Bahamas - Covid Travel information
View entry requirements here
From 19 June 2022, fully vaccinated adult travellers will no longer require a negative COVID-19 test for entry into and inter-island journeys within The Bahamas.
If you are not fully vaccinated and are aged 12 and over you must present a negative COVID 19 PCR test, taken no more than three days (72 hours) prior to the date of arrival to The Bahamas. Self-administered tests are not accepted.
You must present proof that you have been fully vaccinated to enter The Bahamas. You may also be asked to present proof of vaccination to enter a variety of locations in The Bahamas and should carry it with you at all times.
The Bahamas will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record.
From 18th March, when you travel to England from abroad you:
do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive
do not need to fill in a UK passenger locator form
do not need to quarantine when you arrive
This applies whether you are vaccinated or not.
It includes people who are transiting through England.
Updated 113 SEP 2022
Bahamas - the location, language, time difference
Nassau (NAS) is around 9 hours direct flying time from London. Indirect services take longer. From Nassau you can connect with local flights to several islands. The Bahamas is a scuba diving paradise, with breathtaking dive sites offering pristine reefs, multitudes of exciting wrecks, blue holes, spectacular walls and the chance to dive with dolphins and sharks. It's also got great life surface side, with pristine beaches, plenty of restaurants and bars and a fabulous place to while away the hours enjoying the Caribbean sunshine.
- GMT -5hrs
- English
Bahamas - weather and climate
The Bahamas enjoys fairly constant trade winds, and as such, it a fabulous year round holiday. The winter air temps are between 21-24C whilst the simmer months are warmer, 27-29C, with a greater chance of rain. Water temps go from around 23C (Feb) and 29C (Aug).
Bahamas - Currency and Tax
Bahamian dollar, $USD widely accepted
A transaction fee of 1-4% is usually levied on all credit or debit card payments
How do I get there?
There are both direct and indirect flight options to the Bahamas (Nassau). BA operate the direct flight from London. Depending on the day of departure, you may need to route via the States, usually Miami, with American Airlines. You must have a valid ESTA before travel or transit through the USA. We are able to book most major airlines. If you have a specific airline you prefer to fly with, simply let us know in your booking request. A supplement may apply for regional departures. Times and any applicable supplements will be confirmed by your travel consultant before you finalise your holiday. If you wish to make your own flight arrangements to Nassau, let us know and we can remove the cost of the international flights from your quote. We are unfortunately not able to redeem airmiles on your behalf. Please do not confirm any flight arrangements yourself before your holiday is confirmed by us.
If you are routing through the USA, we are able to book a stop over en route. This is usually in Miami. You must have a valid ESTA before travel or transit through the USA.
Are there any extension options?
You can easily combine a liveaboard in Nassau of Freeport with a resort stay in Bimini or Exuma. Flights also operate between Nassau and Grand Cayman so why not combine these classic Caribbean dive destinations in 1 trip!
Passports and Visas
Passports - Must be valid for 6 months from return date
UK passport holders are able to obtain a visa on entry to the Bahamas. Please ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with immigration. if your flights transit through the USA, you MUST have a valid ESTA or visa before travel. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Previous travel to certain countries (eg Cuba, Sudan) will exclude you from the ESTA programme and you will need to apply for a visa before travel. Regulations can change: please review current FCO advice: click here
Preparing to fly
As you are flying with a scheduled airline, you will be able to check in online with your airline. Please visit their website for more information about when online check in opens.
You will be able to manage your booking online once you have been ticketed (after you have paid your holiday balance). Most airlines will now enable you to select your seating at this point. There may be a small charge for prebookable seating before online check in opens. Please speak to the airline for more information about charges.
An airport lounge is a great way to start your holiday or to while away flight connections in comfort. Scuba Travel works with Lounge Pass to offer a huge range of affordable airport lounges around the world. click here
Prebook your airport parking to save money! If you have a long way to travel, why not also look at booking an airport hotel. These aren't as expensive as you might think. click here
Current duty free allowances allowed into Bahamas: Up to 200 or 50 cigars, spirits: two litres of still table wine & one litre of spirits-you must be at least 17 years old to import spirits, perfume: 50g of perfume or 60cc (2 fl oz) & 250 cc (8.3 fl oz) of toilet water Allowances can change without notice - please reconfirm before travel.
What do I need to arrange before I go?
UK passport holders are able to obtain a visa on entry to the Bahamas. Please ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with immigration. if your flights transit through the USA, you MUST have a valid ESTA or visa before travel. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Previous travel to certain countries (eg Cuba, Sudan) will exclude you from the ESTA programme and you will need to apply for a visa before travel. Regulations can change: please review current FCO advice: click here
Scuba Travel requires all of our customers to have diving insurance. Please make sure that you have appropriate cover for your diving activities. We also strongly recommend you have travel insurance. It's worth taking out travel insurance once you have paid your deposit to ensure you are covered for unforeseen events and cancellation. Find out more about our combined dive and travel policy click here
Your covid proof of vaccination must match your passport name and flight ticket name. Please speak to your local GP or check out the latest NHS advice on updating your NHS details or for other travel immunisations: click here
What happens when I arrive?
On arrival for any of our Bahamas holidays, you will be met and taken to your hotel or liveaboard. Simply make your way to through baggage reclaim and immigrations. Your transfer will be waiting for you with a board with your name, resort or liveaboard. If you have any issues at all locating your rep, please contact us. We have an emergency contact, manned by a member of the team here in the UK. Please call 0044 7747 488 002. We will be able to help your rep locate you in the airport.
If you are travelling onto Bimini you will need to catch a domestic flight. These can only be booked with a smaller baggage allowance than the international flights. Excess baggage is charged for locally. Domestic flights are on smaller planes, and the schedule can be affected by adverse winds. We will always try to allow time in your itinerary for any possible delays. If you have made your own flight arrangements to land in Nassau, please confirm at the time of booking if airport transfers are included or available at an additional cost
What happens on departure day?
You will be advised locally of your transfer times at the end of your holiday. The departure tax of BS$15.00 is collected from every person 6 years and older.
Plugs and Electricity
Plugs are very similar to the electrical outlets found in the United States and Canada - 110V