Last updated: 23 Oct 2025
Bahamas
About
| The quiet caves, sheltered bays and crowd-free beaches of the Bahamas offer visitors the intimacy of a secluded retreat. The Bahamas is blessed with clear, turquoise waters that are home to ancient shipwrecks and a rainbow of coral reefs teeming with fish. Pastel-coloured seashells and clapboard houses painted in bubblegum hues sit amidst a tropical landscape dotted with vibrant blooms. For a change of pace, head to one of the islands' bustling straw markets to haggle over spices, ceramics, handicrafts and local art. Enjoy diving, snorkelling, windsurfing and parasailing or take to the fairways of a world-class golf course for ocean-facing holes. Dozens of colourful stalls at Nassau's bustling straw market produce a melee of crowds bartering over local goods. You can join them, or, for a sophisticated shop, splash some cash in the swish stores at Bay Street, a haven of designer brands. Bahamas’ oldest golf course, at Cable Beach, has beautifully kept fairways, or there are five other world-class courses on Grand Bahama Island to choose from. Street processions and dance bands fill the streets, along with a lively party crowd, at the Bahamian Junkanoo festivities on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. At the Junkanoo Summer Festival in June and July island music rages for days on end. |
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| Capital: | Nassau (NAS) |
| Currency: | Bahamian Dollar (BSD) |
| Language: | English |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 1 242 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT -5 (7 hours behind South Africa) |
| Daylight Savings Time: | from second Sunday in March until first Sunday in November: UTC / GMT -4 (6 hours behind South Africa) |
| Best Time to go: | August - September |
| Best For: | Island relaxation |
| Plugs: | 120 volts AC, 60Hz. US-style plug sockets are standard. |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink, although bottled water is available. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors are required to pay for these services and usually in cash. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. |
| Customs: | Swim and beachwear should be reserved for the resorts. |
| Travel Warnings / Tips: | The watersports industry is poorly regulated, and travellers should only hire equipment from reputable operators and ensure that they receive proper training. |
| Duty Free: | The following goods may be imported into the Bahamas by persons aged over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 454g of tobacco. • 1L of spirits. • Goods up to the value of B$100 (up to B$300 for residents). All beer imported into the country is subject to duty. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Prohibited imports include indecent or obscene material, counterfeit currency and underwater guns. Restricted imports include firearms, fireworks and firecrackers. |
Issuing Authorities
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1, 10; Mar 29; Apr 18, 21; Jun 6, 9; Jul 10; Aug 4; Oct 13; Dec 25-26
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1, 10, 12; Apr 3, 6, 25; Jun 5; Jul 10; Aug 3; Oct 12; Dec 25-26
Visa Requirements
Visas are not required by SA passport holders for trips of less than 3 months.
A multiple entry visa for the USA is compulsory if travelling to the Bahamas via the USA.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Ensure passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months from date of entry.
- Return, or onward journey ticket
- Hotel confirmation (if staying at a hotel, or name and address of residence)
- Proof of funds to support your visit.
Refer to The Bahamas Department of Immigration for further details: www.immigration.gov.bs/entry-requirements/
SA Representative
Representation accredited from Kingston, Jamaica.
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SA Consulate in Nasau:
Albany Financial Center, South Ocean Boulevard, Nassau
Tel: +1 242 327 1400
Email: nassau@saconsulate.org
Web: www.saconsulate.org
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover) |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
