Grand Bahama General Info

The United States Department of Homeland Security has announced that effective January 1, 2006, all U.S. citizens and foreign nationals travelling to the United States from The Bahamas will be required to present a valid passport or another secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States . Click here for more information.

CURRENT REQUIREMENTS:

To enter The Bahamas, U.S. citizens need one of the three documents listed below, accompanied by a return or onward journey ticket and proof of funds to support the visit. Stays not to exceed eight months.

NOTE: If you are using an electronic ticket, please show Immigration a copy of your travel itinerary and ticket number.

Passport
Current or expired (up to a maximum of five years since expiration date).

OR

Official Birth Certificate
For persons 17 years of age and older:
An original certificate issued by the U.S. Govt. or court-certified copy (raised or ink seal) is required, accompanied by an Official Photo ID issued by the U.S. Govt. (driver’s license, or voter's card). Current and expired IDs are accepted. Student Photo ID alone is not acceptable as adequate documentation.

For persons 16 years of age and younger:
A birth certificate is all that is required. If the traveler is a student and possesses a student ID, the traveler should also carry the student ID to facilitate being processed by Bahamas Immigration.

For persons 16 years of age and younger, traveling alone:
A notarized parental letter of consent is required. In the case of organized group travel, a letter is not necessary. It is assumed that the chaperone has obtained prior permission.

NOTE: A laminated credit card-sized birth certificate is acceptable, as long as it is an original or certified copy (raised or ink seal).

OR

Original Naturalization/Citizenship Certificate
An original certificate is required, accompanied by a recent photo if photo on naturalization paper is not recent.

NOTE: Persons are advised to purchase return tickets (and seek reimbursement upon returning home for the unused ticket), even when they are certain to return via a private boat – the chance of an airline/cruise line ticket agent allowing travel on a single ticket is very slim. If, however, the person gets to the point of Bahamas Immigration on a single ticket, the Captain of the boat would have to present himself and the cruising permit. However, a copy of the cruising permit will be permitted for crew members, who may be arriving by plane and returning by boat as their names will appear on the manifest. A letter will not suffice.

Location	Grand Bahama Island is a mere 52 miles due east of Palm Beach, Florida or about a half-hour by plane. We're the first complete vacation island you'll come to.
Geography	Our island is 96 miles long and 17 miles across at its widest point. However from Freeport or Lucaya, you'll find you're within a few minutes drive of most points of interest.
Language	English is our native tongue, although you'll find we speak it with a pleasant Bahamian lilt.
Currency	The Bahamian dollar is on par with the U.S. dollar. Across the island, you'll find that U.S. currency is widely accepted.
Weather	Temperatures range from average highs of 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter months to the low 80s in the summer. Our sub-tropical weather means that temperatures seldom drop below 60 or rise above 90.
Attire	A casual and informal wardrobe is appropriate both day and night. If you want to dress up, you won't feel out of place in our casinos or finer restaurants and nightspots.
Transportation	Rental cars are available at the airport and taxis can be found easily. There are also tour buses and public jitney buses. (And remember, everyone drives on the left.)
Travel Documents	American citizens born in the U.S. require either a passport (valid or expired up to 5 years) or an original birth certificate accompanied by a valid photo ID. Please note that copies of birth certificates are not acceptable. American citizens born outside the U.S. require either an American passport (valid or expired up to 5 years) or an original naturalization certificate accompanied by a valid photo ID. U.S. permanent resident aliens must present their valid alien resident card accompanied by a valid photo ID. Canadian citizens require either a Canadian passport or a Canadian citizenship ID. All other travelers must have valid passports from their country of origin in conjunction with multiple entry U.S. visa and if necessary a Bahamian visa, please check with your nearest Bahamian Consulate. Passengers under 18 years of age require a notarized written parental consent for travel.
Tourist Information Centers	Centers are conveniently located at the harbour, the airport, Port Lucaya Marketplace and the International Bazaar to offer accurate information, directions and advice.
Medical Centers	We have one government hospital and three private clinics for in- and out-patient care.
Departure Tax	Every person, except children 6 and under, must pay a departure tax upon leaving the island: $18 at the airport