Arrivals
Upon arrival at NASSAU International Airport (NAS) you will be asked to fill out a Bahamian Immigration Card. This is usually available onboard your flight, but you can find them in the immigration area at the writing desks. You'll go through Bahamian Immigration at this point, and your passport will be stamped and marked for the # of days you are allowed to stay in the bahamas. (This information is taken from your immigration card). Once you are through immigration, you'll find tour desks in the entrance. You can pick up information and newsletters here. Follow to the left to pick up your luggage at the marked carousel. Bahamian Customs agents are waiting for inspection nearby. Most agents just flag you through, some ask if you have anything to declare. If you are not carrying illegal items, or something that needs to be declared, just answer truthfully and walk through. This process is very quick. Most days this whole process takes less than 1/2 hour.
Taxi cabs and shuttle vans are lined up outside the arrivals building. Those with vouchers will be asked to head to the left to meet your van. Otherwise, you'll be loaded into taxis for travel to your destination. (Check the posted rates in the Arrivals area).
Make sure you and your driver agree on a price BEFORE you get into the cab.
THERE ARE NO JITNEYS OR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FROM THE AIRPORT TO YOU HOTELS.
Departures
*IMPORTANT* YOU MUST HAVE A PASSPORT TO ENTER THE U.S. IF YOU ARE A U.S. CITIZEN. IF YOU ARE NOT A U.S. CITIZEN, PLEASE CONTACT THE BAHAMAS CONSULATE - In Canada call 613-232-1724 and in London call 0207-408-4488. The Departure process on most days is long and tedious. Please leave at least 3 hours to go through this process. The Airport needs a good overhaul, but in the meantime, you don't want to miss your flight.
Whether you take a taxi or shuttle to the Departures area, you'll likely meet with long lines and cranky travelers. You'll check in with your airline at the first check point. Your bags will be tagged, but you will take them with you through the next few check points. You'll be asked to fill out a U.S. Customs Card stating what you purchased and the value. Have your receipts available if you've been shopping. You'll put all of your luggage on a scanner and walk through the archway. Hand wands are also used at this point. Shoes off, computers open, just like in the states. You'll grab your stuff and proceed to Bahamian Immigration check point, where they will check your ID's and take the back part of your arrivals card. You'll proceed to the U.S. CUSTOMS Desk.
After going thru the U.S. Immigration desk, you'll take all your luggage to a security checkpoint where they will HAND CHECK your luggage. Your checked bags will be taken at this point. Once again you're on you way, but this time up the escalator to wait, once again on a line to scan carry-on luggage and check documents. Shoes off, computers out etc.
Finally, you enter the small departure lounge. No Smoking. Small cafeteria with limited food items, small bar which has limited hours.
This process usually takes at least 2 1/2 hours. They routinely DO NOT hold flights.
For more information on entering and exiting Nassau, please visit http://www.nassauparadiseisland.com/a...
