Safety and security

Terrorism

Although the threat from terrorism in Bahamas is low, there is still a global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by tourists and expatriates.

Crime

Crime remains relatively low in Bahamas but you should take sensible precautions:

• Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place.
• Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home.
• Avoid showing large sums of money in public and don’t use ATMs after dark, especially if you’re alone. Check no one has followed you after conducting your business.
• Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways, and arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible.
• Keep a close eye on your personal belongings and hold on to them in public places such as internet cafés, train and bus stations.

Petty theft

Beware of pickpockets, muggers and bag snatchers, especially in areas where large numbers of people crowd together. Keep all valuables safe, secure and out of sight.

It’s not advisable to walk outside the main hotels, tourist areas, beaches and downtown Nassau, particularly after dark. The motive for attacks on tourists is usually robbery. In such cases, don’t attempt to resist.

Reporting crime

If you’re a victim of a crime while in the Bahamas, report it to the local police immediately.

Driving

If you’re planning to drive in the Bahamas, you should be extremely careful. Traffic keeps to the left as in Ireland, however, most vehicles in the Bahamas are imported from the United States and are therefore left hand drive. If you want to drive:

• Bring your international or full Irish driving licence and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law and you risk being detained, fined or banned from driving if caught.
• Keep your vehicle doors locked and your bags kept out of sight to prevent opportunistic bag-snatching if you’re stopped at traffic lights.

Hiring a vehicle

If you’re hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you’re allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.

Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

Taxis

Visitors should use only clearly marked taxis with yellow license plates.

Extreme Weather in the Caribbean Region

The hurricane season in the Caribbean normally runs from July to October. You should pay close attention to local and international weather reports and follow the advice of local authorities. Always monitor local and international weather updates for the region by accessing, for example, the Weather Channel, or the US National Hurricane Centre website.Citizens with plans to be in the affected region during this period should consider the need to travel based on information relating to extreme weather projections.

Swimming

Take great care at all times when swimming as currents can be strong.

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drug use (no matter what the drug) carries stiff penalties, including fines and long prison terms.

Health

Vaccinations

Check with your doctor well in advance of travelling to see if you need any vaccinations for this country.

Zika Virus

There have been outbreaks of Zika Virus (a dengue-like mosquito-borne disease) in Central and South America and the Caribbean. Irish Citizens especially those with a weakened immune system or women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant are advised to follow guidance available on the website of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

Irish citizens don’t need a visa to enter the Bahamas for less than 30 days.

All visitors are required to be in possession of a national passport or other acceptable travel document establishing nationality and identity, and bearing a photograph. The passport or other travel document must be valid for at least six (6) months from the intended date of travel.

More information on visas and passport is available here.

Banking

As a tourist destination, international credit/debit cards all work on Bahamian ATM/ POS systems – some bank and casino ATM’s will also dispense US Dollars for international/ non-Bahamian cards.