citizens who board a cruise ship at a port within the United States, travel only within the Western Hemisphere, and return to the same U.S. port on the same ship may present a government issued photo identification, along with proof of citizenship (an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization).”
May 29th, 2009 at 12:19 pmFrom GetYouHome.Gov
http://www.getyouhome.gov/html/lang_eng/eng_sa.html
Hello. I am considering going on a school trip to Europe, specifically London and Greece. Do I need London and Greece. Do I need a U.S. Passport to return to the U.S. evenasdfasdf;ljkjsdkaljj though it’s just a school trip?
June 28th, 2009 at 8:28 pmHi Isha,
Yes, you’ll definitely need a US passport to go to Europe. The rule about being able to use your birth certificate on a school trip only applies to Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean. To go to London and Greece, you’ll need a passport.
Enjoy your trip!
June 29th, 2009 at 11:40 amI am planning on leaving florida on a private boat to bimini.
July 9th, 2009 at 12:13 amI can not find my passport. Will a copy of my B.C. work or does it have
to be the original?
I am going on a cruise in december 2009 to the bahamas. It is on the carnival and we are portining in miami and then will be returning to miami to get off the boat. so does that mean i only need a birth cert. and my picture id to get on the ship in miami and also back on the ship when we are in the bahamas to head back to the states.
July 11th, 2009 at 10:42 amim planning on going to the bahammas on aug 8th for a 1 week honeymoon and i am a permamnt resident in the u.s with a green card but my passport expires 2 days after i will get back will i have any problems going?
July 23rd, 2009 at 6:50 amhi we are traveling to the bahamas by a private plane, I have an expired passport and my 4 year old dauhter doesnot have one just a birth cert. will we be able to go ?
July 26th, 2009 at 1:03 pmHi Alli,
Since you’re traveling by plane, both you and your daughter have to have valid passports to travel to the Bahamas.
July 28th, 2009 at 10:23 amHi Mary,
Congratulations on your marriage!
Well, 2 days after you get back is cutting it close. I would call the Bahamas Embassy to be sure: Here’s their contact information:
July 28th, 2009 at 10:26 amhttp://nassau.usembassy.gov/entry_requirements.html
Hi Dawn,
If your cruise begins and ends in Miami, you are correct.
July 28th, 2009 at 10:26 amSince it’s after June 1, 2009, you need a passport. A birth certificate won’t work unless you are under 18 traveling by sea with your parents or a school group.
July 28th, 2009 at 10:28 amI ‘m naturalized US citizen and I have my certification but don’t have my US passport. Can I travel to Bahamas with that
August 12th, 2009 at 8:02 pmHi I want to know if I have a passport to come to the US and I am from the Bahamas and I want to live permently in US.. How do I go about getting my work permit to work in the US.
August 25th, 2009 at 2:08 amOnly if you are on a closed-loop cruise with a cruise line-one that begins and ends at the same port. Otherwise, no, you can’t use your certificate of citizenship and need to apply for a passport.
September 2nd, 2009 at 10:51 amI am 18 and going on a cruise to the Bahamas and Purto Rico in december.
September 10th, 2009 at 3:11 pmWill i need a passport?
can i use a passport card to go to the bahamas and purto rico?
September 10th, 2009 at 3:26 pmGoing on a Royal Carribean cruise from Pt Canavaral and returning to Pt Canavaral in 4/10. Ports of call are Bahamas, St. Thomas, St. Marteen and back to Florida. Do my husband and I need passports?
October 26th, 2009 at 6:58 amgOING ON A CRUISE IN JANUARY DO I NEED A PASSPORT.
November 5th, 2009 at 9:25 amHi Cheryl,
Possibly. It depends on where your cruise is going. Where are you cruising to?
November 8th, 2009 at 6:52 pmHello,
November 27th, 2009 at 10:59 amMe and my boyfriend are leaving for the bahamas out of ft lauderdale by cruise in jan. Would you happen to know if we need a passport or can we use our birth certificates? If we can use our birth certificates does it have to be the original copy?
