What is the Bahamas Digital Arrival Card (BDAC)?

The Bahamas Digital Arrival Card (BDAC) is a new unified pre-arrival form that combines immigration and customs information into one digital submission. It is being piloted and is expected to replace the separate paper immigration card. Check bahamas.com or the official immigration portal for the latest status before you travel.

What is the duty free allowance for The Bahamas?

Adults (18+) may bring in duty free: goods up to BSD $100 in value, 1 litre of spirits or wine, and 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 454g of tobacco. Items in excess of these limits are subject to Bahamian customs duty. Verify current rates at customs.gov.bs.

Do I need a visa to enter The Bahamas?

Visas are NOT issued on arrival in The Bahamas. US, Canadian, UK, EU/Schengen, and most Commonwealth citizens are visa exempt for stays up to 90 days (or 8 months for US/Canada). If your nationality requires a visa, you must apply at a Bahamian embassy or consulate before travelling.

When is the best time to visit The Bahamas?

Mid-December to mid-April is peak season — sunny, dry, and warm (24–28°C) with the clearest water and calmest seas. For better value with almost-as-good weather, try the shoulder months of May–June or November. The Atlantic hurricane season runs June to November; late August to October carries the highest storm risk.

Is there a departure tax for The Bahamas?

A departure tax of approximately USD $20–$28 applies to all departing air passengers. In most cases it is already included in your airline ticket price. Confirm with your airline before travel. Sea passengers and cruise passengers may pay a separate port fee.

Bahamas · Islands of The Caribbean

Bahamas Customs Form & Entry Requirements

Q: Is the C17 Customs Declaration mandatory for The Bahamas?

Yes. Every traveller entering The Bahamas — by air or sea — must complete a C17 Customs Declaration. The free Exempt app at exempt.gov.bs lets you file digitally before arrival and stores your receipt on your phone. A paper form is available at the port if you did not pre-file.

Every traveller entering The Bahamas must complete a C17 Customs Declaration. The free Exempt app at exempt.gov.bs lets you file digitally before you land at Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS). This guide covers the C17 form, the new Bahamas Digital Arrival Card, duty free limits, prohibited items, visa rules, and everything you need for a smooth trip to The Bahamas.

Capital: Nassau
Airport: Lynden Pindling (NAS)
Currency: BSD (1:1 USD)
Language: English
Time zone: EST (UTC−5)
Best time: Dec to Apr
Power: 120V · US plugs
Customs form: C17 / Exempt app

Completing the C17 Customs Declaration

Download the free Exempt app or visit exempt.gov.bs to complete your C17 before arrival. You will receive a digital receipt stored on your phone — present it to the Customs officer on arrival. To complete the declaration you will need:

Passport details for every travellerIncluding children — each person in your party needs their own declaration entry.
Flight number & arrival datePlus a valid email address to receive your Exempt digital receipt.
Accommodation address in The BahamasHotel, Airbnb, private residence or cruise ship details for your full stay.

Bahamas Digital Arrival Card (BDAC)The BDAC is a unified pre-arrival form combining immigration and customs into one digital submission, currently being piloted. Check bahamas.com or the immigration portal for the latest status before you travel — it may apply to your arrival.

Entry requirements

Prepare these before you arrive at Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) or any Bahamian port of entry:

Valid passportValid for the duration of your stay. Most nationalities need at least 6 months validity beyond departure.
Return / onward ticketProof of confirmed onward or return journey — officers may ask at the immigration counter.
Proof of accommodation & fundsHotel reservation or host address covering your stay; carry bank statements or a card if asked.
Completed C17 / Exempt receiptYour digital Exempt receipt or a completed paper C17 form — required at the Customs checkpoint.

Visa requirements by nationality

Most visitors are visa exempt. Visas are NOT issued on arrival — if your nationality requires one, apply at a Bahamian embassy or consulate before booking flights. Verify at immigration.gov.bs.

Country / region	Visa status	Typical permitted stay
USA & Canada	Visa free	Up to 8 months
UK & Ireland	Visa free	Up to 90 days
EU / Schengen	Visa free	Up to 90 days (verify by country)
CARICOM states	Visa free	Up to 90 days
Australia & NZ	Visa free	Up to 90 days
China, India & others	Visa required	Apply before travel at nearest mission

Duty free allowances for The Bahamas

The following apply per adult traveller (18+). Items in excess are subject to Bahamian customs duty. Verify current limits at customs.gov.bs — allowances may change.

