No visa needed — U.S. citizens can visit the Bahamas for up to 90 days visa-free. But yes, you need a passport book to fly there; the Bahamas is a foreign country. Closed-loop cruise passengers are the only exception — a birth certificate plus photo ID technically works for sea arrivals.
Flying to Nassau — what you need
- U.S. passport book, valid for duration of stay (airlines may enforce 6 months)
- Return or onward ticket — routinely checked
- Proof of accommodation or host address
- No visa, no online forms — entry is stamped on arrival
The 90-day rule
Immigration typically stamps up to 90 days visa-free for tourists. Extensions beyond that go through the Department of Immigration in Nassau. Working — even remotely for extended periods — technically requires a permit.
Cruise passengers
Closed-loop cruisers can enter with birth certificate + ID. But the Bahamas day-trip ferries from Florida are NOT cruises — you need the passport book for those, plus any emergency flight home always requires one.
Island-hopping beyond Nassau
The Out Islands (Exuma, Eleuthera, Bimini) follow the same national rules — just note that domestic flights between islands still want your passport as ID.
Do You Need a Passport for the Bahamas? (2026 Entry Rules) — FAQ
Do U.S. citizens need a visa for the Bahamas?
Can I go to the Bahamas with just a birth certificate?
How long can Americans stay in the Bahamas?
Does the Bahamas require 6-month passport validity?
Country entry requirements
Related guides
Entry rules change without notice. Always verify with official government sources (travel.state.gov, embassy websites) before booking. Last reviewed October 2026. This page may contain partner links — see our affiliate disclosure.