I would like to suprise my husband with a cruise for christmas. Not enough time to get our passports will be crusing St. Thomas, St Marteen and return to Florida will we need our passports to do shore excursions at these Islands. Thank You Suzette
December 2nd, 2009 at 7:50 amIf it’s a closed-loop cruise, one that begins and ends at the same US port, you should be fine with just your birth certificate and driver’s license. Have a wonderful trip!
December 4th, 2009 at 12:00 pmHi Amanda,
It depends-if the ship comes back to the Fort Lauderdale at the end of the cruise, it is considered a closed-loop cruise and you shouldn’t need a passport. Just your birth certificate and driver’s license. You need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate-the kind with the raised seal.
December 4th, 2009 at 12:06 pmme and my boo has been marry for 6 year we never to a honeymoon we what to go to the bahamas problem is i dont have a birth license or a passport my question is can i just use my marriage license to go to the bahamas … please help me out
January 7th, 2010 at 8:57 pmHi Mille,
No, you can’t use your marriage license to go to the Bahamas. Sorry! If you need another copy of your birth certificate to apply for a passport, you can order one here: http://www.vitalchek.com/
January 13th, 2010 at 5:32 pmEnjoy your honeymoon!
Hello, I am going on a Cruise that leaves from Miami and goes into Nassau Bahamas and returns to Miami 4 days later. Is it correct that I do not need a passport because I leave and return to the same port on the cruiseline? I just want to make sure before I book my cruise and flight and don’t have a passport. Thank you.
January 24th, 2010 at 10:58 pmHi Laura,
Sounds like you should be fine with a driver’s license and a birth certificate, but I would double-check with your cruise line just to be on the safe side.
January 27th, 2010 at 3:41 pmHi. I am planning on going on a cruise to bahamas that
February 15th, 2010 at 7:58 pmleaves from Fort lauderdale Miami and returns back to the same spot.
i do not have a passport or a birth certificate. i just got my
citizenship through neutralization. i only have my drivers license,
bank cards, work photo id. Would that be enough to get me on the
without having any disappointment or refusal to get on the cruise
after i have booked it?
Hi Osagie,
You need proof of citizenship even on a closed-loop cruise. Your naturalization certificate should be fine. Have a great trip!
February 21st, 2010 at 5:08 pmMy Father are taking my two children aged 15 and 14 on a cruise that leaves from Puero Rico and will do Islands in the Southern Carribean. Do They need a Passport and will my father Same Last Name as children need a note or something from us
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:53 amI am going on a cruise to Bahamas from Port Canaveral Florida and will be returning to the same Port. Do I need a passport or may I use my birth certificate and drivers license ? Also instead of a drivers license, if you dont have one, can a state issued id be used in its place ?
March 3rd, 2010 at 4:36 pmHi Missy,
You are correct-you can use your birth certificate and driver’s license OR a state-issued photo ID card if you don’t have a license. Have a great trip!
March 3rd, 2010 at 9:31 pmhi!
May 13th, 2010 at 9:20 pmI have an H1b visa…nonimmigrant working visa in the us…we are planning to go on a cruise to the bahamas this july. what are the visa requirements?
Hi Hannah,
You don’t say where you’re from, so I can’t tell you what the visa requirements would be. However, you can contact the Office of the Bahamas Consulate General and they should be able to tell you: http://www.un.int/bahamas/Consular_Travel_Information.htm
May 20th, 2010 at 2:56 pmI’m going on a Royal Carribean cruise from Pt Canaveral and returning to Pt Canaveral in June 2010. I have a passport my children, ages 16 and 13 don’t. Do they need passports also or are birth certificates acceptable. Please advise. Thanks!
May 24th, 2010 at 11:49 amHi Marisa,
Since it’s a closed-loop cruise you should be all right with just their birth certificates and photo ID for your 16-year-old. Again, call the cruise line and double-check to make sure.
