Is the Bahamas part of the US or Canada? I am not sure why this question arises, but I think it is because of a rising interest in the US-Bahamas relationship after China alleged that the Bahamas were part of the US surveillance strategy.
Now, the US confirms its commitment to the Bahamas’ growth but ducks the allegations of China as a “malign influence.”
Furthermore, the Bahamas is one of the USA’s closest and most important neighbors. Moreover, the nation is like an extended home for the USA’s residents.
“This region is a priority because this is our home. This is where we all live. Engaging with neighbors like the Bahamas is a vital element in driving strong economic growth.”
Kimberly Furnish, U.S. Charge d’Affaires
So, is the Bahamas a part of the US? No, the country is now a sovereign, independent country. It achieved its independence from Britain in 1973.
We will discuss more details and explore various aspects of the Bahamas and its relationship with the US in this Tour and Travel Blog.
Where Is The Bahamas Located? Is Bahamas Part Of The US?
The Bahamas is an independent country consisting of more than 700 islands and cays. It is located in the Atlantic Ocean.
Further, the Bahamas is the closest to the State of Florida in the USA. The Island of Bimini is the closest point between the Bahamas and Florida.
Did You Know?
The Island of Bimini is the Big Game Fishing Capital of the World.It is believed that the Lost City of Atlantis exists on the Island of Bimini.Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote a part of his acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize in Bimini.
Further, despite the Bahamas not being a part of the USA, the Island of Bimini in the Bahamas is just around 50 miles off the coast of Florida. Cuba and Turks & Caicos are other neighboring countries of the Bahamas.
Here, I have something really fun to share. Due to its geographically strategic location, the Bahamas, especially Nassau, the Bahamas Capital, became the “Pirate Republic” during 1706 and 1718.
Further, it ruled the Golden Age of Piracy between 1690 and 1720.
Is The Bahamas A Part Of The Carribean? Are Bahamians Considered Caribbean?
Many people mistake the Bahamas for being located in the Caribbean Sea. However, geographically, the Bahamas is not related to the Caribbean.
Having said that, the Bahamians are considered Carribean because of their cultural similarities and close bonds with the Carribean nations.
Again, the Bahamas economy relies heavily on tourism and off-shore financing like most Caribbean countries.
Moreover, the Bahamas is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), a political and economic union of five associated members and 15 member states in the Caribbean and Atlantic Oceans.
So, it takes part in important discussions about the development of the Caribbean region, especially about economic integration and coordinating foreign policies.
Some Quick Facts About The Bahamas: Is The Bahamas Part Of The US
Have a look at the table below to find out some quick facts about the Bahamas.
| Official Name | The Commonwealth of The Bahamas |
| Bahamas Area | 13,880 km² |
| Bahamas Population | 402632 |
| Capital | Nassau |
| Bahamas Currency | Bahamian Dollar** |
| Airport | Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) |
| Official Language | English |
| Governing System | Parliamentary Democracy |
Bahamian Dollars are equivalent to US Dollars in value. So, US Dollars are accepted on a one-to-one basis in Nassau and other parts of the Bahamas.
Why Bahamas Is Not Part Of USA?
The Bahamas is not part of the USA because it gained full independence from Britain as a sovereign country in 1973.
So, the country has an independent territory governed by the laws of the country, and its government is elected through a parliamentary democratic process.
Further, it is now a part of the Commonwealth Nations as it was one of the countries that was a part of the British Empire before 1973.
It is also a member of the Organisation of American States and the Caribbean Community.
Do You Need A Passport To Go To The Bahamas From The USA?
Yes, you need to carry a valid US passport if you are visiting the Bahamas. You must show your passport on your arrival in the country.
Further, you must show valid proof of your tentative date of departure from the country. If you travel to the Bahamas on a cruise, you will need a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) document.
In addition, if you have plans to stay for more than 30 days in the country, you will need a Bahamas visa.
To apply for the visa, you can follow this step-by-step process.
- Visit the official website of the Government of the Bahamas, Department of Immigration.
- Submit proof of a valid passport, return flight tickets, hotel booking details, financial means, and other important documents.
- Wait for the approval or denial.
Are The Bahamas Part Of The USA Strategic Partnership?
Yes, the Bahamas is a part of the USA strategic partnership. The United States is committed to the growth of the Bahamas for collective economic growth.
For example, the USA has invested $50 million in the Western Atlantic University School of Medicine. This investment has resulted in more than 200 jobs in the Bahamas, and many students have also received full scholarships.
That said, the diplomatic relationship between the USA and the Bahamas dates back to 1973. These two nations have been working closely to achieve the following goals.
- Reducing crime rate
- Making border and maritime security stronger
- Improving disaster preparedness and management
- Managing the impacts of climate changes
- Tackling major health crises
- Boosting tourism, international banking, and goods manufacturing
Moreover, the countries have a long stretch of shared ocean borders. The USA is also crucial for the Bahamas’ tourism industry.
In 2022, the Bahamas had more than 7 million visitors, and around 80% of them were from the USA.
Again, in 2024, the US export value to the Bahamas was US$5.64 billion. During the same time span, the US import from the Bahamas was $135.58 million.
Above all, the Bahamas does 85% of its international business with the USA.
Is The Bahamas Safe?
The travel advisory for the Bahamas released by the US State Department on 31st March 2025 pointed out the safety concerns while traveling to the Bahamas.
Along with the restrictions on carrying firearms and ammunition, the advisory has further highlighted issues such as poorly regulated boating, sexual assaults, and beach safety issues.
Furthemore, the advisory has shared tips like enrollment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for travelers’ safety.
Overall, the safety scenario of the Bahamas looks like this:
| Level of Crime | 67.70 |
| Increase in the Crime Rate for the Last 5 Years | 67.36 |
| Violent crimes in assault and robbery | 63.01 |
Is Bahamas A Country Ideal For Tourism?
The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas has confirmed that the tourism and financial sectors contribute 85% of the country’s total annual GDP.
Further, the country welcomed 11.22 million visitors in 2024, recording a whopping 14% growth from 2023.
These data are telltale of how the tourism sector in the Bahamas is growing and why it is crucial for the country’s economy.
Today, the capital city of Nassau, Paradise Island, Harbour Island, Bimini Islands and some major tourism attractions in the country, offering a perfect beach vacation with the best amenities.
Is The Bahamas Part Of The US: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about is the Bahamas part of the US.
The Bahamas is an independent, sovereign country. So, it has its own government and legal system.
Yes, the Bahamas is expensive. It is one of the top 10 most expensive countries to live in.
No, the Bahamas does not come under the USA. It is an independent nation and a neighbor of the United States.
It is also a member of the United Nations.
The people from the Bahamas are called Bahamians. Most Bahamians come from African descent.
Also, the Bahamians today bear the traditions of African, European, and indigenous cultures.
Yes, you need a valid U.S. Passport and proof of your estimated date of return while going to the Bahamas.
