Travel Insurance for The Bahamas

When you picture The Bahamas in your mind, you’re probably thinking of turquoise water, pristine beaches, and luxurious resorts. And you’re right! The Bahamas are a beautiful destination for a holiday—just make sure to pack your sunscreen. If you’re thinking of taking a trip to The Bahamas, here is some essential information you’ll need to know.

Emergency Contact Information

Dial 911 to be put you through to the the police and emergency medical and ambulatory services. You can also call 919 to reach the police, the fire department, emergency medical services. For more specific numbers, such as those for the AAS Life Flight Air Ambulance, The Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association, or the Red Cross, see the Royal Bahamas Police site.

While there is a British High Commission in Nassau, you will need to contact the British High Commission in Kingston, Jamaica, if you require an emergency travel document or other consular services. Make a note of all your travel insurance details, including your travel insurer’s contact information in case you need to make a claim.

Travel Safety Tips

While there is a moderate level of crime in The Bahamas, crime tends to be more prevalent on the islands of Grand Bahama and New Providence. Tourists are advised to stay within tourist areas and stick with their tour guides as there have been reports of violent crimes. There are a high number of reports of armed robberies in The Bahamas. Travellers are advised not to resist and to report the crime to the police as soon as possible.

Travellers should avoid walking alone and taking public transportation after dark, and they should also stay away from the “Over the Hill” district. Travellers should look up licenced taxi companies before their trip, and never hail a cab on the street.

Travellers should drink sensibly and stay aware of their surroundings. Do not leave any food or drinks unattended and do not except drinks from strangers as there have been reports of tourists’ food and drinks being spiked, followed by reports of theft and sexual assault. According to the FCDO, there is an increased risk of theft, pickpocketing, and sexual assaults during regattas and festivals.

You should keep your travel documents and other important personal possessions in your hotel safe and leave valuables, such as expensive jewellery, at home. Keep your cash and cards separate and don’t carry more cash than you need. There have been reports of ATM and card reader tampering and reports of thieves loitering around ATMs. Travellers are advised to use the ATMs in their hotel lobby or inside of banks.

Burglaries are common, so keep the windows and doors of your accommodation locked and never answer the door if you’re not expecting anyone. If you’re staying in a hotel, call the reception to ask if they sent a member of staff to your room. Do not share your accommodation address with strangers and don’t invite people to your hotel if you don’t know them well.

Many travellers visit The Bahamas with the intention of spending a lot of time in the water; however, they should exercise caution. There have been reports of shark attacks in the past, especially in the waters near New Providence. Tourists should stay within the safe areas marked by flags and avoid water that’s been baited by boat trips and fishermen.

There are many unlicenced water sport businesses in The Bahamas, especially jet ski businesses, which can be extremely dangerous to tourists. These companies do not follow safety regulations and if you are injured, you may not be covered by your travel insurance. Only take lessons and rent equipment from registered water sports companies.

If you’re staying in The Bahamas for less than 90 days, you don’t need an international driving permit. If you’re staying for longer than that, you will need to purchase a 1968 IDP before you leave for your trip. Drink driving is an issue in The Bahamas and traffic laws are poorly enforced, so travellers who rent vehicles should stay alert of other road users. Travellers are advised to keep their doors locked when stopping at traffic lights or slowing in heavy traffic as there have been reports of thefts from vehicles. When parking your vehicle, make sure that no valuable items are visible through the windows.

You will need to show your yellow fever vaccination certificate upon entering the country and your passport should be valid for 6 months from the time you leave. If you’re staying The Bahamas for less than 90 days, you don’t need a visa.

If you have pre-existing medical condition and need to take prescription medication, contact The Bahamas High Commission in London to ask if you are allowed to bring it into the country before booking your trip. Bring your prescription and a doctor’s note with you when you travel in case you are asked for them.

The tap water is safe to drink in The Bahamas, but some people find that it has a strange aftertaste and prefer to drink and brush their teeth with bottled water. Plan your trip to The Bahamas around the weather conditions, and remember that hurricane season is from June to November.

For more information on entry requirements, travel, health, and safety, check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FDCO) travel advice for The Bahamas.

Things to See and Do in The Bahamas

There are over 700 islands in The Bahamas, and most of them are reachable by plane or boat. If you need some inspiration for your trip, here are some of our favourite islands and things to do in The Bahamas.

Grand Bahama

Grand Bahama is the largest island in The Bahamas. Many travellers like to visit the Garden of the Groves, Cooper's Castle, the Perfume Factory, and the Bahamian Brewery on this island. Stop by the Port Lucaya Marketplace to pick up a few souvenirs and have lunch; it’s the largest shopping centre in The Bahamas. Take a tour to Ben’s Cave in Lucayan National Park and spend the day at one of Grand Bahama’s beautiful beaches, such as Barbary Beach, Gold Rock Beach, Lucaya Beach, or Taino Beach.

Great Exuma Island

Great Exuma Island is a fantastic destination for those who love the great outdoors. Travellers can swim with sea turtles in Hoopers Bay, see the Allen Cays Rock Iguanas, and take a boat ride to Pig Beach to swim with the pigs. Stop by the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park for some hiking, bird watching, kayaking, diving and snorkelling.

Long Island

This island is considered to be one of the most beautiful islands in The Bahamas, and is heralded as a great spot for sailing, fishing, and water sports. Go snorkelling around Dean’s Blue Hole or go diving to see the MV Comberbach shipwreck. Hire a guide to show you around Hamilton’s Cave, a 1,500-year-old cave system, and enjoy the views and the Columbus monument at Columbus Point. You can learn more about the history of the island at the Long Island Museum.