May 27th, 2010 at 1:08 pmMy family is flying to San Juan, for a southern Caribbean cruise, which ends up back at San Juan. Will we need passports? We will be visiting Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Maarten, and St. Croix. If passports are required, will we need the book kind, or will passport cards do? (two adults and two children.)
June 1st, 2010 at 6:16 pmSince it begins and ends in Puerto Rico, you should be all right with birth certificates and IDs. BUT you should contact your cruise line as they may require you to have passports anyway. Also, it’s a good idea to have a passport book just in case you need to fly home or you miss the boat and need to fly to another island to meet it.
June 4th, 2010 at 11:08 pmHi! I’m leaving on a cruise to the Bahamas in five days, it was very last minute and I don’t have my passport, we are leaving and returning to the Miami port. Can I use my birth certificate and ID?
June 23rd, 2010 at 12:01 amHi Kristine,
Yes, you should be fine with your birth certificate and ID, but I would call the cruise line and double-check with them, just to be on the safe side. Enjoy your cruise!
June 25th, 2010 at 8:47 pmSo, if my fiance and I are Florida residents and we’re going on a 3 day cruise to the Bahamas..can we use our birth certificates and drivers license to go on the cruise? Or do we need a passport?
July 5th, 2010 at 4:58 pmA friend invited me and a few friends to go on an overnight fishing trip to the bahamas. We will leave and return to the same place. I am the only one without a passport. I do have an original birth certificate and drivers license. Is that sufficient for entering and returning? What happens if we get there and something happens to the boat and we have to take a flight home? I wouldn’t be allowed to without a passport, right? Would I be stuck there? Just covering all my bases as I have a small child at home to worry about. Thanks in advance.
July 7th, 2010 at 7:49 amTo fly home, you would need a passport. If you’re traveling on a private boat as opposed to a cruise ship, you’d actually need a passport, passport card, NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST card or an Enhanced Driver’s License, if your state offers them. A driver’s license and birth certificate only works if you’re on a cruise.
July 8th, 2010 at 8:48 pmIf the cruise begins and ends at the same US port, you should be able to use your birth certificate and driver’s license, but contact your cruise line for verification.
July 8th, 2010 at 8:50 pmI am leaving for the Bahamas in 2 days I was told I didn’t need a passport if i was comming and leaving from the same port. I need my original birth certificate and a state Id well i dont have the orignal but it has a seal on it will that work?
July 11th, 2010 at 10:27 pmi am a legal resident alien in the US still waiting for my green card, but not illegal and my fiance’s family is going on a cruise to the bahamas leaving from charleston and i am going with them. What are the requirements that i will need to travel?
July 15th, 2010 at 12:42 pmHi Joe,
Per the US Customs and Border Protection, you need your “permanent resident card (Form I-551) or other valid evidence of permanent residence status.” Since you don’t have your green card yet, I’d contact Customs and Border Protection. Here’s a link to their contact info: http://www.getyouhome.gov/html/contact.html
July 24th, 2010 at 9:07 pmHi Tayla,
Yes, if has a raised or embossed seal it should be fine. Have a great trip!
July 24th, 2010 at 9:09 pmi am a Guinea bissau passport holder,do i need visa to travel to bahama,,,,
August 13th, 2010 at 11:45 amHi Debby,
Yes, you do. You should be able to get more information here: http://www.thebahamasguide.com/travel/visa.htm
August 13th, 2010 at 8:30 pmAlison,
My wife and I are traveling to the Bahamas in 2 weeks. She has her passport that she received with her maiden name, and she has not had it changed to her married name. We are flying to bahamas and flying back to Georgia (USA). Does she need to get a new passport or will her marriage certificate and passport with her maiden name suffice (married 3 years ago)?
Thanks,
August 16th, 2010 at 6:29 amChris
Hi Chris,
Given how long you’ve been married, she needs to get it renewed and get the name changed. Sorry, I know that’s probably not what you want to hear.
