Travel Vaccines and Advice for the Bahamas
The Bahamas is a frequent stop on cruises, captivating tourists who often seek out more time in this tropical location. With over 700 islands, this country has a little something for every type of traveller.
From the city of Nassau to the resorts of Grand Bahama, there is so much to do and see in one of the most popular travel destinations in the world.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for the Bahamas?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in the Bahamas
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for the Bahamas?
What Is the Climate Like in the Bahamas?
How Safe Is the Bahamas?
The Andros Barrier Reef in the Bahamas
What Should I Take to the Bahamas?
Canadian Embassy in the Bahamas
Do I Need Vaccines for the Bahamas?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Bahamas. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Bahamas: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Bahamas |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Bahamas |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid is transmitted via fecally contaminated food or water, causing severe symptoms. To prevent it, practice hand-washing, consume safe water and food, and consider vaccination, especially when travelling to high-risk areas.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection transmitted through contaminated food, water, or close personal contact. To prevent it, practicing good hygiene and getting vaccinated with the hepatitis A vaccine are crucial steps recommended by the PHAC.
- Rabies – Rabies, a deadly viral infection, spreads through the saliva of infected animals via bites or scratches. Timely vaccination is crucial to prevent the disease in humans. Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for high-risk individuals, while post-exposure prophylaxis is essential after potential exposure.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, caused by the hepatitis B virus, spreads through infected bodily fluids. While safe practices can reduce the risk, vaccination is the most reliable defense. The hepatitis B vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies, ensuring robust and long-lasting protection against this liver disease.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are viral infections that spread easily. Vaccination with the MMR vaccine is the PHAC’s top recommendation for preventing these diseases. It offers comprehensive protection against all three viruses, ensuring the safety of both individuals and the community.
Travellers’ diarrhea is a threat for travellers to all destinations, including the Bahamas. Be sure to only eat from reputable restaurants and bring along a diarrhea kit in case of illness.
Dengue fever is a serious risk to travellers to the Caribbean. Make sure you’re protected with mosquito repellents or netting.
Zika is also present in the Bahamas. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should consider avoiding the region. Take standard anti-mosquito precautions to avoid the disease.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in the Bahamas
Prevent Bug Bites in the Bahamas
Protect yourself from bug bites by wearing long clothing and using PHAC-recommended repellents like DEET or picaridin. Avoid bug-prone areas during peak hours to reduce the risk.
Food and Water Safety in Bahamas
Stay healthy overseas by favoring cooked and hot dishes, reputable eateries, and practicing good hand hygiene. Stick to bottled or sealed beverages and use caution with tap water. Enjoy hot drinks and alcohol responsibly. To steer clear of travellers’ diarrhea, follow these strategies: eat safe foods, drink treated water, maintain hand hygiene, consider probiotics, and be discerning about local cuisine.
Infections To Be Aware of in the Bahamas
- Dengue – The threat of dengue fever, carried by Aedes mosquitoes, looms large worldwide, with millions infected each year. Prevention through nettings and repellents is a must.
- Zika – Zika, transmitted by infected mosquitoes and through sexual contact, can result in birth defects. Preventing Zika involves using insect repellent, safe sexual practices, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites.
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for the Bahamas?
A passport is required to enter the Bahamas, but a visa is not for stays less than 90 days. Proof of a return ticket and financial information may be required.
Bahamas Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to the Bahamas? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Bahamas and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in the Bahamas?
As a typical tropical climate, the Bahamas is largely influenced by the Gulf Stream. This makes its pristine waters very warm. The country has four well defined seasons.
- Winter – The least rainy part of the year. Expect temperatures in the 20’s.
- Spring – This season is regarded as the best time of the year to visit. Temperatures are in the low-20’s.
- Summer – The most humid and rainiest time of the year, especially in June. Hurricane season runs from July through October. Temperatures during the summer can climb to the high-20’s.
- Fall – Expect carryover from hurricane season, but a great option for visitors. Temperatures are in the high-20’s.
Weather wise, the biggest threat are hurricanes. If you find yourself experiencing a hurricane, be aware air transportation may shut down.
How Safe Is the Bahamas?
Crime is less common in the Bahamas than many other regions.
Areas with tourism have more crime than other areas. Theft and sexual assault are the most common types of crime. Be sure to watch your alcohol intake and your surroundings.
Cars are available to rent, but public transit is often easier. Be careful on buses and in other public areas as pick-pocketing can occur.
The Andros Barrier Reef in the Bahamas
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travellers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travellers’ diarrhea kit!
This Andros Barrier Reef is one of the largest in the world. Containing 15 percent of the world’s coral, it is the third largest barrier reef on the planet.
Diving and snorkeling in this location will allow you to see heaps of marine life. The blue marlin, Bahama’s national fish, loves the Andros reef. Blue Marlin are often 4 metres long and can weigh 2,000 pounds.
Venture to the Tongue of the Ocean, a massive trench reaching 1,800 metres deep! Transportation to Andros from the island of New Providence is easy and guided tours are available.
What Should I Take to the Bahamas?
Here are recommended items to bring along with you to the Bahamas:
- Sunscreen – Beach time is one of the most popular reasons to go to the Bahamas, but it’s important to have sun protection. Make sure to bring sunscreen that is at least 30 SPF.
- Proper Clothing – The tropical climate warrants tropical clothing! Beach attire are obvious clothing items to pack as well as casual wear. In colder months, warmer clothes are recommended for colder nighttime temperatures.
- Water Gear – Both snorkels and diving equipment are available in the Bahamas but bring it along if you have it. Water shoes are recommended if you plan to take part in water sports.
Canadian Embassy In the Bahamas
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. The Bahamas is served by the Canadian High Commission in Jamaica:
Canadian High Commission Jamaica
3 West Kings House Road,
Kingston 10, Jamaica
Tel.: (876) 926-1500
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for the Bahamas
“We were seen promptly and on time. The nurse was very knowledgeable and had thorough answers for all our questions about the Bahamas. Her suggestions were well thought out and extremely helpful. I was very impressed with the quality of service.”
“I will be taking a trip to the Bahamas soon and the lady at the downtown Calgary location was extremely helpful. I now feel very prepared and have all my shots and pills I need to confidently go and enjoy myself with out worrying about becoming sick. Thank you!”
“Manger/Nurse was very knowledgeable and very friendly and provided quick efficient service. Very pleased with service. Recommend for any traveller to the Bahamas.”
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