Do You Need a Passport to Go to the Bahamas? [2026 Guide]
Passport, visa, and entry requirements for US citizens traveling to the Bahamas in 2026
Where
Yes, you need a passport to go to the Bahamas if you are flying. US citizens must have a valid US passport book to enter the Bahamas by air. A passport card is accepted only for travel by sea, such as cruises and ferries.
The Bahamas is an independent country located southeast of Florida. All air travelers aged 18 and older must present a passport book at airline check-in and upon arrival at Nassau, Freeport, or any other Bahamian port of entry.
Document Requirements at a Glance
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| US Passport Book | Yes | Required for all air travel to the Bahamas |
| US Passport Card | Sea only | Accepted for cruise ships and ferries, not flights |
| REAL ID | No | Not accepted for international travel |
| Driver's License | No | Not accepted as a travel document to the Bahamas |
| Birth Certificate | Limited | Accepted for children under 16 on closed-loop cruises only |
| Visa | No | US citizens can stay up to 90 days without a visa |
| Travel Authorization | Check | Bahamas Health Travel Visa may be required (verify current rules) |
Passport Requirements for US Citizens
To fly to the Bahamas, your US passport book must be valid for the duration of your stay. The Bahamas does not require six months of remaining validity like some countries, but your passport must not be expired when you travel.
Present your passport at airline check-in and at Bahamian immigration upon arrival in Nassau, Freeport, or any other port of entry. Keep the original passport in your hotel safe during your stay and carry a photocopy or digital photo when exploring.
All travelers, including infants and children, must have their own passport book for air travel. There are no age exemptions.
Passport Book vs Passport Card for the Bahamas
| Feature | Passport Book | Passport Card |
|---|---|---|
| Air travel to Bahamas | Yes | No |
| Cruise/sea travel | Yes | Yes |
| Cost (new adult) | $130 | $30 |
| Renewal cost | $130 | $30 |
| Processing time | 6-8 weeks standard | 6-8 weeks standard |
| Expedited processing | 2-3 weeks (+$60) | 2-3 weeks (+$60) |
| Valid for | 10 years (adult) | 10 years (adult) |
| Size | Booklet | Wallet-size card |
If you only have a passport card and need to fly to the Bahamas, you must apply for a passport book. Standard processing takes 6-8 weeks. Expedited processing costs an additional $60 and takes 2-3 weeks.
For closed-loop cruises departing from and returning to the same US port, a passport card is technically accepted. However, a passport book is strongly recommended in case of emergency medical evacuation by air.
Quick Travel Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Passport Required | Yes (book for air, card for sea only) |
| Visa Required | No (up to 90 days for tourism) |
| Passport Validity | Must be valid for duration of stay |
| Currency | Bahamian Dollar (BSD), pegged 1:1 to USD |
| Language | English |
| Time Zone | Eastern Standard Time (EST) |
| Flight Time from NYC | 3 hours direct |
| Flight Time from Miami | 1 hour direct |
| Average Flight Cost | $200 - $450 round trip |
| Best Time to Visit | December through April (dry season) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered clearly and concisely
Yes. US citizens need a valid US passport book to fly to the Bahamas. A passport card is only accepted for sea travel such as cruises and ferries.
You can use a US passport card only if you are traveling by sea, such as on a closed-loop cruise or ferry. A passport card is not valid for flights to or from the Bahamas.
Yes. All children, including infants, must have their own US passport book for air travel to the Bahamas. There are no age-based exceptions for flights.
No. US citizens visiting the Bahamas for tourism do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days, but must have a valid passport book and proof of onward or return travel.
A birth certificate is not enough for flights. It is only accepted for US citizen children under 16 on closed-loop cruises that depart from and return to the same US port.
Your US passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the Bahamas. Unlike some countries, the Bahamas does not require six months of remaining validity, but your passport cannot be expired.
You need a valid US passport book, a return or onward ticket, and may be asked for proof of accommodation and sufficient funds. Check current health or travel authorization requirements before departure.
No. A driver’s license or REAL ID is not valid for international travel to the Bahamas. You must have a passport book for flights, or at minimum a passport card for certain sea-only trips.
You can pay for expedited processing (about 2–3 weeks) or book an emergency appointment at a regional passport agency if you are traveling within 14 days and can show proof of travel.
Yes. The same passport and entry requirements apply whether you fly into Nassau, Freeport, or any other Bahamian island.