23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 911 or 919.
Call 911, 919 or go to the nearest hospital.
Call 911, 919 or visit the nearest police station.
Do not travel to the Bahamas.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Armed robberies, burglaries, purse snatchings, theft, fraud and sexual assaults are the most common crimes committed against travellers in Freeport and Nassau, including at cruise ship terminals and in resorts.
Criminals target travellers in Nassau and Freeport for:
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
More information:
The Bahamas experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:
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:
Get local advice before entering areas after a natural disaster.
In September 2019, Hurricane Dorian caused severe damage to the Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama. Arrange your accommodation before you travel and seek local advice on any continued disruption that could affect your individual itinerary. All other islands in The Bahamas remain unaffected.
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:
Severe weather may also affect:
If a hurricane is approaching:
If you're travelling during the hurricane season or following a natural disaster, contact:
More information:
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:
Don't wait for official warnings such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, monitor local media.
More information:
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
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:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
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:
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in The Bahamas. Monitor local media and advice from local authorities, including the Ministry of Health.
For information on the Bahama's COVID−19 vaccination program, refer to the Ministry of Health website. You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
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.
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:
Other insect-borne illnesses are a risk in The Bahamas. These illnesses include:
To protect yourself from insect-borne illnesses:
Seek medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.
Medical care is reasonable 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.
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.
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:
Serious crimes can attract the death penalty, including:
The legal age for same-sex relations is 18.
More information:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
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.
If you're concerned about your immigration status (e.g. overstaying your visa) due to the emergency restrictions, The Bahamian Department of Immigration has published guidance on how to apply for an electronic extension to stay on their website. You can also contact them at immigration@bahamas.gov.bs
You won't need a visa to enter The Bahamas if:
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.
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:
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:
The Bahamas has special entry requirements in place, including a requirement to apply for a health visa prior to arrival.
The websites of the Tourism Ministry and the Prime Minister have additional information on the latest measures and travel restrictions.
International flights are operating into and out of the Bahamas, but flight availability is restricted. The availability of future flights is not guaranteed.
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.
Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of The Bahamas for the latest information. 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.
If you're staying in The Bahamas:
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.
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:
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:
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.
To drive in The Bahamas, you'll need both:
You must get your IDP before leaving Australia.
You're 3 times more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle accident in The Bahamas than in Australia.
Hazards include:
If you plan to drive:
More information:
Check if your travel insurance policy covers you for riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.
Always wear a helmet.
Use only registered taxis and limousines arranged through your hotel.
Taxis don't use meters. Negotiate the price before you leave.
Public transport is via minibus (jitneys).
Pickpocketing can happen on public transport. Pay attention to your belongings.
More information:
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:
Armed smugglers often use small boats and other vessels in The Bahamas. Be careful of the boats you're travelling on.
More information:
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:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 911 or 919.
Call 911, 919 or go to the nearest hospital.
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.
You can get full consular help from the Australian High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago.
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.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.