GOV.UK
Foreign travel advice
Bahamas
Summary
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all but essential travel to Grand Bahama and the Abaco Islands. However, travel to other islands of The Bahamas is unaffected.
The FCO is currently advising against all but essential travel to Grand Bahama and Abaco Islands in The Bahamas. Hurricane Dorian passed over The Bahamas on 2 and 3 September, causing significant and widespread damage to Grand Bahama and the Abaco Islands. Most airports in Grand Bahama and Abaco have reopened. Water, shelter, power supplies and communications access have all been affected, but are now available, though in short supply. The local authorities on Grand Bahama have set up emergency assistance lines on 351-4902, 351-4903 and 351-4904.
If you’ve been affected by the hurricane and need urgent consular assistance, call +1 876 936 0700. If you’re in the UK and are concerned about a British national in The Bahamas, call the FCO in London on 020 7008 1500.
We are aware of various cruise operators offering transit to Nassau. You should check with travel operators. All evacuees have been required to hold valid travel documents. United States authorities strongly encourage private vessel and aircraft operators to coordinate any evacuation missions with Bahamian authorities before evacuating anyone from The Bahamas. Check with local authorities for the latest information on departure options.
The hurricane season in The Bahamas normally runs from June to November. You should follow the advice of the local authorities and any evacuation orders. You can also monitor the progress of approaching storms from the US National Hurricane Center. See Natural disasters
On 26 June 2019 a fatal shark attack took place in The Bahamas. While this is a very rare occurrence, the Bahamian authorities have issued advice urging the public to exercise extreme caution in and around the waters of New Providence, adjacent islands and cays.
UK health authorities have classified The Bahamas as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For more information and advice, visit the website of the National Travel Health Network and Centre website.
Cases of Chikungunya virus have been confirmed in the Bahamas. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Almost 28,000 British nationals visited The Bahamas in 2015. Most visits are trouble-free.
There have been incidents of violent crime including robbery. See Crime
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in The Bahamas, attacks can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism
There is no permanent consular representation at the British High Commission in Nassau. However, the British High Commission in Kingston, Jamaica, can provide consular support to British nationals. See Consular assistance
Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.