Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Bahamas - Exercise a high degree of caution (Canada Government Travel Advice)

There is no nationwide advisory in effect for the Bahamas. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution high rates of crime, especially in Nassau.

Security


The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The purpose of this Travel Advice is to provide up-to-date information to enable you to make well-informed decisions.

Crime

Crime occurs mainly in Nassau and Freeport. There has been an increase in armed robberies targeting tourists in Nassau. Incidents take place in populated and isolated areas, and even in daylight hours. Do not carry large sums of cash or wear expensive jewellery. Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. If you are threatened by robbers, stay calm and do not resist. Home invasions are also of concern in Nassau.
Stay alert to your surroundings at all times, even in areas normally considered safe. Avoid deserted beaches and do not walk alone, particularly after dark. Sexual assaults are on the rise in Nassau.
Be cautious and mindful of the risks to your personal safety when partaking in recreational water activities. Foreigners have reportedly been sexually assaulted by water sports rental operators. Tourists have been seriously injured using jet skis and other watercraft due to the poorly regulated water sports rental industry in the Bahamas.

Road travel

Traffic drives on the left. Road conditions are different from those in Canada. Traffic accidents frequently result in injuries and death. Roads are generally adequate in Nassau and Freeport, but road travel is limited elsewhere. Road construction is not always well marked. Bicycles, mopeds and pedestrians can be hazards, particularly on the busy streets of Nassau and Freeport.

Air travel

The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines’ compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.

General safety information

Ensure that the recreational activities you choose are covered by your travel insurance. Rent water sports equipment, such as jet-skis, only from reputable, locally registered operators, and insist on proper training before using the equipment. There have been reports of jet-ski operators assaulting their clients in New Providence and Paradise Islands.

Entry/Exit requirements

It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Bahamian authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the High Commission for the Commonwealth of the Bahamas or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.
Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.

Passport

Canadians must present a passport to visit the Bahamas, which must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.
Permanent residents of Canada must travel with their Permanent Resident Card and a valid passport from their country of origin.

Visas

Tourist visa: Not required
Business visa: Not required
Student permit: Required

Children and travel

Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.

Yellow fever

See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.

Laws & culture

You are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.

Illegal drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict.

Laws

Long-line fishing is illegal in Bahamian waters. All long-line fishing gear must be stowed below deck while transiting Bahamian waters. Stiff penalties are imposed for catching crawfish (lobster) or other marine life in protected areas or out of season.
If you are interested in purchasing property or making other investments in the Bahamas, seek legal advice from appropriate professionals in Canada and the Bahamas before making commitments. Disputes arising from such activities could be prolonged and costly to resolve.
A valid Canadian driver's license is sufficient for driving in the Bahamas for up to three months.

Money

The currency is the Bahamian dollar (BSD). U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted. Traveller’s cheques can be exchanged at banks. U.S. dollar traveller’s cheques are recommended. Automated banking machines (ABMs) are located on the larger islands, in airport terminals, banks, casinos and some hotels.

Hurricane Season

The hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. The National Hurricane Center provides additional information on weather conditions. Stay informed of regional weather forecasts, and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities.

 Consular assistance


Nassau - Consulate of Canada

Street Address
Shirley Street Plaza, Nassau, BahamasPostal AddressP.O. Box SS-6371, Nassau, BahamasTelephone(242) 393-2123/(242) 393-2124Fax(242) 393-1305Emailinfo@cdnbahamas.comFacebookCanada in The BahamasTwitter@CanadaJamaica


Kingston - High Commission of Canada

Street Address3 West Kings House Road, Kingston 10, JamaicaPostal AddressP.O. Box 1500, Kingston, JamaicaTelephone(876) 926-1500Fax1-876-733-3493Emailkngtn-cs@international.gc.caInternetwww.jamaica.gc.caServicesPassport Services AvailableFacebookHigh Commission of Canada to JamaicaTwitter@CanadaJamaica




No comments:

Post a Comment