At this point, you can either make an appointment at a Regional Passport Agency office (here’s a list: http://travel.state.gov/passport/npic/agencies/agencies_913.html )or of course we’d be glad to help you if you’ll give us a call.
August 18th, 2010 at 1:12 pmHello,
I am going on a cruise to San Juan, St.Maarten and Labadee. The boat leaves from Miami Florida. Will I be able to use my enhanced license?
September 17th, 2010 at 5:49 pmHi Cherise,
Yes, you should be able to, but call your cruise line to make sure. Have a great trip!
September 20th, 2010 at 1:57 pmHello,
If the child is 16 years of age , may she/he travel by sea to
November 22nd, 2010 at 12:11 pmthe bahamas and back (same dock) , without a passport?Just with birth certificate and ID.?
If your over 18 do you have a passport to travel to the bahama’s by sea ( cruise ship ) or can you travel with birth cer.
November 27th, 2010 at 12:06 amHi Sydney,
It depends. If your cruise is a closed-loop cruise, one that begins and ends at the same US port, you should be able to use your driver’s license and birth certificate. However, call your cruise line to verify before you go.
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:58 pmI will be traveling in January and was told that the laws may change 1/1/2010 and I will be required to have a passport. we are leaving cape canaveral to the bahamas and are returning to cape canaveral as well. Thanks
December 14th, 2010 at 5:58 pmHi Tinika,
You should be fine to get in with just a birth certificate and driver’s license since it’s a closed-loop cruise, but check with your cruise line as ultimately it’s up to them whether you get on the boat or not.
Have a great trip!
December 16th, 2010 at 7:16 pmMy family and I are taking a cruise from Port Canaveral
January 18th, 2011 at 2:19 pmto the Bahamas for 1 day and coming back to Port canveral. Do we need original Birth Certs. or will a copy and a drivers license be OK. One son is 14 with no license, wi=hat other ID do I need for him
My wife’s name on her BC is her maiden name that does not match her driver license. Is that OK or do I need to take our marriage cert also???
January 18th, 2011 at 2:36 pmAre you on a cruise? If you’re not on a closed-loop cruise to the Bahamas you’ll need a passport. If you’re on a closed-loop cruise, call the cruise line and make sure they’ll let her board with the marriage certificate.
January 18th, 2011 at 10:15 pmHi Don,
A certified copy of the birth certificates is fine. Your son will also be fine with just a birth certificate since he’s under 16. Enjoy your cruise!
January 18th, 2011 at 10:17 pmI am going on a cruise to the bahamas in May leaving and returning to the same port.
January 19th, 2011 at 8:44 pmI have a valid ID and certified birth certificate BUT my last name is different on each since Im married. Is this an issue? Do I need my marriage license or anything?
Going to a cruise to the Bahamas with my 2 girls (13 & 10 years old)
January 26th, 2011 at 11:02 amI have my drivre’s licence and an expired passport. Can I use both.
I am an US Naturalized citizen.My dauhters do not have passports. Is a bith certificate enough
for them?
Thank you. Sandra
Hi Sandra,
If it’s a closed-loop cruise, one that begins and ends at the same US port, you’ll need your drivers license and proof of citizenship. For you, that would be your naturalization certificate. As long as your two girls were born in the US, a birth certificate should be fine for them. However, you should contact your cruise line and check their requirements before you travel.
January 30th, 2011 at 2:35 pmHi Kelli Jo,
It shouldn’t be an issue, but do contact your cruise line just to be on the safe side. Happy travels!
January 30th, 2011 at 2:36 pmhello ,
wondering i will be flying to Bahamas from LAX im a resident alien and wanted to know if i needed anything else ? like my California D.L ?
February 3rd, 2011 at 12:02 pmHi Selene,
You’ll need your passport and your permanent resident card. Have fun!
