When entering the Bahamas, all U.S. citizens must submit a valid passport, passport card or document recognized by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) as establishing a traveler's identity. Lawful permanent residents of the United States must also present their Alien Registration Card (green card).
U.S. passports are blue booklets issued by the government for all travel abroad. By contrast, passport cards are wallet-sized, government-issued travel documents valid for entry into Canada, Mexico and most Caribbean nations, including the Bahamas, and re-entry from those places. It is only valid for land and sea travel.
Under the terms of the WHTI, acceptable travel documents include Trusted Traveler Cards, State Issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses, U.S. military ID with travel orders, U.S. Merchant Mariner Documents and a number of Native American tribal ID cards. Like passport cards, they are valid only for land and sea travel.
The requirements for re-entry into the United States are the same as for entry to the Bahamas for citizens and permanent residents: a valid passport, passport card or WHTI document, plus green card if applicable. A passport, however, is your best choice, in case you have to return from the Bahamas by air in the event of illness or other emergency.
Citizens of other countries must carry their passports for travel between the United States and the Bahamas. They must have separate visas, if required, for entry into both countries.
Cruise lines traveling between the countries tend to be strict about their passengers' documentation. Most lines will refuse boarding to a passenger without the proper documents, even if one claims to have no plans to disembark in another country.
