U.S. citizens traveling to the Bahamas by air are required to present a passport or passport card when entering the Bahamas and when entering or re-entering the US. The Bahamian government does not accept the enhanced driver's license (EDL) for entry, nor is a visa required. However, if a US citizen has plans for an extended stay in the Bahamas, they may be required to provide proof of financial solvency for the duration of their stay.
US citizens traveling to the Bahamas by sea may be exempt from the passport requirement. If the traveler's itinerary is on a closed-loop cruise, a cruise that departs and returns to the same U.S. port, then a passport or passport card is not required. If the traveler's final destination is different from the original port (even if the final destination is a different US city), then a passport is required. For example, an individual on a 4-day cruise departing from Miami, with an itinerary that includes Nassau, Cancun or any other Caribbean city, but ultimately returns to Miami, does not have to present a passport. If a traveler is on a Panama Canal cruise that departs from Miami with a final destination of Los Angeles, then that passenger must present a passport. Even infants must present a passport. There are no exceptions.
Recently the US government instituted a passport card, a variation of the passport book that is more streamlined, less expensive and valid for travel to some of the more popular destinations. The passport card has the appearance of a driver's license and can be used for travel to the Bahamas, Mexico and Canada. Currently, all three countries accept the passport card for entry into their nation; however, these regulations can change. The US government accepts the passport card for re-entry only when the departing city is within the boundaries of these three nations. Anyone who anticipates travel elsewhere must obtain the traditional passport book. US citizens with an existing and valid passport book can renew by mail and have the option of obtaining either a passport book or the passport card at the renewal rate.
Those requiring a new passport must apply in person at an approved Passport Acceptance Facility. Required items include primary evidence of US citizenship, such as a previous passport or a certified birth certificate from the appropriate state agency, a Social Security number, form DS-11, all applicable fees, two passport-sized photos and photocopies of all of the above. Those who need to renew an existing, undamaged passport can do so by mail. They must submit form DS-82, Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail, along with their passport, two passport photos, the appropriate fees and documentation of name change, if applicable. Anyone in possession of a damaged passport, or who is a minor, must apply in person at an approved Passport Acceptance Facility.
A $60 processing fee is required for an expedited application. The additional cost for overnight delivery is recommended to receive your documents in a timely fashion. If your current passport is undamaged, you can renew by mail and pay the expedited processing fees. When doing so, the Department of State recommends that you use a traceable delivery method.
If a passport is needed for travel in 2 to 4 weeks, a visit to a Regional Passport Agency is required. The expedited renewal through mail is faster than the regular process but slower than visiting a Regional Passport Acceptance Facility.
However, you can only visit a Regional Passport Acceptance Facility if you are within 2 to 4 weeks of your travel date.
