The Bahamas -- What To Bring

Image by Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

What to Bring

Documents
If you haven't traveled in a while new regulations regarding entry into the Bahamas are in place. Remember:

• United States government regulations require all U.S. citizens — adults and children — to have a valid passport for all international travel by air
• Proof of a return ticket
• Rules do not apply to cruise ship travel until 2009
• Oral declarations of citizenship are no longer accepted for entry
• For more on travel requirements go to the official Bahamas website

For more information about travel outside of the United States, contact the U.S. State Department.

If you do travel outside of the U.S., you can also register with the U.S. State Department, so that in case of an emergency you can be located or contacted. Click on this link to register.

Equipment

• If you bring your own equipment, customs may check your bags and an oral declaration of baggage contents is required
• Gloves, mask and fins, if you prefer your own to rentals
• A 3 mm shorty is all you'll need most of the year, however in the colder months a 3 mm full suit might be necessary – in the summer, a bathing suit will do
• Most dive operators in the Bahamas rent everything you need
• Find a PADI dive shop
• If you have special requirements, it's best to call ahead and verify that the dive operator can accommodate your needs.

What to Pack
Summer-casual wear is appropriate most of the year in the Bahamas, however, in the winter months the evenings can be cool enough for a jacket or sweater. The same is true for evening boat rides. In general bring:

• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Casual summer outfits
• Sandals or open-toed shoes, hiking shoes or sneakers for outdoor activities
• A floppy hat to shield sensitive skin from the sun
• A jacket and/or sweater for air-conditioned buildings and cool nights

Other tips:

• Jackets are required evening wear for most men at restaurants/casinos/fancy hotels in Nassau
• It's preferred that beachwear stay at the beach on the main islands, but the out-islands have a much more laid-back dress code