Entry Requirements

Whether you are planning a luxury getaway to Paradise Island or a quick weekend cruise, understanding the Bahamas travel requirements is essential for a smooth journey. Entry rules vary depending on your citizenship and mode of transportation.

Below is the definitive guide to Bahamas entry requirements for 2025/2026.

Do You Need a Passport to Go to Atlantis Bahamas?

The most frequent question travelers ask is: “Do you need a passport for Atlantis Bahamas?” The answer depends entirely on how you arrive.

Traveling by Air

If you are flying into Nassau (Lynden Pindling International Airport), yes, you need a passport to go to Atlantis. All international air travelers, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, must present a valid government-issued passport book to enter the country and to re-enter their home nation.

Traveling by Sea (Cruises)

If you are arriving via a “closed-loop” cruise (one that starts and ends at the same U.S. port), the requirements are more flexible under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI).

• Do you need a passport for Atlantis if you are on a cruise? Technically, U.S. citizens can use a passport card, an enhanced driver’s license, or a birth certificate combined with a government-issued photo ID.
• Recommendation: Even if you think you don’t need a passport to go to Atlantis via sea, we strongly recommend carrying a passport book. In the event of an emergency that requires you to fly home, a birth certificate will not be accepted at the airport.

Bahamas Entry Requirements for U.S. and Canadian Citizens

The Bahamas is a welcoming destination for North Americans, and for most short-term visits, the process is straightforward.

• Visas: Citizens of the USA and Canada do not require a tourist visa for stays up to eight months.
• Passport Validity: Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay. For Canadians, it is recommended that your passport be valid for at least three months beyond your departure date.
• Onward Travel: You must have a return or onward journey ticket.
• Proof of Funds: You may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds to support your stay.

U.S. Passport Processing

If you need to apply for or renew your travel documents, the U.S. Government offers two tiers of service:

1. Routine Service: Usually takes 6–8 weeks.
2. Expedited Service: Available for an additional $60 fee (plus overnight delivery costs), generally reducing the wait time to approximately 3 weeks.

Requirements for Non-U.S. Citizens and Residents

U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders)

• Stays under 30 days: You must present your original Alien Registration Card (Green Card) and a valid national passport from your country of birth.
• Stays over 30 days: You will need a valid national passport and a Bahamas visa.

Canadian Permanent Residents

• Stays under 30 days: You must present a valid national passport and your Canadian Permanent Resident Card.
• Stays over 30 days: You must contact the nearest Bahamas Embassy or High Commission to arrange proper documentation.

Latin American Citizens

• Passport: Must be valid for the duration of the stay.
• Visa: Not required for stays of less than three months.
• Note: If you are departing The Bahamas for a country that requires six months of passport validity, Bahamian authorities will enforce that requirement.

Travel Regulations for Minors

The Bahamian government takes the safety of children seriously to prevent international abduction.

• Traveling with one parent: A notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent may be requested.
• Traveling with non-parents/guardians: A notarized letter from the legal guardians is required. This letter must authorize the chaperones to travel outside the country and permit them to seek medical attention for the minor if necessary.

Important Contact Information

If you have specific questions regarding Bahamas travel requirements or need to inquire if your specific country requires a visa, contact the consulate:

USA Bahamas Consulate (Miami)

• Tel: 305-373-6295
• Fax: 305-373-6312
• Official Website: www.immigration.gov.bs

Final Tip: If you are arriving by plane but returning by private boat, ensure you still purchase a return flight ticket. Airline agents rarely allow travel on a one-way ticket unless you can provide a cruising permit and the boat captain is present at immigration.

2. Traveling by Sea: The “Closed-Loop” Cruise Exception

If you are arriving via a cruise, you might wonder: “Do you need a passport for Atlantis?” Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), U.S. citizens have more flexibility if they are on a “Closed-Loop” cruise.

• What is a Closed-Loop Cruise? This is a cruise that begins and ends at the same U.S. port (e.g., departing Miami, stopping in Nassau, and returning to Miami).
• Documentation: For these specific cruises, U.S. citizens can technically use a passport card, an enhanced driver’s license, or a birth certificate combined with a government-issued photo ID.
• The Risk: Even if you don’t strictly need a passport to go to Atlantis via a closed-loop cruise, we strongly recommend a passport book. If an emergency occurs and you need to fly home from Nassau, an airplane will not board you without a passport book.

Types of Passport Processing

If you realize you need a passport for Atlantis but don’t have one, the U.S. Government offers two types of service:

• Routine Service: Typically takes 6-8 weeks.
• Expedited Service: For travelers needing a document quickly, this service usually takes about 3 weeks. It costs an additional $60 per application, plus overnight delivery costs.