Country guide
Bahamas
Visa
No visa needed
Vaccinations
Conditional
Currency
Bahamian Dollar (BSD)
Time zones
UTC / GMT -5 (7 hours behind South Africa)
Dialing code
+ 1 242
Best time to go
August - September
Drinking water
Water in hotels and towns is safe to drink, although bottled water is available and recommended.
Travel tips
The watersports industry is poorly regulated, and travellers should only hire equipment from reputable operators and ensure that they receive proper training.
Visa guide
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
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.
SA representative
Representation accredited from Kingston, Jamaica.
SA Consulate in Nasau:
Albany Financial Center, South Ocean Boulevard, Nassau
Tel: +1 242 327 1400
Email: nassau@saconsulate.org
Web: saconsulate.org
Health / vaccinations
Compulsory: Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover)
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio
Public holidays
2026: Jan 1, 10, 12; Apr 3, 6, 25; Jun 5; Jul 10; Aug 3; Oct 12; Dec 25-26