Emergency measures have been implemented including a curfew from 24-31. March in the first place. All ports and airports are closed.
Safety
Most trips to the Bahamas go safely and without special problems, but travelers should be wary and take reasonable precautions.
The crime rate is relatively low. Card fraud, pocket theft and robbery are the most common form of crime that affects tourists, and on rare occasions more violent episodes are also reported. It is recommended to dress “easily” and not show visible signs of wealth when leaving the hotel area. Take special care after dark; It is recommended not to walk alone and avoid illuminated areas. One should at all times secure his personal belongings and documents.
The terror threat is considered low in the Bahamas. The hurricane season is from June to November.
Hurricanes: September 1, 2019, Northern Bahamas was hit by Category 5 Hurricane “Dorian”. The hurricane ravaged for three days, causing enormous damage to infrastructure in affected areas. In addition, the National Hurricane Center as well as local media is a useful source of up-to-date information.
It is imperative to make preparations in advance of notified hurricanes. You should ensure that you have access to what you need to do in the immediate aftermath of hurricanes. During and after hurricanes, periods of weakened infrastructure, electricity outages, and telecommunications networks and damage to roads and buildings can occur. Restaurants and shops may be closed. In some cases it can be challenging to float water, food and cash. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not normally provide travel advice in connection with natural disasters.
Entry
Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.
Norwegians travel visa-free to the Bahamas for shorter stays of up to 30 days. It is possible to extend your stay by contacting local immigration authorities. Please note that the passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after departure and that you may be asked to present your return ticket.
For other types of visas, contact the Bahamas Consulate in Oslo.
A departure fee of 15 Bahamian or US dollars is required upon departure.
Health
Coronavirus (covid-19): Emergency measures implemented including curfew from 24-31. March in the first place.
All ports and airports are closed (last commercial flight was March 26 and no future is guaranteed.
You can find more information and guidance from the Norwegian health authorities on the website of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. See also UD’s answers to frequently asked questions about travel and coronavirus.
***
Tourists should take common precautions to avoid being exposed to HIV/ AIDS. Tourists should take common precautions when it comes to food and drink in tropical areas. For official health travel advice and health professional guidance for Norwegians when traveling abroad, please refer to the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.
Practical information
Practical information on currency, electricity, telephone, opening hours, etc.
Currency unit and credit card.
The currency in the Bahamas is Bahamian Dollar (BSD). 1 USD = 1 BSD (as of 30.06.2015), 1 NOK = 0.127 BSD (as of 30.06.2015)
Common credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, Amex and Diners are accepted by most places in Nassau, Paradise and Gran Bahamas. The power supply is at 110 volts
There are generally good telephone connections in the Bahamas.
According to allcitycodes, the country code for calling the Bahamas is + 1-242.
Emergency number: Police (1-242) 919/911, fire (1-242) 919/911
Regular opening hours: Public offices 09: 30-17: 00/17: 30 Monday to Friday, Banks 09: 30-15: 00 Monday to Thursday and 09: 30-17: 00 Friday
Public holidays: January 1 (New Year’s Day), Good Friday and 1st Easter Day, 2nd Pentecost, June 3 (Workers’ Day – Nassau) July 10 (Independence Day – Nassau), October 3-10. August (First Monday of August, Liberation Day – Nassau) October 10 (Discovery Day), 1st and 2nd Christmas Day.
Default time zone GMT -4; six hours behind Norway.
Daylight saving time from March 8 to November 1 GMT -5.
The climate in the Bahamas is warm and the temperature is generally stable year round. The coldest and humid months are from September to May. More is also expected during these months.
It should be noted that the Bahamas has severe penalties for all drug offenses.
The official language of the Bahamas is English.