Bahamas · Islands of The Caribbean
Bahamas Customs Form & Entry Requirements
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.
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.
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.
Nassau & Paradise Island
Stroll the pastel-coloured historic district, haggle at the Straw Market, and cross the bridge to world-class Atlantis resorts.
Pink Sands Beach
Harbour Island's famous blush-pink shoreline — three miles of pale rose sand created by crushed coral and shells.
Thunderball Grotto
Snorkel through the James Bond film location — a stunning sea cave lit by natural shafts of light and teeming with tropical fish.
Dean's Blue Hole
The world's deepest known saltwater blue hole, dropping 202 m — a pilgrimage site for freedivers and snorkellers alike.
Junkanoo Festival
Experience the Bahamas' electrifying street festival — a riot of costumes, cowbells, goatskin drums and brass on Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
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.
Harbour Island
Harbour Island
The Bahamas' most charming Out Island — pink sand beach, pastel cottages, golf-cart streets and boutique hotels. Best for: Romantic getaways and those who want laid-back island life.