Bahamas
How long you can stay, how long your vehicle can, and what your dog or cat needs to cross. Every rule links to the official source.
- Last checked 28 Sep 2026
Your rules for Bahamas
You · American passport
Usually up to 240 days
Visa-free for short stays. Keep inside the limit and you don't need a visa.
immigration.gov.bs · Official source · Checked 27 Sep 2026
Your vehicle · United States plates
Ask customs before you ship
There's no published rule. Ask customs before you ship.
gov.uk · Confirm before you go · Checked 27 Sep 2026
Your dog or cat
Start at least 42 days out
Import permit, microchip, rabies 30 days-10 months before entry (pets 6 months+), health certificate within 48 hours. See the steps
bahamas.gov.bs · Official source · Checked 28 Sep 2026
Watch Bahamas.
We'll email you if Bahamas's rules change for your American passport, United States plates or your pet. That's the only email you'll get.
What your pet needs to cross into Bahamas.
Do these in order. Miss one and your pet can be held at the border.
- Before you go
Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
Have your vet implant a microchip and record the number on every document.
- Still valid the day you arrive
Rabies vaccine still valid on arrival
Your pet's rabies vaccine must still be valid on the day you cross. Check the 'valid until' date on the vaccination record and book a booster before it runs out.
- 30 to 304 days before you arrive
Rabies vaccine 30 days to 10 months before entry
Rabies vaccination given at least 30 days and no more than 10 months before entry (pets must be 6 months or older).
- At least 28 days before you arrive
Import permit (apply 4+ weeks ahead)
Get a dog or cat import permit from the Department of Agriculture (US$10 + VAT) and carry it with the pet; apply at least 4 weeks ahead.
- Within 48 hours before you arrive
Veterinary health certificate within 48 hours
Vet health certificate certifying good health and active rabies immunity, issued within 48 hours of entry.
bahamas.gov.bs · Official source · Checked 28 Sep 2026. The app works these dates backward from your travel day and reminds you.
Every passport in Bahamas
| Passport | Entry | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (yours) | Visa-free | Usually up to 240 days | immigration.gov.bs · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Argentina | Visa-free | Usually up to 90 days | immigration.gov.bs · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Australia | Visa-free | Usually up to 90 days | immigration.gov.bs · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Austria | Visa-free | Usually up to 90 days | immigration.gov.bs · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Belgium | Visa-free | Usually up to 240 days | immigration.gov.bs · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Brazil | Visa-free | Usually up to 90 days | immigration.gov.bs · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Bulgaria | Visa-free | Usually up to 90 days | immigration.gov.bs · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Canada | Visa-free | Usually up to 240 days | immigration.gov.bs · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
Every registration in Bahamas
| Registered in | Entry | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (yours) | No published rule | Ask customs before you ship | gov.uk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Argentina | No published rule | Ask customs before you ship | gov.uk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Australia | No published rule | Ask customs before you ship | gov.uk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Austria | No published rule | Ask customs before you ship | gov.uk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Belgium | No published rule | Ask customs before you ship | gov.uk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Brazil | No published rule | Ask customs before you ship | gov.uk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Bulgaria | No published rule | Ask customs before you ship | gov.uk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Canada | No published rule | Ask customs before you ship | gov.uk · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
A plain-language summary of the official rules, checked on the date shown. It isn't legal advice, and the officer at the desk always has the final word.
Planning a Bahamas leg?
We'll count it for you.
BorderRunner turns these rules into your exact exit date, for you, your vehicle and your dog, and reminds you well before it's close. The first week is on us.
