Capital: Nassau
Population: 395, 361
Official language: English
Time zone: Eastern Standard Time
Emergency #: 911/919
Vaccinations required: Yes
Risk of malaria: No
The Bahamas is known for its sunny climate and white sand beaches. The country relies heavily on tourism and is a popular destination for travellers and cruise ships. The swimming pigs in Big Major Cay have become a popular attraction in recent years while snorkeling and scuba diving remain a large draw for visitors.
The standards for patient care and medical services in the Bahamas may differ from your home country. The Bahamas has public and private healthcare options. Medical care in Freeport and Nassau meets international standards while healthcare throughout the rest of the country is inadequate. There are three government-run hospitals – the Princess Margaret Hospital, Grand Bahama Health Service, and the Sandilands Rehabilitation Center – as well as two private hospitals, the Doctor’s Hospital and the Lyford Cay. Healthcare professionals are well-trained and many speak English.
In the event of a medical emergency, contact your travel health insurance company immediately. Hospitals and private practitioners in the Bahamas typically require upfront payment, regardless if you have travel health insurance. Evacuation to the United States may be required for complex emergencies. Ensure that you have accessible funds to cover upfront fees and adequate travel health insurance, including evacuation. Before you depart, check with your insurer about the extent of their coverage in the Bahamas.
Pharmacies are generally accessible throughout the Bahamas. Prescriptions are required for most medications. Without insurance, medications are often expensive. Travellers should still pack a sufficient supply of essential medication for the duration of their trip.
If you are travelling with medication, check with Bahamas’s embassy, consulate, or Ministry of Health for details on medication allowances and restrictions. Note that these sources may provide incomplete or out-of-date information.
Roads in urban areas and popular tourist areas in the Bahamas are usually paved and well-maintained, but road conditions vary by region. During and after rain storms, flooding is common and roads may become impassable. In the Bahamas, traffic moves on the left.