The Bahamas

Armed robberies, burglaries, purse snatchings, theft, fraud and sexual assaults are the most common crimes committed against travellers in Freeport and Nassau, including in cruise ship terminals and resorts. Avoid Nassau’s 'over the hill' area (south of Shirley Street), where gang violence occurs.

• muggings
• armed robbery
• home invasion
• sexual assault

The Bahamas has a high rate of murder and sexual assault. 

Most murders happen at night in non-tourist areas in downtown Nassau. Avoid these neighbourhoods.

Assault can happen in many areas, such as:

• in and around hotels
• in casinos
• on cruise ships
• on the beach
• when taking jet ski rides

Food and drink spiking is often followed by sexual assault or robbery. 

To protect yourself from violent crime:

• stay alert to your surroundings, even in areas usually considered safe
• be wary of approaches from friendly strangers
• don't visit deserted beaches or walk alone, especially after dark
• avoid using drugs and excessive consumption of alcohol

Never get out of your car to move items blocking the road. Armed criminals could be waiting to rob you. 

If you're attacked or robbed, don't resist. Criminals often carry weapons. You could be seriously injured or killed.

Petty theft and bag snatching often happen in tourist areas. Keep valuables out of sight.

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security 

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

Possible targets include:

• places of worship or religious holidays
• hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
• markets and shopping malls
• outdoor recreation events, including festivals, concerts, and sporting venues
• public transport, airports and railway hubs

To stay safe:

• report suspicious activities or items to the police
• check the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If there’s an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so.

More information:

• Terrorism

Public protests and events that attract large groups of people can turn violent.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

The Bahamas experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:

• hurricanes
• tropical storms
• tsunamis

Medical facilities can't handle major emergencies. Be prepared to evacuate at short notice. Keep your travel documents up to date.

To protect yourself in case of a natural disaster:

• check media for updates
• keep your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• follow the advice of local authorities
• stay in contact with your friends and family
• contact your tour operator, hotel or airline

Get local advice before entering areas after a natural disaster.

Hurricanes and severe weather

The hurricane season is from June to November. The region is becoming increasingly vulnerable to climate change impacts. Tropical storms and hurricanes can also happen in other months. Landslides, mudslides and flooding can occur.

The direction and strength of hurricanes can change suddenly.

If you're travelling during hurricane season, check if severe weather has affected tourist services.

If there's a hurricane or severe storm:

• you may get stuck in the area
• flights can be delayed or suspended
• available flights might fill quickly
• adequate shelter might not be available

Severe weather may also affect:

• access to ports
• road travel
• essential services, such as water, electricity and communication systems

If a hurricane is approaching:

• know your hotel or cruise ship's evacuation plan
• identify your local shelter
• monitor local media, The Bahamas Department of Meteorology and the US National Hurricane Center
• follow the advice of local authorities

If you're travelling during the hurricane season or following a natural disaster, contact:

• your tour operator to check if tourist services at your planned destination have been affected
• your airline for the latest flight information

More information:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• Disaster Risk Management Authority – The Bahamas
• Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency

Tsunamis

Tsunamis can happen in The Bahamas.

A tsunami can arrive within minutes of a tremor or earthquake. Be alert to warnings.

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Co-ordination System to receive tsunami alerts.

If you're near the coast, move immediately to high ground if advised by local authorities, or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, monitor local media.

The water sports industry in The Bahamas is poorly regulated. 

Be careful when renting jet skis and other water sports equipment, as many companies and individuals offering water sports activities are unregistered. People have been killed or seriously injured using jet skis and other watercraft carelessly or by the reckless behaviour of others. 

There have been reports of sexual assaults on foreign nationals by jet ski operators in Nassau.

HIV/AIDS

The rate of HIV/AIDS infection is high in The Bahamas. Take appropriate precautions if you engage in activities that put you at risk of infection.

More information:

• infectious diseases 

Insect-borne diseases

Transmission of zika virus is a risk in The Bahamas.

If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends that you:

• discuss travel plans with your doctor
• consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas

More information:

• Zika Virus (Healthdirect)

Other insect-borne illnesses are a risk in The Bahamas. These illnesses include:

• dengue
• chikungunya

To protect yourself from insect-borne illnesses:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Seek medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

Medical care is of a reasonable standard in Freeport and Nassau but limited elsewhere.

Private medical care is expensive.

