BAHAMAS - When planning a vacation or business trip to the Bahamas, you must be prepared for any travel emergency. Your passport must remain valid throughout your stay to gain entry, so having one in case of complications upon returning home could prove invaluable. 
Do I Need a Passport to Visit the Bahamas?
United States citizens need an official passport book to enter the Bahamas. This document acts as identification and allows reentry through air or sea border crossings back into America. If traveling by cruise ship, your passport card or another WHTI-compliant document may also suffice.
How Can I Acquire a Passport?
Contact your local United States embassy or consulate for the most reliable passport application process. You'll need some form of identification (like a driver's license or other photo ID) and proof of travel arrangements (like a hotel reservation or airline ticket) to apply.
Do I Need a Passport for a Cruise?
Most cruise lines provide closed-loop cruises to the Caribbean, so U.S. citizens traveling there by cruise must possess a valid passport to board and disembark. Those not taking advantage of these opportunities may use passport cards or other Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative documents for entry and exit purposes; however, it's wise to have one on board just in case an emergency arises while onboard.
