Plan to arrive at the airport at least three hours before your U.S.-bound flight and two hours for all other international flights.
General entry requirements are listed below. *
All travelers entering the Bahamas must have a valid passport.
Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter the Bahamas. Citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, and the European Union member states, do not need a visa for short stays (typically up to 90 days). However, it's essential to check the visa requirements specific to your country before traveling.
Upon arrival in the Bahamas, you will be required to complete a customs declaration form. This form typically asks for information about the items you are bringing into the country, including currency, goods for resale, and items exceeding your duty-free allowance. An oral baggage declaration is required. Learn more here.
The Bahamas allows travelers to bring in a certain amount of goods duty-free. This includes personal items such as clothing, toiletries, and gifts. However, there are limits on the value and quantity of goods you can bring in without paying duty. It's advisable to familiarize yourself with these limits to avoid any issues at customs.
Certain items are prohibited or restricted from entry into the Bahamas. These may include firearms, ammunition, illegal drugs, and certain types of fruits, vegetables, and plants. Make sure you are not carrying any prohibited items to avoid fines or confiscation.
There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency you can bring into the Bahamas. However, if you are carrying more than $10,000 or its equivalent in any currency, you must declare it to customs upon arrival.
*Please note that the requirements vary based on your country of citizenship.
The official currency of the Bahamas is the Bahamian dollar (BSD). The Bahamian dollar is pegged to the US dollar at a 1:1 exchange rate, meaning that both US dollars and Bahamian dollars are widely accepted throughout the country.
US dollars are widely accepted in the Bahamas, particularly in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and shops. Many businesses quote prices in both US dollars and Bahamian dollars.
Since the Bahamian dollar is pegged to the US dollar, there is no need to exchange currency if you are coming from the US or Canada. However, it's advisable to carry some Bahamian dollars for small purchases and transactions in local markets.
If attendees need to exchange currency, they can do so at banks, exchange bureaus, or ATMs located throughout Nassau and other major cities in the Bahamas. It's a good idea to exchange money at reputable institutions to ensure fair rates.
Credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are widely accepted in the Bahamas, especially in tourist areas. However, it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller vendors or in case of any issues with card payments.
Tipping is customary in the Bahamas, similar to the US and Canada. It's customary to tip waitstaff, taxi drivers, tour guides, and other service providers. Tipping is usually around 15-20% of the total bill. Tipping for your airport transportation is not necessary.
There are ATMs available in Atlantis and broader Nassau where you can withdraw Bahamian dollars or US dollars using your debit or credit cards. However, it's advisable to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card usage abroad.
The Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) in Nassau, Bahamas, has specific rules and regulations regarding shuttles and transportation services operating on its premises.
At no time can there be more than one bus from any vendor in the loading dock. While one bus unloads bags and passengers, the other buses are queued in the airport holding area until said bus is complete. This process takes anywhere from three to five minutes.
The same policies apply for limousines, private sedans, and or any other transportation vehicles being used for passengers’ transfers upon arrival or departure.
While our agreement with the transportation vendor quoted no longer than a fifteen-minute wait time, please be mindful of these regulation limitations.