Summary

Contact details for the Irish Honorary Consul in the Bahamas can be found here.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that comprehensive travel insurance, including personal medical insurance, is obtained before travelling to the Bahamas. Irish citizens intending to travel here should be aware that healthcare in the Bahamas can be very expensive if the patient has insufficient insurance.

Hurricane season, which extends from 1 June to 30 November, is currently underway in the Bahamas.  The risk of tropical storms and hurricanes is higher than normal throughout this period.  Irish citizens travelling to the Bahamas are advised to monitor local weather forecasts.  Detailed weather information and storm tracking for the region can be found on the US National Hurricane Centre website: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

Safety and Security

CONSULAR ASSISTANCE FOR IRISH CITIZENS IN THE BAHAMAS

The Embassy of Ireland to Canada is also responsible for relations with The Bahamas. In the event of an emergency, or for advice and assistance, you may contact the Embassy of Ireland in Ottawa on +1 613 233 6281.

Visitors to Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, should take the usual precautions that they would take in any major city. 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. 

Travellers are advised to carry just one credit card and a small amount of cash. Other money and credit cards should be left in a secure place such as a hotel safe.  Leave copies of your passport, travel and insurance details with family or friends in Ireland. You may also want to keep a record of the details in your e-mail account, but check that your account is absolutely secure before you do this.

While violent crime does occur, it usually does not involve tourists. Much of it takes place in parts of Nassau not usually frequented by tourists (the "over-the-hill" area south of downtown). It is 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, do not attempt to resist.

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

The Emergency Number for the Police in the Bahamas is:
911 OR 919
The Emergency Number for the Ambulance Service the Bahamas is:           
911 OR 919 

Local Laws and Customs  

ILLEGAL DRUGS

The Bahamian authorities take the issue of illegal drugs in any quantity extremely seriously and possession of even a small amount of a prohibited substance can result in a large fine, imprisonment or deportation.

Natural Disasters and Climate

HURRICANE SEASON

Visitors to the Bahamas should be aware that the hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June to November each year, with frequent severe storm warnings during this time.  You are advised to monitor local weather updates.

Additional Country Information

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Irish citizens do not require a visa to enter the Bahamas.

ROAD SAFETY

Driving
The Department of Foreign Affairs encourages caution and vigilance when driving abroad. Traffic in the Bahamas 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. Consequently, caution must be exercised at all times when driving in the islands.

You must hold a full driving licence to drive in the Bahamas. Ensure that you have a valid Irish or international licence. Drive within the speed limit and do not drink and drive.

COMMUNICATIONS/MOBILE PHONES

The international code for dialling the Bahamas from Ireland is 001. 

To call Ireland from the Bahamas use the prefix 011 353.  For example, to call the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin dial: 011 353 1 408 2000.

If you are planning on using your mobile phone while in the Bahamas, you should check with your service provider to ensure that your phone is capable of operating there.  If you use a pre-paid mobile, such as Speakeasy, Ready to Go or Pay As You Go, ensure that you top it up with plenty of credit before you leave home.  You may wish to register with your provider to allow you to top-up via the internet, through your mobile, or by text.   

MONEY 

The Bahamian Dollar is the official local currency. It is pegged to the US dollar making €1 worth approximately BAH$1.45. Irish ATM cards displaying the Maestro and Cirrus symbols can usually be used in ATMs in the Bahamas, but travellers are advised to confirm this with their bank prior to departure US Dollars are widely accepted but change may be returned in the form of Bahamian currency.

If your credit card has been lost or stolen, you should cancel the relevant card(s) immediately by phoning the following numbers:
AIB Credit Cards:                   
011 353 1   668 5500
Bank of Ireland Credit Cards:                          
011 353 56 775 7007
Permanent TSB Credit Cards:            
 011 353 1   215 7333
MBNA Credit Cards:                                      
011 353 71 965 6262
National Irish Bank Credit Cards:
011 353 1 484 3701/2/3
Ulster Bank Credit Cards:                                
011 353 1   702 5108