You need to pay cash before doctors and hospitals will treat you.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you might need to be evacuated to Miami or another destination. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include fines and long prison sentences in local jails.

Pack your luggage yourself. Don't carry anything through customs for anyone else.

US authorities may do thorough drug searches in The Bahamas.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

Serious crimes can attract the death penalty, including:

• aggravated murder
• terrorism
• treason
• war crimes

The legal age for same-sex relations is 18.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ Travellers

The Bahamas doesn't recognise dual nationality for people aged over 21 years.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Visa-free travel for short stays

You won't need a visa to enter The Bahamas if:

• your visit is for 90 days or less
• you have a valid return or onward ticket

In other situations, you might need a visa before travelling.

Entry and exit conditions can change. Contact an embassy or consulate of The Bahamas for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules. The Bahamas doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Australia. Its nearest mission is the Embassy of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in Beijing, China. Call +86 10 6532 2922.

More information:

• The Bahamas - list of overseas missions

If you need to extend your stay in the Bahamas, see the Department of Immigration guidance on how to apply for an electronic extension to stay. You can also email immigration@bahamas.gov.bs.

Travel via the United States

If you're travelling through the US, you'll need to meet US entry or transit requirements. This also applies if you're transiting through the US.

Check your visa requirements with a US embassy or US consulate well before you travel.

More information:

• Travel advice for the US
• US - list of overseas missions

Entry into The Bahamas

You must complete and sign an immigration card when you enter. Officials will stamp your card when you enter.

Keep your immigration card until you leave.

If you arrive by private charter, you'll need entry documentation.

You are required to produce a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you have arrived from, or transited for more than 12 hours from the countries listed, as having a risk of yellow fever transmission. 

All visitors leaving need to pay a departure tax. This might not be included in the price of your ticket. 

More information:

• Department of Immigration

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

The local currency is the Bahamian Dollar (BSD).

US dollars are also accepted. You can exchange US dollars for BSD at commercial banks or currency exchange offices.

You are required to declare, if you are leaving The Bahamas with BSD10,000 or more. Further information can be found at The Bahamas Customs Department website.

You can find ATMs on the larger islands. They can be found in:

• airport terminals
• banks
• casinos
• some hotels

Only use ATMs in these and other controlled areas. See Safety

Credit cards are widely accepted. Check your credit card statements often for unauthorised charges.

Before you travel, ask your bank if your cards will work in The Bahamas.

Driving permit

To drive in The Bahamas, you'll need both:

• a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted)
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must get your IDP before leaving Australia.

Road travel

You're more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle accident in The Bahamas than in Australia.

Hazards include:

• local driving habits
• traffic congestion
• poorly maintained roads, especially in rural areas
• flooding, especially in Nassau and Freeport
• poorly marked construction zones

If you plan to drive:

• check your travel insurance covers it
• learn local traffic laws and practices
• get advice on road conditions, especially after rain

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check if your travel insurance policy covers you for riding a motorcycles, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Use only registered taxis and limousines arranged through your hotel.

Taxis don't use meters. Negotiate the price before you get in the taxi.

Public transport

Public transport is via minibus (jitneys).

Pickpocketing can happen on public transport. Pay attention to your belongings.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Sea travel

Nassau is one of the world's largest cruise-ship ports. Cruise ships also dock at other ports in The Bahamas, including Freeport in Grand Bahama.

Medical facilities on cruise ships may not be as good as in Australia. Onboard medical treatment may be expensive.

If you plan to travel on a cruise ship:

• check it has suitable medical facilities
• be aware of the costs of onboard medical treatment.

Armed smugglers often use small boats and other vessels in The Bahamas. Be careful of the boats you're travelling on.

More information:

• Going on a cruise
• Travelling by boat

Air travel

Check The Bahamas' air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 911 or 919.

Medical emergencies

Call 911, 919 or go to the nearest hospital.

Police

Call 911, 919 or visit the nearest police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

You can get full consular help from the Australian High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago.

Australian High Commission, Port of Spain

18 Herbert Street, St Clair 
Port of Spain 
Trinidad and Tobago
Phone: +1 868 235 7950
Email: ahc.portofspain@dfat.gov.au
Website: trinidadandtobago.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: AusHighComTT

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

Australian Consulate, The Bahamas

HG Christie Office, Millars Court, Shirley and East Sts
Nassau, The Bahamas
Email: australianhcbahamas@gmail.com
 

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia