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TRAVEL REPORT
Bahamas

1. RECENT UPDATES

The information contained in this Travel Report has been thoroughly reviewed and updated.

Since January 23, 2007, all Canadian citizens transiting the United States when travelling to and from the Bahamas by air must comply with entry requirements to the U.S. For more detailed information, please see the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) web site.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Bahamas

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Most Canadian visitors to the Bahamas do not experience problems.

The hurricane season extends from June 1^st to November 30^th. For more information, please see our Global Issue on the hurricane season.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Crime, usually not violent, occurs in Nassau and Freeport. Tourists increasingly have been the targets of robberies. Do not carry large sums of cash or wear expensive jewellery. Ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Avoid deserted beaches and do not walk alone, particularly after dark. Criminal activity is minimal on the outlying islands.

Water sports equipment should be rented from reputable operators only. Inquire about insurance coverage and insist on proper training before using the equipment.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Bahamian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the High Commission for the Commonwealth of the Bahamas or its consulates for up-to-date information.

Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Required

A valid Canadian passport should be carried for all visits outside Canada. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return to Canada. However, Canadians travelling on a direct flight are only required to be in possession of valid official photo identification (such as a driver's licence) and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate) for trips to the Bahamas of up to 21 days. An onward or return ticket, accommodation information and proof of sufficient funds are also required.

Canadians planning to remain in the Bahamas for a period of more than 21 days are required to have a valid passport. While in the country, they must apply for an extension of visit with the Bahamas Immigration Department. If transiting another country before entering the Bahamas, they should check with the authorities of this country for the latest information on passport requirements.

Since January 23, 2007, all Canadian citizens transiting the United States when travelling to and from the Bahamas by air must comply with entry requirements to the U.S. For more information, please see the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) web site.

Permanent Residents of Canada must travel with their Permanent Resident Card and a valid passport from their country of origin.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers arriving from infected areas.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Bahamas - NASSAU, Consulate of Canada
Address: Shirley Street Plaza, Nassau, Bahamas
Postal Address: P.O. Box SS-6371, Nassau, Bahamas,
Tel.: (242) 393-2123 or 393-2124
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 1-881-949-9993
Fax: (242) 393-1305
E-Mail: cdncon@batelnet.bs

The High Commission of Canada in Kingston, Jamaica, has consular responsibility for the Bahamas.

Jamaica - KINGSTON, High Commission of Canada
Address: 3 West Kings House Road, Kingston 10, Jamaica
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1500, Kingston, Jamaica,
Tel.: (876) 926-1500
Fax: (876) 511-3493
E-Mail: kngtn-cs@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.jamaica.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Consulate of Canada in Nassau or the High Commission of Canada in Kingston, Jamaica, and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa toll-free at 1 800 387-3124.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site. The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical care is good in Nassau and Freeport, but limited elsewhere. Medical expenses can be very high. It is normal for clinics to require patients to sign an undertaking to pay agreement and to take a credit card impression as guarantee of payment prior to providing medical care. Any incidents of sickness or injury requiring hospitalization should be reported to the Embassy of Canada.

HIV is prevalent.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Strict penalties are enforced by the Bahamian customs authorities for the temporary import or export of firearms without permission. For further information on firearms in the Bahamas, contact the High Commission for the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

Boaters should note that long-line fishing is illegal in Bahamian waters. All long-line fishing gear must be stowed below deck while transiting Bahamian waters. Stiff penalties are imposed for catching crawfish (lobster) or other marine life in protected areas or out of season.

Penalties for possession or trafficking of drugs are severe.

Canadians interested in purchasing property or making other investments should seek legal advice from appropriate professionals in Canada and in the Bahamas before making commitments. Disputes arising from such activities could be prolonged and costly to resolve.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Traffic drives on the left. Road conditions are different from those in Canada. Roads are generally adequate in Nassau and Freeport, but road travel is limited elsewhere. Road construction is not always well marked. Bicycles, mopeds, and pedestrians can be hazards, particularly on the busy streets of Nassau and Freeport.

A valid Canadian driver's license is sufficient for driving in the Bahamas for up to three months.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the Bahamian dollar (BSD). U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted. Traveller's cheques can be exchanged at banks. U.S. dollar traveller's cheques are recommended. ABMs are located on the larger islands, in airport terminals, banks, casinos and some hotels.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. You are advised to visit the Web site of the National Hurricane Center for information on weather conditions.

Flooding may occur during this period with possible disruption to transportation and utility services. Canadians should monitor local weather reports, avoid disaster areas, and contact the High Commission of Canada in Kingston, Jamaica (see section 5) if they require assistance. Travellers should check with their travel agent or tour operator to confirm their travel plans prior to departure.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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