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.
We advise:
Exercise a high degree of caution in The Bahamas due to the threat of violent crime.
Call 911 or 919.
Call 911, 919 or go to the nearest hospital.
Call 911, 919 or visit the nearest police station.
We advise:
Exercise a high degree of caution in The Bahamas due to the threat of violent crime.
Exercise a high degree of caution in The Bahamas.
Exercise a high degree of caution in The Bahamas due to the threat of violent crime.
See Safety
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 in cruise ship terminals and resorts. Avoid Nassau’s 'over the hill' area (south of Shirley Street), where gang violence occurs.
Criminals target travellers in Nassau and Freeport for:
The Bahamas has a high murder rate. Most murders happen at night in non-tourist areas in downtown Nassau. Avoid these neighbourhoods.
The Bahamas has a high rate of sexual assault. 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 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.
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 crime
Petty theft and bag snatching often happen in tourist areas. Keep valuables out of sight.
Always keep vehicle windows closed and doors locked. Leave valuables out of sight, even when your vehicle is moving.
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
Cyber security when travelling overseas
Public protests and events that attract 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.
Hurricanes and severe weather
In September 2019, Hurricane Dorian caused severe damage to the Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama. Arrange your accommodation before travelling and seek local advice on any ongoing disruption from this hurricane that could affect your 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
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:
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.
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 thousands 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.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location
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:
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.
More information:
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.
COVID-19
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.
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 leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
Visa-free travel for short stays
You won't need a visa to enter The Bahamas if:
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:
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:
Entry into The Bahamas
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:
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:
Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.
More information:
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 BSD10,000.
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.
Driving permit
To drive in The Bahamas, you'll need both:
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:
If you plan to drive:
More information:
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:
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:
Armed smugglers often use small boats and other vessels in The Bahamas. Be careful of the boats you're travelling on.
More information:
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:
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.
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: +1 868 235 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.
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.