February 20th, 2011 at 9:48 pmHi Alison,
I am going on a cruise to Bahamas on March 5th, close-loop cruise. I have a valid green card, an expired British National Overseas passport (expiration date Jan, 2006), valid driver license, I just passed my US citizenship test couple weeks ago (no certificate received yet), an Hong Kong birth certificate. Am I allow to onboard? What can I do? THANKSSS
February 26th, 2011 at 12:22 amHi Kwok,
First of all, congrats on passing the citizenship test! Until you’re sworn in and officially become naturalized, you should be able to travel with your green card but you’ll need to get your passport renewed. Our sister company RushMyPassport.co.uk can help if you need it. Call us at 202-510-9264.
Good luck!
February 27th, 2011 at 10:22 pmHi, I’m going on a cruise to the Bahamas on April 10th 2011, leaving from port canaveral Fl, and coming back(closed-loop) I am a legal US resident and have my green card. Do I need a passport to take the cruises? Or to get out in Bahamas? I’m from Venezuela and have a expired Venezuelan passport… PLEASE HELP!!! everyone tells me something different, I spoke with imigration, the cruise line, customs in port canaveral, friends… what do I need??? PLEASE! I’m cruising with carnival. Thanks a lot!!!!!!!!!
March 2nd, 2011 at 2:28 pmHi Agustin,
Your green card should be okay for entering and leaving the US on a closed-loop cruise, per this fact sheet: http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/newsroom/fact_sheets/travel/whti_state_factsheet.ctt/whti_state_factsheet.pdf
BUT, the cruise line has final say over whether you board or not, so if they told you you need to renew your passport, you probably need to do so.
Also, you need to check with the countries you’ll be stopping in to make sure they’ll let you off the ship without a valid passport. You won’t have nearly as much fun if you’re stuck on the boat!
March 10th, 2011 at 10:09 pmUPDATE****** I did NOT need a passport to cruise to the Bahamas(Closed loop), I just my Green Card & state ID, got off the ship in every port and board with no problem! Had a great time!!
April 15th, 2011 at 6:47 pmHi Agustin,
Awesome, I’m so happy you were able to go and enjoyed your cruise!
April 19th, 2011 at 5:11 pmHi Agustin,
May 10th, 2011 at 8:13 amI am also going on a cruise with carnival and i do not have a passport but i do have my gree card. I am freaking out about not being able to get on the ship and everything is paid for. Please let me know exactly how the process went for you. I really need some sort of reassurance. PLEASE..THANK YOU!!!
i am going on, i assume, a closed looped norwegian cruise line cruise from miami to bahamas, but my passport is expired and i wont have enough time to renew before my trip. Can i use my certificate of naturalization(citizenhip) and my license to travel? I am leaving from miami and return to the same port of miami.
June 12th, 2011 at 12:44 amHi Sam,
You should be fine since it’s a closed-loop cruise, but call your cruise line just to be on the safe side. Have a great trip!
June 23rd, 2011 at 9:54 pmhey allison me(14) and my mom are goin on a cruise july 3 2011, it is a closed loop cruise do we need passports
June 27th, 2011 at 2:44 amps…we are going to the bahamas were leavin out of port canaveral
June 27th, 2011 at 2:45 amhi alison kroulek my mother was invited too go on a cruise to the bahamas will she need a passport ro board the ship and to get off at any of the stop if any stop i dont know she never been on a cruise so please help and why do I need a passport or will her id amd birth certifica be find PLEASE HELP THANK YOU
June 28th, 2011 at 9:44 pmI am cruising to Bahamas to stay for one week with my wife and 10 year old step-daughter. I have been told that all we need for my step-daughter is her birth certificate and a notorized letter from her biological father that he gives permission for his daughter to travel to the Bahamas with her mother.
My wife’s maiden name is on her daughter’s birth certificate, which is not the same last name as her daughter, and she now has my last name which does not match her daughters certificate. Will this be a problem? Thanks!
June 29th, 2011 at 1:29 pmHi Shaun,
I wouldn’t think so. Your wife’s current name will be on the notarized letter from your step-daughter’s biological father, so they should be able to see that she has permission to be there with the two of you. The birth certificate basically serves as a form of ID for your daughter and proof of her US citizenship. It might be a good idea just to include your wife’s maiden name in parentheses on the notarized letter, to make sure everything is clear to the immigration authorities.
