Green card holders and non-U.S. citizens: documents for the Bahamas ferry

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you need two things: a valid passport and a document that lets you enter the United States again. For green card holders, that is the green card. For visitors, it is a valid U.S. visa, entry stamp or ESTA. Some nationalities also need a visa for the Bahamas. Find your case below before you buy.

U.S. permanent residents (green card)

Bring your valid green card and the valid passport of your country of citizenship. If one of them is missing, you will be denied boarding, on a day trip or an overnight stay.
If your green card has expired, bring the original extension notice together with the card. A copy on your phone is not accepted.
Book with your name exactly as it appears on your green card.

Visitors with a U.S. visa or ESTA

Bring your passport with a valid U.S. entry stamp, or a valid multiple-entry U.S. visa, or an approved ESTA if your country is in the Visa Waiver Program.
If your passport has no current entry stamp, bring the boarding pass, ticket or itinerary with the ticket number of the trip you used to enter the U.S.
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after you return from the Bahamas, or 6 months if you will pass through other countries.
If you have two nationalities, travel with the passport and the visa of the same nationality.

Students and exchange visitors (F-1, M-1, J-1)

F-1 and M-1 students need their current I-20, and J-1 visitors their current DS-2019, signed in the travel authorization box. Bring the original or a printed color copy.
F-1 students can travel within the 30-day grace period after their visa or I-20 expires, with a copy of their return ticket home. J-1 and M-1 holders cannot travel once their visa or form has expired.
Crew visas (C-1/D) are valid only on the ship where the person works.

Bahamian citizens and residents

Bahamian citizens need a valid passport and a valid U.S. visa. Bahamian-American dual citizens must travel with the U.S. passport.
Residents of the Bahamas who are not citizens need a valid residency card, a permit-to-reside letter or a valid residency stamp in their passport.

Canadian citizens and residents

Canadian and Bermudian citizens need only a valid passport, no visa. Canadian permanent residents need the passport of their country and the original Canadian permanent resident card, both valid for at least 3 months after the return, or 6 months if they transit through the U.S.

Visas for the Bahamas and one-way tickets

Some nationalities need a visa to enter the Bahamas. Check the list of the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you book. Only Bahamian citizens and residents can buy a one-way ticket from the U.S. to the Bahamas. Everyone else must show that they will leave the Bahamas, with a return ferry ticket or another ticket.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take the ferry to the Bahamas with a green card?

Yes. Bring your valid green card and the valid passport of your country of citizenship. You need both.

Can I travel with an expired green card?

Only with the original extension notice together with the card. A copy on your phone is not accepted.

Can a tourist with an ESTA take the Bahamas ferry?

Yes, with a valid passport and an approved ESTA or U.S. visa that lets you enter the U.S. again. Some nationalities also need a Bahamian visa.

Can an F-1 student travel to the Bahamas by ferry?

Yes, with a passport, a valid visa and the current I-20 signed for travel. Within the 30-day grace period, also bring the ticket home.

Can I buy a one-way ticket to the Bahamas?

Only if you are a Bahamian citizen or resident. Everyone else must show they will leave the Bahamas.

U.S. citizen? Read documents for U.S. citizens. On the way back you go through U.S. customs: what to expect at CBP.

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Up to date as of October 28, 2026. Rules and fees can change, so check again close to your travel date. Written by the I Love Ferry team. Questions? Contact us.

Help template v4 · 28/10/2026