U.S. citizens are generally required to present a valid U.S. passport when traveling to The Bahamas, as well as proof of anticipated departure from The Bahamas. Those traveling to The Bahamas on a cruise may use another Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document.

For U.S. citizens in 2026, the required documents for a Bahamas cruise depend on the type of itinerary. If you are on a "Closed-Loop" cruise (starting and ending at the same U.S. port), you can technically travel with a government-issued birth certificate (original or certified copy) and a valid, unexpired government photo ID (like a driver's license). However, if you are flying into the Bahamas to board a ship, or if your cruise begins and ends in different ports, a U.S. Passport Book with at least 6 months of validity is mandatory. Even on closed-loop sailings, a passport is "strongly recommended" by the State Department and cruise lines. This is because if you have a medical emergency or miss the ship in Nassau and need to fly back to the U.S., you cannot board an international flight without a passport; a birth certificate is only valid for sea and land crossings. Children under 16 generally only need their birth certificate. For non-U.S. citizens, a valid passport from your country of citizenship and a Green Card (if applicable) are required, along with a potential Bahamian visa depending on your nationality. Always double-check your specific cruise line's "Guest Travel Documents" portal 30 days before departure to ensure compliance.