UNITED STATES TRAVEL ADVISORY
14 April 2025
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – TRAVEL ADVISORY
SUMMARY
Take normal security precautions when traveling to the United States. This advisory contains important information regarding entry requirements, enhanced border screening, and other essential travel information for Bahamian citizens visiting the United States.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Bahamians require the following documents for travel to the United States.
By Air: – Police certificate OR Valid U.S. visa (note: Bahamians traveling on to another country
and expecting to transit the United States on their return will need a visa)
By Sea: – Valid U.S. visa only
Additional information is available at the U.S. Embassy in Nassau and accessible online here.
Police Certificate Travel
Non-immigrants traveling on a police certificate are legally admitted to the United States and issued an electronic I-94 (Arrival/Departure record) after submitting fingerprints and clearing inspection formalities. These I-94 records can be viewed here.
Visa Travel Information
Most Bahamian visitors can stay in the United States for up to 6 months without a visa when traveling directly from The Bahamas for tourism, business, transit, or other specific purposes. Declare your intended length of stay upon entry to the United States.
Border Screening
Expect thorough examination at ports of entry, including inspection of electronic devices. U.S. border authorities have wide discretion and strictly enforce entry requirements. Be cooperative and honest in all interactions with border authorities. Refusal of entry could result in detention
while awaiting removal.
It is important to note that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) has the final authority to determine your eligibility to enter the United States. A refusal by US CPB at the airport means that you will not be allowed to enter the United States. Some common reasons for refusal are: security concerns, visa issues, and criminal history. If you are denied entry, remain calm, ask for the reason you were denied entry, and follow-up with the U.S. Embassy Nassau.
Electronic Device Searches
U.S. CPB officers have broad authority to inspect electronic devices at ports of entry, including:
- Mobile phones
- Laptops
- Tablets
- Social media accounts
- Email messages
- Text messages
While you are not under any obligation to unlock your devices or provide passwords, the US authorities reserve the right to enforce any of the following outcomes:
- Prolonged interrogation;
- Device confiscation; and/or
- Denial of entry
- Criminal Records
If you have a criminal record, regardless of the offence or when it occurred, you may be denied entry to the United States, even when travelling with a police certificate. Be prepared to provide context for any past offences.
Permanent Residents and Extended Travel
Bahamian permanent residents of the United States should be aware of heightened scrutiny when returning from international travel. If you plan to be outside the United States for more than six months, apply for a re-entry permit before leaving. Officials are increasingly monitoring time spent outside the country and may question permanent resident status if you spend excessive time abroad. Additional information is available here.
Airport Detention/ Arrest
If you are detained or arrested at an airport or any other port of entry, remain calm and cooperate with officials. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney and/or consular officer; please exercise this right. Your personal belongings, including mobile phone, may be confiscated. If you need prescription medication, advise officials before your belongings are
confiscated.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Race-Related Considerations
As a predominantly Black country (around 90% of the population), Bahamian travelers should be aware that they may experience varying treatment in certain regions of the United States. While most experiences will be positive, some travelers may encounter bias or discrimination. Exercise situational awareness and familiarize yourself with local customs and expectations. Additional information from the UN Human Rights Council is available in the most recent report of the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in the United States available here.
Crime
Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching occur, particularly in urban centers and tourist areas. Violent crimes are more common in poorer urban neighborhoods, especially from dusk to dawn, and are often associated with alcohol or drug consumption. The FBI’s crime data
explorer (CDE) is available here.
Firearms
Gun ownership rates in the United States are high, and open carry of firearms is legal in many states. Mass shootings can occur, though tourists are rarely involved.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations can turn violent without warning and may significantly disrupt traffic and public transportation. Avoid demonstration areas and large gatherings, and follow directions from local
authorities.
Terrorism
There is an ongoing terrorist threat in the United States. Potential targets include government buildings (including schools), places of worship, transportation hubs, tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, shopping centers, and hotels.
HEALTH
Medical care in the United States is particularly good, but comes at great cost. All hospitals must accept emergency cases regardless of ability to pay, but services will be billed to the patient. Foreign nationals without travel health insurance must pay for medical treatment themselves. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers hospitalization abroad and medical evacuation.
LAWS AND CUSTOMS
Legal Status and Identity Verification
U.S. authorities may request proof of your legal status at any time. Always carry documentation proving your lawful presence in the United States, such as your I-94 form.
Alien Registration Requirement
All foreign nationals present in the United States for more than 30 days must register with the U.S. federal government, in application of the Alien Registration Act. Failure to comply with this new rule will be counted as a criminal offense punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both. The U.S. Government has stated that individuals who fail to register may face arrest, deportation, and permanent inadmissibility to the United States.
Verify if you were automatically registered upon entry by checking your I-94 form on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website (as cited above). Additional information on registration is available here.
Border Control and Restricted Items
During passage through U.S. Customs and Border Protection, certain categories of products receive heightened scrutiny:
Medications
Prescription medications require proof of prescription and should be:
● In original containers with pharmacy labels
● Limited to amounts needed for your stay plus one week
● Accompanied by a copy of your prescription
● If necessary, include a doctor’s note explaining your condition
⚠ All substances classified as controlled or illegal under U.S. federal law, including cannabis and other homeopathic drugs, are strictly prohibited regardless of their legal status in The Bahamas or other countries. Previous cannabis use or any association with the cannabis industry could result in being denied entry to the United States. Possession may result in immediate denial of entry, fines, deportation, cancellation of visa or travel privileges and/or future inadmissibility to the United States. Note that although some U.S. states have legalized cannabis for medical or recreational use, it remains illegal under U.S. federal law, which governs all border crossings.
Agricultural and Phytosanitary Products
The U.S. maintains strict regulations on importing agricultural products to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases. Bahamian travelers should be aware of the following restrictions:
Seafood and Marine Products:
- Conch and other Bahamian seafood must be declared to CBP
- Personal quantities may be allowed if properly packaged and for personal consumption only
- Commercial quantities require proper permits and may be subject to inspection by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Some marine species may be protected under CITES (Convention on International
- Trade in Endangered Species) and may require special permits. Additional information is available here.
Fruits, Vegetables, and Plants:
- Most fresh fruits and vegetables from The Bahamas are prohibited from entering the U.S. and all plants and plant products must be declared and are subject to inspection
- Failure to declare agricultural items can result in penalties of up to $10,000.
Always declare all food, plant material, and animal products to CBP officers. When in doubt, declare it. Undeclared prohibited items may result in significant fines and penalties.
Contact(s) for Overseas Offices
A full list of Consulates and Honorary Consulates based in the United States of America is
available on the Ministry’s website here.
The Ministry encourages all Bahamians who are travelling or living abroad to register here.