Have a great trip!
June 30th, 2011 at 8:03 pmHi Lisa,
As long as the cruise begins and ends in the same US port, your mother should be able to use her driver’s license and official birth certificate. However, if she has a passport it would be better because it would make it easier to come home in an emergency or to catch a plane to the next port if she misses the cruise ship (you have to have a passport to fly to the Bahamas). Also, I would actually call the cruise line and ask what she needs to board the ship -they are the final authority on whether or not she gets on the boat. Hope this helps!
June 30th, 2011 at 8:06 pmHi Brandon,
Your mom should be fine with a driver’s license and a birth certificate. Since you’re under 16, all you need is a birth certificate.
June 30th, 2011 at 8:07 pmThat said, please contact your cruise line and ask what their requirements are. Have a great trip!
Hi,
I am an India citizen working in US on H1B (valid, stamped till 2013). I’m
September 13th, 2011 at 2:21 pmplanning to go to Cruise (to Bahamas) later this year. I’m leaving from
port Canaveral. I spoke with my cruise on couple of occasions and I was
told different things. First, I was assured that I do not need any visa
but on second occasion I was told that they can not have final answer on
my case.
Please advise if I need Visa.
Thanks in advance
Hi Tirak,
You need to contact the cruise line again and see who you need to speak to to get a final answer on what’s needed. Good luck!
September 14th, 2011 at 7:19 pmI have a pakistani passport which is expiring in May 2012. I am currently a permanent resident of canada.
I am going to bahamas for a week. Do i need to re-new my passport as I have read that some countries need a 6 month valid passport.
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:24 pmhi i am from czech rep.and i like to go to bahamas,with my 4 year old,i have her in my passport,is that ok?
November 24th, 2011 at 4:59 amHi Petra,
I’m not familiar with Bahamian entry requirements for non-US Citizens. Call your local Bahamian embassy- they should be able to advise you. Have a great trip!
November 26th, 2011 at 8:17 pmHi Umer,
Contact your local Bahamian embassy to ask about entry requirements for permanent Canadian residents. They’ll tell you what you need to get in. Have a great trip!
November 26th, 2011 at 8:24 pmHELLO ME AND MY GIRLFRIEND ARE PLANNING A TRIP TO GO ON A CRUISE TO GO TO THE BAHAMAS.. I WAS WONDERING IF WE NEED A PASSPORT JUST TO GO ON THE CRUISE TO THE BAHAMAS. ALSO WAS WONDERING IF WE NEEDED A PASSPORT TO GET OFF THE SHIP AND WALK AROUND IN THE BAHAMAS? THANK YOU WILL APPRECIATE THE RESPONSE
January 14th, 2012 at 8:06 pmHi Manny,
As long as the cruise begins and ends at the same US port, you should be all right with a driver’s license and birth certificate. However, please contact your cruise line with your itinerary to confirm that, as they have final authority over whether or not you get on the boat.
Have a great trip!
January 15th, 2012 at 10:20 pmHi, My friends and i are planning to go on a cruise this summer to Hawaii, Bahamas or Bermuda, but currently i only have my US work permit, would i be able to go with them on the cruise if i brought my work permit, DL and if needed a letter written by my layer? thank you.
February 28th, 2012 at 6:05 pmHi my husband and I are planning to go to the bahamas on a 2 days cruise but want to stay there for 2 days and come back on the same cruise.. is what they call cruise and stay do we need a passport for that.. since we are coming back on the same cruise 2 days later but staying there 2 days.. cruise stay-stay.cruise..thanks.
March 1st, 2012 at 3:49 pmHi Flaca,
You should be all right with a driver’s license and a birth certificate since you’re leaving and returning on the same cruise ship, and per the Department of State, “the Bahamian government only requires proof of citizenship and identity in order to enter The Bahamas.” However, PLEASE contact your cruise line and verify what you need, since they have final say over whether or not you get on board the ship.
