When visiting the magical Bahamas, check out this article to answer the questions: Do you need a passport to go to the Bahamas, or do you simply need a photo ID? In this article, you’ll also come across expert international travel recommendations that’ll aid you in planning and executing a trip you’ll live to remember.
Planning a trip to the Bahamas? Here’s what you need to know:
Yes, U.S. citizens need a passport. Your passport must be valid for the length of your stay. You’ll need at least two blank pages. And the best part? No tourist visa is required. Cruising instead? You can skip the passport if you bring your ID and enter under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. Just make sure to return to the U.S. by sea. No need to stress—if your trip is under 90 days, you’re good to go without a visa. Want to skip the passport altogether? Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have you covered—just pack your government-issued photo ID. Wherever you go, KAYAK is here to help you travel smart. Because every trip starts with a plan—and we’ve got yours.
Do you need a passport to go to the Bahamas?
American travelers flying to the Bahamas must have a valid U.S. passport book and proof of anticipated departure from The Bahamas. A passport card will suffice if you enter the country via a port. To be deemed acceptable, your passport for the Bahamas should be valid for at least six months at the time of entry, according to Bahamas Immigration guidelines.
The U.S. Department of State notes that passports must be valid for the duration of your stay. To be safe, aim for the six-month validity mark or confirm directly with Bahamas Immigration and your airline. Note that if it’s a passport book, it must have two blank pages, which are required for the entry stamp.
Passport Needed?
Yes
Blank pages needed
2
Passport validity
Six months recommended
Visa tourist needed
No
Is a travel visa needed to go to the Bahamas from the U.S.?
The need for a travel visa to enter the Bahamas depends on your trip’s duration. You don’t need one if you’ll be in the Caribbean nation for up to 90 days. U.S. travelers for tourism do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days, though officials may ask for proof of onward or return travel, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds.
Can you go to the Bahamas with just your ID?
If you travel to the Bahamas by cruise, you can enter with just an ID accepted under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). Acceptable IDs include a state-issued enhanced driver’s license, U.S. military or merchant mariner document, Native American tribal photo ID, or a Trusted Traveler Program Card. If you use one to enter, you must travel back to the U.S. by sea, just like you arrived. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends carrying a passport book in case an emergency requires air travel back home.
Can you use a birth certificate to get into the Bahamas?
Across the globe, a birth certificate is not a valid ID for an adult. This being the case, you cannot use your birth certificate alone to enter the Bahamas if you’re above the age of 16. For adult travelers (16+) flying to The Bahamas, a passport book is required. For sea travel or closed-loop cruise re-entry to the U.S., birth certificates (original or certified) can be used as proof of citizenship for children under certain ages and in some supervised group contexts, per U.S. Customs and Border Protection rules.
What Islands do not require a passport?
Many Caribbean countries, including the Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, do not require a passport for U.S. citizens traveling on a closed-loop cruise (departing and returning to the same U.S. port). In that case, you can use another Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document. But if you want to fly there, you’ll need to have your valid passport book on you.
Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are the two Caribbean islands that do not require a passport for U.S. citizens, as they are U.S. territories. U.S. citizens traveling directly between the U.S. mainland and these territories generally do not need a passport (domestic travel rules apply), though acceptable government photo ID is required for air travel.
What to pack in your suitcase for the Bahamas?
When putting together your packing list for the Bahamas, include the following:
- Sunlight protection
- Sandals and walking shoes, a pair each
- Electronics: a camera, memory cards, a portable battery pack, and chargers
- Toiletries: small packs of tissues/handkerchiefs, travel towel, insect repellent
- Your driver’s license if you want to hire from one of the car rentals in the Bahamas
Expert tip: Before leaving for the airport, ensure your luggage meets your airline’s carry-on and checked bag restrictions.
Frequently asked questions
The Bahamas officially recommends your passport be valid for at least six months at the time of entry for non-Bahamian visitors. The U.S. Department of State notes passports must be valid for the duration of your stay. Many travel experts recommend having at least six months’ validity to avoid issues with airlines or unexpected travel changes.
A passport book is required for international air travel, accepted for all entries, and holds entry/exit stamps and visas. A passport card is wallet-sized, cheaper, valid only for land/sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and most Caribbean nations (including the Bahamas by sea), and not valid for international flights.
Apply or renew well in advance, generally at least 3 months before travel. Routine processing can take 6 to 12 weeks and expedited services are available for an extra fee. Always check current U.S. passport processing times before booking.
The Bahamian dollar (BSD) is the official currency and is pegged 1:1 with the U.S. dollar. U.S. dollars are widely accepted across the islands. Credit cards are commonly used in tourist areas, and ATMs are available on major islands.
No routine vaccines are required for most travelers. Yellow Fever vaccination is required only if you are arriving from (or transited more than 12 hours through) a country with Yellow Fever risk. If required, the Yellow Fever vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before arrival.
Yes, you must declare cash, currency, traveler’s checks, or negotiable instruments totaling USD $10,000 (or equivalent) or more upon entry or exit. Declare items when in doubt and check Bahamian Customs for full rules.
Bottom line
Now that you know that you need a passport for the Bahamas, continue reading for more information on the country, with KAYAK’s comprehensive Bahamas travel guide.
The foregoing article was last updated in January 2026. It does not contain legal advice and is for informational purposes only. KAYAK does not guarantee, and accepts no legal liability arising from or connected to, the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any of the information contained in this article and/or any of the content linked to within it. Always check the official government website of your departure and arrival destinations prior to travel for up-to-date information.
Sources:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Bahamas.html
https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/western-hemisphere-travel-initiative
https://lovethemaldives.com/travel-pedia/can-u-s-citizens-travel-to-bahamas-with-birth-certificate#
https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/assets/documents/2018-Jan/fieldops-whti-fact-sheet.pdf
https://met.gov.bs/elementor-13/
https://met.gov.bs/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/78073-MEANS-EXTREME-TABLE-OF-ELEMENTS-1991-2020.pdf
https://worldweather.wmo.int/en/city.html?cityId=97
