Summer International Travel Tips
This time of the year is a busy travel season for many people. We urge you to take all the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family.
Documents
Make copies of all your travel documents. Leave one copy with a trusted friend or relative and store the other in a separate location from your original documents, you can also scan and save your documents on your hard drive. Keep electronic copies of your travel documents with your phone for emergencies.
Passports
Check the passport expiration dates as soon as you start planning a trip, and remember passports issued to children under 15 are only valid for five years. Some countries – including most of Europe – will require that your passport expiration date is at least six months away from your date of arrival.
Important update: Passports can be renewed up to a year before expiration.
If you need a new passport, apply early to allow for delays; click here for more passport information.
Visas
Be sure to research the visa requirements of your intended destination. Please ensure that you have all required documents and approvals.
Some countries may not require a visa for entry. Click here for a list of countries with visa waiver agreements with The Bahamas.
Remember: If you are traveling through the United States from a country other than The Bahamas, a travel visa is required. A Police Record will not be accepted. Bahamians can only enter the United States without a visa from the US Customs pre-clearance facility in The Bahamas.
Medications
Some prescription drugs (including narcotics) and some over-the-counter medications are illegal in other countries. Check the laws of your destination about regulations and documentation before you travel.
Travel with Minors
If you are traveling alone with children, foreign border officials may require custody documents or notarized written consent from the other parent. Check with the embassy of your foreign destination before traveling.
Driving Abroad
Many countries do not recognize a Bahamian driver’s license, but most accept an International Driving Permit (IDP). You may also need supplemental auto insurance. Read more about driving and road safety abroad before you go.
Travel Insurance
The government of The Bahamas does not provide insurance for citizens overseas, nor does it pay medical bills or unexpected costs. We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance before you travel to cover emergency medical care, either as part of or separate from trip cancellation insurance.
- Health Insurance: Medical facilities and providers abroad may require cash upfront and may not accept Bahamian insurance plans. NHI does not provide coverage outside The Bahamas. Check your health care policy to see if it will cover you overseas. If not, consider buying supplemental insurance. Make sure the insurance you purchase covers any special medical needs or risks you anticipate on your trip.
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: Evacuation for medical treatment can cost more than $100,000. You should strongly consider purchasing medical evacuation insurance in case of an emergency overseas.