Passport Requirements for Nassau
- The Bahamas is a chain of hundreds of islands in the Caribbean. It is southeast of Florida and northeast of Cuba. Approximately the size of California, it is a developed, English-speaking nation that relies heavily on tourism. It achieved its independence from the United Kingdom in 1973.
- U.S. citizens traveling to the Bahamas by air are required to present a passport or passport card to enter or re-enter the U.S. This requirement applies to sea travel as well, with the exception of closed-loop cruises, or cruises that return to the same U.S. port as their original departure. No visa is required for entry to the Bahamas, however, the country does not accept enhanced driver's licenses (EDLs). There are some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors of the Bahamas.
- Americans traveling or living in the Bahamas are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The U.S. Embassy is located next to McDonald's restaurant on Queen Street in downtown Nassau; telephone (242) 322-1181; after hours: (242) 328-2206. The Consular Section's American citizen services hours are 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Fridays. The Embassy is closed on local and U.S. holidays.
- Items include primary evidence of U.S. citizenship such as a previous passport or a certified birth certificate from the appropriate state agency, a social security number, the DS-11: Application For A U.S. Passport, all applicable fees, two passport size photos and a photocopy of the primary evidence of U.S. citizenship.
- According to the U.S. Department of State, "The water sports and scooter rental industries in the Bahamas are not carefully regulated. Visitors should rent equipment only from reputable operators, and should insist on sufficient training before using the equipment. Every year people are killed or injured due to improper, careless or reckless operation of scooters, jet-skis, and personal watercraft."