Visas & entry
Use a passport valid for at least six months beyond entry. U.S. visitors can generally enter visa-free for tourism up to one month; UK visitors are usually visa-free up to 30 days, and Canadians, EU citizens and many Commonwealth nationals are generally visa-exempt, but nationality-specific rules apply—verify with Bahamian immigration or a consulate before ticketing. Carry onward-travel and accommodation evidence; yellow-fever certification may be required after travel from a risk country.
Getting in
- Nassau, Bahamas: The normal international gateway. Most visitors connect here to a short domestic flight; limited onward schedules make a same-day international connection risky, so an overnight in Nassau is the prudent choice when a long-haul ticket is at stake.
- Deadman’s Cay Airport, Long Island: The most useful Long Island arrival point for Clarence Town, Dean’s Blue Hole, Salt Pond and central/southern itineraries. Southern Air and Bahamasair service varies by date.
- Stella Maris Airport, Long Island: Best for Stella Maris, Cape Santa Maria and the northern dive/fishing zone. It is the sensible choice when northern accommodation is the priority, but connections are limited.
Getting around
Rent a car; for most visitors it is effectively essential. Taxis are limited and sights are spread along one long north–south road, so reserve a local rental well ahead in winter and around regatta week. Drive on the left, keep fuel topped up, download offline maps, and avoid night driving on narrow, poorly marked rural roads.
Money
The Bahamian dollar (BSD) is pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar, and U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Cards work at larger hotels and some businesses, but cash remains important for small operators, guides and informal opening hours; carry enough for tips and remote-day purchases. A 15% service charge may already be added, so check before tipping again.
Book before you land
Freediving courses and training at Dean’s Blue Hole
- Reserve a rental car before arrival; a sold-out car can derail the whole trip more effectively than a sold-out room.
- Do not treat Dean’s Blue Hole as a casual swimming pool: the depth drops abruptly, never swim alone, and stay clear of active freediving operations.
- Bring water, sun protection and supplies to beaches and remote sights; many have no services.
- Build weather slack into boat trips, diving and any Conception Island charter—sea conditions can cancel plans.
- Keep your fuel tank well above empty, especially when heading south, where services thin out quickly.
- Expect informal hours and limited dining choice outside resort areas; confirm meals, guides and excursions rather than assuming they run daily.
Entry rules change — verify visa requirements for your passport before booking this region.