Have fun!
March 2nd, 2012 at 10:58 amHi Lisa,
That documentation would definitely be okay for a Hawaiian cruise, provided there aren’t any stops on the itinerary outside of the US. Otherwise, please ask the cruise line what documentation they will require. You’ll probably also need a valid passport from your country of origin. Have a great trip!
March 2nd, 2012 at 11:22 amHi, i’d like to know what documents I need for sure to take a cruise from miami to caribean islands, I’m mexican citizen I got my turist visa and mexican passport, will be enogh??
March 6th, 2012 at 12:38 pmHi Shelly,
To know for sure, please check with your cruise line, as they have the final say over whether or not you board.
Thanks, and have a great cruise!
March 6th, 2012 at 2:50 pmCan a person aged 17 travel to the Bahamas without their parents? And what identification do they need?
March 29th, 2012 at 11:34 amHi Andy,
Yes, and you will need a passport. Also, bring a notarized letter signed by your parents giving you permission to travel with the people you are traveling with. Have a great trip!
April 1st, 2012 at 7:05 amHi
April 21st, 2012 at 4:59 pmMy girlfriend and I are going to the Bahamas I do not have my passport. We are going via cruise from what I can tell I should be alright without a passport since we are returning on the same cruise, is this correct and where do you get your information regarding this issue.
Hi Nick,
You should be fine as long as you have a certified copy of your birth certificate to use as proof of citizenship, but please contact your cruise line to be sure, since they have final authority over whether or not you board.
The official government page describing required documents for closed-loop cruises can be found here: http://www.getyouhome.gov/html/lang_eng/eng_sa.html
April 26th, 2012 at 9:59 amHi,
May 30th, 2012 at 1:14 pmI plan on leaving for a cruise from New Orleans that is going to the Bahamas and Florida and returning to the same port. I have Xanadian citizenship but am a permanent resident of the United States. I do not have a passport but do have a valid Texas license and a birth certificate. Is this enough?
Thanks
* Also have a permanent resident card
May 30th, 2012 at 1:14 pmHi Justine,
You should be fine to get back into the US with your permanent resident card, but contact the cruise line to be sure that’s all they require.
Have a great trip!
May 30th, 2012 at 2:31 pmHELLO I’M GOING TO BIMINI THIS WEEKEN IN MY BOAT MY NIECE AND HER HUSBAND ONLY HAVE RESIDENT CARDS CAN THEY GO TO BIMINI OR THEY NEED A PASSPORT
July 3rd, 2012 at 10:01 pmHi Albert,
It looks like they will actually need a passport in addition to their resident cards. See the Bahamas Permanent Mission website for details.
July 4th, 2012 at 7:55 pmCan you haved a faxed birth certificate to get in if you are under 16?
July 8th, 2012 at 8:01 pmHi Max,
You’ll need a passport book if you’re flying in, no matter how old you are. If you are on a cruise, please double-check with your cruise line, but minors under 16 should be fine with an original or certified copy (with a raised seal, so not a fax) of their birth certificate. Have a great trip!
July 10th, 2012 at 8:42 pmI want to travel to the bahamas with my son who is 11 months old, does he need a passport? we would be flying.
Jamie
September 5th, 2012 at 11:50 amHi Jamie,
Yes, he will need a passport.
September 9th, 2012 at 7:12 pmmy passport expired a month ago and we are planning to cruise from baltimore, maryland to bahamas. do i need to renew my passport?
September 17th, 2012 at 8:13 amcan i bring my grandchilden in a cruise with me? what is needed from them to cruise from batimore, md to bahamas.
September 17th, 2012 at 8:16 amI am traveling with my family from Miami to Bimini in May 2013 and staying at the Guy Harvey Hotel.I was born in Miami, have a valid FL driver’s license and original birth certificate and also work for the state which I can provide and photo ID as well. Question is, is the enough or do I still need a passport? Please help me..!
April 3rd, 2013 at 11:14 am