| |
|
|
| |
Air Service
All of the islands have airports, or at least an airstrip. Flying into the Bahamas, you will usually arrive in
Nassau or Freeport, and if bound for an out island, a smaller commuter plane will complete your journey. Listed
below are scheduled airlines, however there are a number of charter flights available, check with your travel agent.
Nassau/Paradise Island Airport Service
Air Canada - Toronto, Montreal
Air Jamaica - Montego Bay, Philidelphia, Newark, New York
Bahamasair - Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando
American Eagle - Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, Tampa
Gulfstream
Chalks
Ocean Airways
Delta
US Airways
Grand Bahama Airport Service
Bahamasair
Gulfstream
Continental
Miami Air
Lauda
Air Tran
American Eagle
Treasure Cay Airport Service
US Airways
Continental / Gulfstream International
Bahamas
Air
Air Sunshine
Gulfstream
Marsh Harbour Airport Service
American Eagle
Gulfstream
North Eleuthera Airport
Gulfstream
Entry Requirements
For visitors, entry requirements differ slightly depending upon place of birth, length of stay and what items accompany
the traveller.
U.S. and Canadian citizens entering The Islands Of The Bahamas as visitors are required to show proof of citizenship
with either a passport (current or expired within five years) or two forms of identification, one of which has
to have a photo. For example, you may bring your birth certificate and a driver’s license.
Upon your arrival to The Islands Of The Bahamas, you will be asked to fill out an Immigration Arrival/Departure
Card, which you will keep part of until your departure.
All visitors are required to be in possession of a return ticket.
U.S. visitors staying for eight months or less need a return ticket plus a passport (passports expired up to five
years may also be used) or a certified birth certificate with an official photo identification.
Naturalized citizens require naturalization papers (photo identification is not required).
Alien residents in possession of a U.S. Alien Registration Card may enter The Islands Of The Bahamas without a
visa for visits not exceeding thirty days. Presentation of a current national passport, or one that has been expired
for five years or less, facilitates processing.
Permanent residents (green card holders) require their green card and a valid passport from their place of birth.
Canadian visitors staying less than three weeks need the same identification as those from the U.S. and do not
require a visa.
Landed immigrants in possession of the Canadian Immigration Record Form 1000 should follow the same requirements
as Alien residents.
All others need a valid passport.
British subjects from the United Kingdom and colonies may enter The Islands Of The Bahamas as visitors without
passports or visas for periods not exceeding three weeks. For longer stays they must present a passport.
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age coming from the following
countries: Angola, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador,
French Guiana, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Peru and Sudan. Travellers are required
to be vaccinated 10 days prior to entering The Islands Of The Bahamas and must have a valid certificate of vaccination
against Yellow Fever.
Customs
When you enter The Islands Of The Bahamas, you will be asked for a verbal baggage declaration. However, your luggage
is also subject to customs inspections. If you are carrying dutiable items, you will need to fill out a Baggage
Declaration Form.
Custom Duty
Baggage declaration by temporary visitors is oral, but baggage is subject to Customs inspection. In case there
are dutiable articles, the visitor will be required to complete a Baggage Declaration Form. Each adult is allowed
50 cigars or cigarettes or one pound of tobacco and one quart of spirits free of Customs Duty, in addition to personal
effects. In addition, purchases up to a value of one hundred dollars ($100.00) are permitted by all arriving passengers.
Household effects, such as small appliances (such as blender etc.) are dutiable at 45% of the cost. Linen and china
are duty free for each arriving visit. Computers such as laptops are considered a part of your personal effects
and therefore are duty-free.
Getting Around
Taxis are accessible from all areas at all times. Jitney buses run from downtown and Cable Beach in Nassau/Paradise
Island and from several depots at Freeport/Lucaya on Grand Bahama Island at ten minute intervals for 75 cents per
ride.
Driving
Rental cars, scooter, and bikes are available on almost every island. British rules apply, so please drive on the
left. Visitors may use their home license for up to three months and may also apply for an international driver's
license.