Category	Allowance
Spirits / wine	1 litre
Tobacco / cigarettes	200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 454g tobacco
Gifts & other goods	Up to BSD $100 total value
Personal effects	Duty free for reasonable personal use
Medication	Declare prescription drugs; carry original prescription
Cash & currency	Declare amounts over BSD $10,000 (or equivalent) on arrival

Prohibited & restricted items

Violations may result in seizure, fines, and/or prosecution. When in doubt, declare.

Never allowedIllegal drugs, pornographic materials, counterfeit goods, radioactive or hazardous materials, CITES-listed species and products, and camouflage clothing.
Permit / declaration requiredFruits, plants and seeds (Bahamian Plant Quarantine), meat and dairy products, pets (valid health certificate required), firearms (licensed only), prescription medications, and cultural artefacts.
Drone regulationsDrones require prior approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of The Bahamas. Flying without a permit near airports or government buildings is prohibited.

At the airport — arrival at Lynden Pindling (NAS)

Choose the Nothing to Declare lane if you are within all limits, or the Goods to Declare lane for items over duty free limits, cash over BSD $10,000, or anything requiring inspection.

1 · Immigration counterPresent your passport and completed immigration form (or BDAC); have your return ticket and accommodation address ready.
2 · Baggage claimCollect all checked luggage and proceed with all accompanied baggage to the Customs hall.
3 · Customs & exitPresent your C17 / Exempt receipt and choose the correct lane. Licensed taxis and drivers wait in the Arrivals Hall.

Money matters

The Bahamian Dollar (BSD) is pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed 1 BSD = 1 USD. US Dollars are universally accepted across the islands.

Feature	Details
Exchange rate	Fixed: 1 BSD = 1 USD
VAT / VAT rate	10% on most goods and services
Tipping	15% where no service charge is included
Currency declaration	Declare cash over BSD $10,000 (or equivalent) on arrival
Departure tax	~USD $20–28; usually included in airline ticket
Electricity	120V / 60Hz, US-style flat two-pin plugs (Type A/B)

Best time to visit The Bahamas

The Bahamas enjoys warm weather year round, with temperatures averaging 24 to 32°C (75 to 90°F). Season mainly affects rainfall, hurricane risk, crowds, and prices.

Season	Months	What to expect
Peak / dry season	Mid-Dec to mid-Apr	Sunny, dry, warm and calm seas — highest prices, book early
Shoulder season	May to Jun & Nov	Warm with brief showers, good value and fewer crowds
Summer	Jul to Aug	Hot and humid; hurricane season begins but storms are rare early in the season
Hurricane season	Sep to Oct	Highest risk of tropical storms — lowest prices; travel insurance essential

Top things to do in The Bahamas

From swimming with wild pigs to exploring underwater caves, here are the experiences that define a Bahamas trip.

Wild swimming pigs wading and swimming in crystal clear turquoise water at Big Major Cay in Exuma, Bahamas

Swimming Pigs of Exuma

The Bahamas' most iconic experience — wade in and feed wild pigs in the impossibly blue waters of Big Major Cay, Exuma.

Colourful colonial buildings and a busy waterfront street scene in Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas

Nassau & Paradise Island

Stroll the pastel-coloured historic district, haggle at the Straw Market, and cross the bridge to world-class Atlantis resorts.

A stretch of faint blush-pink sand beach lapped by calm turquoise water on Harbour Island, Bahamas

Pink Sands Beach

Harbour Island's famous blush-pink shoreline — three miles of pale rose sand created by crushed coral and shells.

Thunderball Grotto

Where to stay — best islands in The Bahamas

With 700+ islands, picking the right base shapes your entire trip. Here are the three most popular visitor islands:

New Providence

Nassau & Paradise Island

The most connected island — world-class resorts, casinos, historic sights, water parks and easy day trips. Best for: First timers, families and those who want everything on one island.

Exuma

Great Exuma & Cays

Home to the swimming pigs, Thunderball Grotto and some of the clearest water on earth — quieter and more boutique. Best for: Nature lovers, snorkellers and travellers seeking seclusion.