The Bahamas

Violent crime

High levels of crime occur in The Bahamas, especially during the holidays. Armed robbery and other armed violent crimes are common.

Hotspots for violent crime include the islands of New Providence and Grand Bahama, including at cruise ship terminals and in resorts.

Criminals target travellers in Nassau and Freeport for:

• muggings
• armed robbery
• home invasion
• sexual assault

The Bahamas has a high murder rate. However, most murders happen at night in non-tourist areas in downtown Nassau. Avoid these neighbourhoods.

The Bahamas has one of the highest rates of sexual assault in the Caribbean. 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. Never leave your food or drink unattended.

To protect yourself from violent crime:

• stay alert to your surroundings, even in areas normally considered safe
• be wary of approaches from friendly strangers
• don't visit deserted beaches or walk alone, especially after dark

Never get out of your car to remove 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 crime

Petty theft and bag snatching often happen in tourist areas.

Always keep vehicle windows closed and doors locked. Leave valuables out of sight, even when your vehicle is moving. 

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Public protests and events that draw 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:

• monitor local media, local authorities and other sources, such as the National Emergency Management Agency
• keep your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep 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

In September 2019, Hurricane Dorian caused severe damage to the Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama. The following essential services are disrupted:

• shelter
• food
• water
• medical supplies
• power and communication services.

The ports and airports on these islands are closed. Follow the advice of local authorities.

The hurricane season in The Bahamas is from June to November. 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 to the Bahamas 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 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
• Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency

Tsunamis

Tsunamis can happen in The Bahamas.

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

To receive tsunami alerts, register with the Global Disaster Alert and Co-ordination System.

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.

More information:

• National Emergency Management Agency

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some might even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in The Bahamas. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• how much you'll take
• that it's only for personal use

More information:

• Medication

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.

Insect-borne diseases

Transmission of Zika virus is a risk in The Bahamas. The Australian Department of Health's Zika virus bulletin includes advice on how to minimise Zika virus risks.

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

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 facilities

Medical facilities are limited in The Bahamas. They are usually unable to handle major surgery and emergencies such as natural disasters.

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 a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that might appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

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 LGBTI people

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Bahamas doesn't recognise dual citizenship for people over 21.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

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 to get a visa before you travel.

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.

Other requirements

You must complete and sign an immigration card when you enter The Bahamas. 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.

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

More information:

• Department of Immigration

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

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

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.

It's illegal to leave The Bahamas with more than BSD200.

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
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must get your IDP before leaving Australia.

Road travel

You're 3 times 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 motorbike, 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 leave.

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

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

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.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Check the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia has a consulate in Nassau. It provides limited consular services and does passport interviews. 

Australian Consulate, The Bahamas

Lyford Manor, Lyford Cay, Nassau 
The Bahamas 
Phone: +1 242 327 8301 
Email: caroline.moncur@3connectbahamas.com 
Facebook: Australia in the Caribbean

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: +1 868 822 5450 
Fax: +1 868 822 5490 
Email: ahc.portofspain@dfat.gov.au
Website: trinidadandtobago.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in the Caribbean

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

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