Travel Report for Bahamas

Country Profile for
Bahamas

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: December 4, 2006 13:50 EST
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 22:44 EST

Bahamas

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

Section 2 of this Travel Report has been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

For more information on new entry requirements to the

United States

as of January 23, 2007, please see our Current Issues page.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians are encouraged to register with the responsible Canadian government office during the hurricane season, which runs from June 1st to November 30th. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Most Canadian visitors to Bahamas do not experience problems. Crime, usually not violent, occurs in Nassau and Freeport; tourists increasingly have been the targets of robberies. Do not carry large sums of cash or wear expensive jewellery. Ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Avoid deserted beaches and do not walk alone, particularly after dark. Criminal activity is minimal on the outlying islands.

There have been a number of demonstrations in Nassau in recent months related to tension between the Haitian immigrant community and Bahamians. The Government is trying to ameliorate this problem, but visitors should be alert to possible protests in parts of Nassau and New Providence. Canadian citizens in Bahamas should exercise caution, avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and monitor local news reports.

Water sports equipment should be rented from reputable operators only. Inquire about insurance coverage and insist on proper training before using the equipment.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Traffic drives on the left. Road conditions are different from those in Canada. Roads are generally adequate in Nassau and Freeport, but road travel is limited elsewhere. Road construction is not always well marked. Bicycles, mopeds, and pedestrians can be hazards, particularly on the busy streets of Nassau and Freeport.

A valid Canadian driver's license is sufficient for driving in Bahamas for up to three months.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. You are advised to visit the Web site of the National Hurricane Center for information on weather conditions.

Flooding may occur during this period with possible disruption to transportation and utility services. Canadians should monitor local weather reports, avoid disaster areas, and contact the High Commission of Canada in Kingston, Jamaica (see below) if they require assistance. Travellers should check with their travel agent or tour operator to confirm their travel plans prior to departure.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Strict penalties are enforced by Bahamian customs authorities for the temporary import or export of firearms without permission. For further information on firearms in the Bahamas, contact the High Commission for the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (see below).

Boaters should note that long-line fishing is illegal in Bahamian waters. All long-line fishing gear must be stowed below deck while transiting Bahamian waters. Stiff penalties are imposed for catching crawfish (lobster) or other marine life in protected areas or out of season.

Penalties for possession or trafficking of drugs are severe.

Canadians interested in purchasing property or making other investments should seek legal advice from appropriate professionals in Canada and in the Bahamas before making commitments. Disputes arising from such activities could be prolonged and costly to resolve.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Bahamas - NASSAU, Consulate of Canada
Address: Shirley Street Plaza, Nassau, Bahamas
Postal Address: P.O. Box SS-6371, Nassau, Bahamas
Tel.: (242) 393-2123 or 393-2124
Fax: (242) 393-1305
E-mail: cdncon@batelnet.bs

The High Commission of Canada in Kingston, Jamaica, has consular responsibility for the Bahamas.

Jamaica - KINGSTON, High Commission of Canada
Address: 3 West Kings House Road, Kingston 10, Jamaica
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1500, Kingston, Jamaica
Tel.: (876) 926-1500
Fax: (876) 511-3493
E-mail: kngtn@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.kingston.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Consulate of Canada in Nassau or the High Commission of Canada in Kingston, Jamaica, and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa toll-free at 1 800 387-3124 or use the services offered by Canada Direct.

Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from the Bahamas is 1 800 463-0501, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

A valid Canadian passport should be carried for all visits outside Canada. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return to Canada. However, Canadians are only required to be in possession of valid official photo identification (such as a driver's licence) and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate) for trips to the Bahamas of up to 21 days. An onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds is also required. A valid Canadian passport and a visa are required for Canadians intending to visit the Bahamas for stays over 21 days.

Tourist Visa: Not required (for stays up to 21 days)
Business Visa: Not required (for stays up to 21 days)
Student Visa: Not required (for stays up to 21 days)

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers arriving from infected areas.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the High Commission for the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the Bahamian dollar (BSD). U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted. Traveller's cheques can be exchanged at banks. U.S. dollar traveller's cheques are recommended. ATMs are located on the larger islands, in airport terminals, banks, casinos and some hotels.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

The Bahamas (capital: Nassau) is a chain of islands located in the north Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Florida. The official language is English. Tourist facilities are widely available.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical care is good in Nassau and Freeport, but limited elsewhere. Medical expenses can be very high. It is normal for clinics to require patients to sign an undertaking to pay agreement and to take a credit card impression as guarantee of payment prior to providing medical care. Any incidents of sickness or injury requiring hospitalization should be reported to the Embassy of Canada

HIV is prevalent.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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