Helpful Tips
What to Bring
Airlines restrict the amount of baggage you may bring to the Bahamas, especially if you are commuting on the out
islands. Try to pack light. so you'll meet the baggage restrictions. The planes that fly to The Out Islands may
restrict you to one bag and one carry-on bag.
Besides lightweight garments and comfortable shoes, you'll probably want to bring a camera, sunscreen, sunglasses
and a beach towel. You can also bring your own fishing or scuba diving equipment, although these items can be purchased
or rented at most beach resorts. Whatever you do, remember to leave enough room for souvenirs!
It's a good idea to set aside B$15.00 to cover the departure tax, unless you are leaving The Islands Of The Bahamas
from Freeport on Grand Bahama, where the departure tax is B$18.00. You may substitute United States dollars for
Bahamian dollars since American currency is accepted everywhere and the exchange rate is the same. You will also
need to have the appropriate documents for entry into The Islands Of The Bahamas. Please click here to view these
documents.
Plan to wear spring and summer attire. The Islands Of The Bahamas have a semitropical climate with temperatures
ranging from 70°F to 80°F.
Electricity
Electricity is normally 120 volts AC. American appliances are fully compatible.
Water
The quality of water varies from island to island. The water is drinkable; however, bottled water is available
in our hotels, restaurants, gas stations and supermarkets.
Tipping
Tip according to quality of service. Bellboys and porters usually receive $1 per bag, while most other servers
(waiters, taxis, etc.) receive 15%. Many establishments include the gratuity in their bills, so look at your bill
before you leave a tip.
Shopping
Stores in downtown Nassau generally open for business between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays. In
Grand Bahama, the principal shopping areas are the Lucaya Marketplace and the International Bazaar which are open
for business at 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays. With the exception of the straw markets and malls,
only a few stores in the downtown area of Nassau/Paradise Island and the International Bazaar and Lucaya Marketplace
in Grand Bahama will be found open on Sundays. The straw markets and malls are usually open for business on Sundays.
On the out islands shops and store hours may vary, check with your hotel or host for more information.
Other Activities (when you are not diving)
The Bahamas have some of the most beautiful white powdery sand beaches in the world. On the out islands, you may
find yourself all alone to enjoy.
Dining in The Bahamas can be an enjoyable experience, differing from meal to meal. Most dishes center around seafood
like conch or rock lobster, but you’ll find a tremendous variety of fare throughout the islands.
Exploring nature and the environment is a fun and exciting vacation activity. The Bahamas has many national parks
that protect and preserve the natural environment and offer unsurpassed viewing of rare and indigenous wildlife.
There seems to always be a carnival or some sort of festivities somewhere in the islands. You may experience some
of the most lively and varied events of any place on the planet! Events celebrating everything -- fishing, sailing,
shopping, eating, drinking, dancing and more -- can be found on the islands throughout the entire year. In The
Bahamas, the party never stops.
The Bahamas have long been known as a mecca for sportfishing. Deep-sea fishing and bonefishing are the two standouts,
with events held nationwide throughout the year. Experienced guides and fishing lodges are plentiful in the islands
and are fully outfitted to make sure you have the very best fishing experience possible. From chartered boats to
flats fishing, The Bahamas have just about every type of fishing for first-timers and fanatics.
Are you a high roller or are slot machines more your speed? The casinos of Nassau/Paradise Island and Freeport/Lucaya
offer cards, dice, roulette, slots, sports betting and live shows.
One of the real pleasures of the Bahamas is that each island has its own personality. No matter what kind of nightlife
entertainment you want, you’ll find it on one of our islands. Peaceful nighttime serenity abounds on The Outer
Islands. A world of glamour and gaming thrive on Grand Bahama and Nassau/Paradise Island. Whether you choose to
spend your vacation nights under the stars or under the bright lights, there’s an island waiting for you, or if
it’s variety you seek, some islands offer both!
Cruising the islands can be fun and adventurous. Day sailing on catamarans, or overnight bareboat experiences await.
Cruise and enjoy what the islands are all about. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
