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If you are departing The Bahamas for a country that has the passport validity requirement of six (6) months beyond the dates of travel, then that requirement will be enforced. You must also have a return, or onward journey ticket, and proof of funds to support your visit. Before you travel to The Bahamas, please review our entry requirements to ensure a smooth trip. All visitors will require a passport to enter the country, and upon arriving in Nassau Paradise Island, everyone must fill out an immigration form and complete an oral baggage declaration.
REQUIRED TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
For comprehensive instructions and to download the form, please view our instructions for How to Apply for a New Passport. All U.S. citizens and foreign nationals are required to show a valid US passport to enter the United States. It’s important to note that this documentation is only valid for reentry to the United States through a sea or land border crossing — it won’t work for air travel.
Check Cruise Line Policies
You could visit Bimini or Freeport instead of a private island, though. Traveling to The Bahamas is an exciting vacation that allows you to enjoy beautiful scenery and a vibrant local culture, all while getting the rest and relaxation you crave. When you follow these Bahamas cruise tips, it’s easy to plan the perfect trip.
Travel document requirements for sailings from Southampton, England
If you are cruising to a destination not located within Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda, you need to bring a U.S. passport book; a passport card will not be allowed as a valid travel document. You won’t be able to board an international flight without a passport book. If you are cruising to the Caribbean, you will need to enter with either your U.S. passport book, passport card, Trusted Traveler card (Nexus, SENTRI, or FAST), or an enhanced driver’s license. A U.S. passport book is a government-issued document that allows U.S. citizens to travel internationally by air, land, and sea. We always recommend you bring a U.S. passport onboard, regardless of your cruise itinerary. A passport is generally required for U.S. citizens if you are taking a cruise that starts in the Bahamas and includes stops in other countries, such as the Caribbean cruises or Mexico cruises.
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As a U.S. citizen, having a passport for a Bahamas cruise is not always necessary. American citizens can use alternative travel documents instead of a travel passport on closed-loop cruises. If you’re on a cruise that departed from the U.S. and will visit Nassau or Freeport, Bahamas during your cruise and return to the U.S., you are permitted to travel with a passport card. By now, you know that it all comes down to how you’re entering the country. Flying in (and back to the United States) will require a passport, no exceptions, while sailing into the country’s waters doesn’t require a passport—WHTI-compliant documents will suffice.
For these closed-loop cruises, U.S. citizens can depart and re-enter the U.S. with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID. It’s important to understand the information provided above is limited to either land or sea border crossings. This means that if you’re heading to the Bahamas by air, you’re going to need to bring your passport to reenter the U.S. Everyone will need to present an accepted form of identification to board the ship.
Remember, Visa Waiver Program exceptions might not apply in all situations, so it’s wise to verify this information. If you plan to begin your cruise in the Bahamas or elsewhere in the Caribbean, you will need a passport book. Permanent residents of Canada must travel with their Permanent Resident Card and a valid passport from their country of origin.
You don't have to wait for a passport to travel: What to know about closed-loop cruises - USA TODAY
You don't have to wait for a passport to travel: What to know about closed-loop cruises.
Posted: Thu, 13 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Non-U.S. Citizens Currently Residing in the U.S.
U.S. travelers coming for tourism will not need a visa for travel up to 90 days. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. citizens traveling to and from the Bahamas on a cruise may use a passport book or card, an enhanced driver's license, or a Trusted Traveler Program card. Parents should bring a valid copy of their child's birth certificate if they are under the age of 16. U.S. citizens traveling on a closed-loop cruise can re-enter the U.S. with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID, according to U.S.
Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in The Bahamas. For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA) report. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.
Regarding tourist visas, so long as your trip is less than 90 days, you will not have to worry about acquiring one. Here’s a summary of what official identification a U.S. citizen needs to fly to or cruise to/from the Bahamas. This is called a closed-loop cruise and requirements are more lenient. Please review The Bahamas Government Website for exact details on Visa requirements as they pertain to your country. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to The Bahamas.
It is the traveler's sole responsibility to ensure they have the correct documentation before getting to the pier. It is always best to check with the cruise line and the Bahamian government for the most up-to-date requirements and regulations regarding travel documentation. For example, a passenger missing a cruise departure due to a late inbound flight to Miami would need a passport to fly to meet the ship at the next port. Though most foreign travel requires that you have a valid passport to come back home, cruising makes it easier to enjoy your vacation without worrying about this paperwork. If you are a US citizen, you can take a “closed-loop cruise” (one that begins and ends at the same port) to The Bahamas without a passport.
Please note that your daughter may still be required to present a passport when you dock at a foreign port, depending on the islands or countries that your cruise ship is visiting. The U.S. Passport Card, a more convenient and cheaper alternative to the passport book, can be used for entry into the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda via land or sea. Passports are required for all travelers, including citizens of the U.S. and Canada, who enter or re-enter the U.S. by air, land or sea.
U.S. citizens can use alternatives like an Enhanced Driver’s License or a birth certificate coupled with a government-issued photo I.D. To visit the Bahamas by plane, less than 200 miles from Miami, all U.S. citizens need a passport. And that means a passport book, not the less expensive passport card. In the event of an emergency while on a Bahamas cruise, travelers should be aware of the available resources and procedures. The cruise ship will have a medical center on board, and passengers should report any medical concerns or emergencies to the ship’s medical staff as soon as possible. In the event of a serious emergency, the ship’s crew will notify the appropriate authorities and take the necessary actions to ensure the safety of all passengers.
The reason for having a passport during your cruise is that you will be visiting other countries, and a passport is the commonly recognized identification and evidence of nationality accepted by most countries. Furthermore, regardless of your preferred method of transportation, if you are a non-U.S. Citizen, a passport is usually required for entry into other countries. For lawful permanent residents, it’s important to note that a valid green card is necessary for reentry into the U.S. If you’re planning a Bahamas cruise, you must ensure your green card’s validity before departure.
