Bahamas

Things To Know

Airlines and Airport

How to get there:

Spirit Airlines, Air Canada, Air Jamaica, American Eagle, Continental and Continental Connection, Delta, US Airways, British Air, France, Bahamas Air, Chalk, Comair.

Airports

Nassau International Airport (NAS)

Entry Requirements

As of January 23, 2007: Passports are required for all air and sea travel to or from the Caribbean (including the Bahamas). Click here to learn about our Passports Included offer!

Upon your arrival to The Islands Of The Bahamas, you will be asked to fill out an Immigration Arrival/Departure Card, which you will keep part of until your departure.

All visitors are required to be in possession of a return ticket.

U.S. visitors staying for eight months or less need a return ticket plus a passport (passports expired up to five years may also be used) or a certified birth certificate with official photo identification.

Naturalized citizens require naturalization papers (photo identification is not required).

Alien residents in possession of a U.S. Alien Registration Card may enter The Islands Of The Bahamas without a visa for visits not exceeding thirty days. Presentation of a current national passport, or one that has been expired for five years or less facilitates processing.

Permanent residents (green card holders) require their green card and a valid passport from their place of birth.

Canadian visitors staying less than three weeks need the same identification as those from the U.S. and do not require a visa.

Landed immigrants in possession of the Canadian Immigration Record Form 1000 should follow the same requirements as Alien residents.

All others need a valid passport.

British subjects from the United Kingdom and colonies may enter The Islands Of The Bahamas as visitors without passports or visas for periods not exceeding three weeks. For longer stays they must present a passport.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travelers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate

Departure Tax

$15.00 at Nassau International Airport. Most airlines include the departure tax in the ticket price.

Medical Help

There are two modern hospitals in the city of Nassau. Both are fully equipped to respond to any medical situation, including emergencies. Princess Margaret, with 436 beds, is the larger of the two. Doctor’s Hospital has 72 beds.

What To Bring

Clothing

Casual, comfortable clothing. Sandals or sneakers for beach days or hikes and smart casual shoes for restaurants requiring more formal attire.

Miscellaneous

When you enter The Islands Of The Bahamas, you will be asked for a verbal baggage declaration. However, your luggage is also subject to customs inspections. If you are carrying dutiable items, you will need to fill out a Baggage Declaration Form.

Custom Duty

Baggage declaration by temporary visitors is oral, but baggage is subject to Customs inspection. In case there are dutiable articles, the visitor will be required to complete a Baggage Declaration Form. Each adult is allowed 50 cigars or cigarettes or one pound of tobacco and one quart of spirits free of Customs Duty, in addition to personal effects. In addition, purchases up to a value of one hundred dollars ($100.00) are permitted by all arriving passengers.

Household effects, such as small appliances (such as blender etc.) are dutiable at 45% of the cost. Linen and china are duty free for each arriving visit. Computers such as laptops are considered a part of your personal effects and therefore are duty-free.

Financial Matters

Currency

The Bahamian dollar and the US dollar. Major credit cards and travelers checks accepted.

Bank Hours

Monday through Thursday 9:30 am to 3:00 pm and Friday 9:30 am to 5:00 pm

Business Hours

9:00 am to 5:30 pm

Utilities

Voltage

120 volt 60 cycle. (American appliances are compatible)

Transportation

Buses

You will find that most major islands have bus service (also called jitneys) that runs daily until about 8 p.m. Fares for one-way destinations are 75 for adults and 50 for children. When boarding a bus, please have exact change.

Taxis

You can call a cab or flag one down on the street. Cabstands are also conveniently placed at most large hotels. Taxi service is available by telephone/hail in street or at taxi stands. Although metered rates vary by island, they are reasonable and are fixed by law. Surcharges often apply for more than two persons and extra luggage. Suggested tip: 15% of fare.

Tours

You’ll find guided tours on almost all of The Islands Of The Bahamas. And you’ll be able to select one that suits your interests exactly, ranging from shopping sprees to ecological adventures among the birds and island wildlife.

Things To Do

Nassau/Paradise Island has everything to keep both water lovers and land lovers satisfied and your Breezes hosts want to share the beauty of their islands with you. Excellent tours are available, with experienced, friendly guides and can be arranged by the Concierge at your hotel.

Shopping

Experience the fun of bargaining at the famous Straw Market, enjoy the colorful bustle of their outdoor fruit and vegetable stalls and fresh fish market, or be entranced by the fashionable elegance of Bay Stree’s international boutiques.

Gaming

If are a gambler, the dazzling casinos are alive with color, music, and the thrill of chance. Most casinos offer blackjack, slot machines, craps, baccarat, and sports book betting (but only if you’re over 18!).

Sailing and Boating

The marinas and hotels in Nassau offer a wide range of charters and rentals. There are fully crewed and catered sailing trips, bare-boat rentals for experienced sailors, day cruises, small sailboats, motorboats, and jet skis. Excursions focused around snorkeling, diving, barefoot picnics on remote beaches, or on-board dining and drinking are all available; you can even take a ride on a submarine.

Cultural Attractions

Parliament Square in downtown Nassau is the center of the Bahamian Government. Points of interest include the Houses of Parliament, the old Colonial Secretary’s Office, the Supreme Court and a marble statue of Queen Victoria.

Steps from downtown, you’ll find Fort Fin-castle, and the highest point on the island, the Water Tower. Climb the Queen’s Staircase, 66 steps, one for every year of Queen Victoria’s reign.

On Paradise Island, the peaceful Versailles Gardens are not to be missed. The Gardens are beautifully appointed with statues, fountains, elegant terraces, and French Cloisters.

Fishing

Whether you are a beginner or a deep sea expert, the outfitters and charter captains can give you all the help you will need.

Festivals

Often compared to Carnival in Rio or Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Junkanoo is an annual inherited celebration made up of elaborately costumed dancers parading to the sounds of cowbells, whistles, and goatskin drums. Some say the name Junkanoo originally came from the African freedom fighter, John Canoe. Today it simply means fun and is celebrated with a parade in the end of December and in the beginning of January.

Outdoor Adventures

There are miles and miles of beautiful beaches throughout Nassau/Paradise Island. But sometimes, you want more out of your vacation than a tan. While visiting the islands, you will find there is a wide range of activities that requires only your sense of adventure. Whether it’s an exciting powerboat cruise, swimming with the dolphins or kayaking on calm waters; the adventure of your choice is waiting.