According to the U.S. Department of State’s Travel.State.Gov, U.S. citizens—including those with a felony conviction—can enter the Bahamas with a valid passport and proof of return or onward travel. But don’t pack your bags just yet.
While it’s technically legal, traveling to the Bahamas as a felon involves a few hurdles. Your eligibility depends on your criminal record, current legal status (e.g., probation or parole), and whether your crime included international restrictions like a passport revocation or travel ban.
Can Felons Travel to the Bahamas?
Yes, U.S. felons can travel to the Bahamas, but they must:
- Have a valid U.S. passport
- Be free of outstanding warrants or parole restrictions
- Comply with Bahamian immigration policies
- Not have a felony conviction that restricts international travel (e.g., drug trafficking or terrorism)
Passport Eligibility for Felons
The first requirement to travel internationally is having a valid passport. And here’s the good news: most felons are eligible to get a passport.
Who Can Get a U.S. Passport?
- Felons who have completed their sentence
- Individuals not currently on probation or parole (or with travel permission from parole officer)
- Felons who are not involved in ongoing legal proceedings
- Individuals whose crime did not include:
- International drug trafficking
- Sex tourism involving minors
- Espionage or treason
Who Cannot Get a Passport?
- Felons convicted of international drug trafficking (as per 22 U.S. Code § 2714)
- Individuals with unpaid federal loans or child support over $2,500
- Felons with active arrest warrants
- Individuals currently in probation or parole without travel permission
If you’re unsure of your passport eligibility, request a check from the U.S. State Department.
Can You Go to the Bahamas with a Criminal Record?
What Does Bahamian Law Say?
According to the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs (mofa.gov.bs), U.S. citizens do not require a visa for visits up to 90 days. However, Bahamas immigration has the right to deny entry to individuals with a serious criminal background.
So, yes, a criminal record can be a red flag—but not an automatic disqualifier.
Which Felonies Might Raise Red Flags?
The Bahamian government is mainly concerned with:
- Drug trafficking
- Human trafficking
- Firearms offenses
- Sex crimes
- Terrorism or organized crime
If your felony falls into one of these categories, immigration officers may question your entry or even deny it.
Entry Decisions Are Case-by-Case
The Bahamas doesn’t have a public criminal background check database. However, they often collaborate with U.S. agencies, especially the Department of Homeland Security and FBI, through shared databases like INTERPOL and APIS (Advance Passenger Information System).
If your felony shows up during a background check, entry will depend on:
- Time passed since conviction
- Nature and severity of the crime
- Behavior and travel history
- Whether the traveler poses a threat to public safety
Traveling to the Bahamas by Air vs. Cruise
Air Travel
If you fly to the Bahamas, you’ll go through U.S. TSA (Transportation Security Administration) screening and Bahamas Immigration on arrival.
At the airport:
- TSA doesn’t stop felons from flying, unless flagged by law enforcement
- Airlines typically don’t ask about criminal history
- Bahamas immigration might screen you more closely
Cruise Travel
You can travel to the Bahamas on a cruise without a passport—just a government-issued ID and a birth certificate—if the cruise is “closed-loop” (starts and ends at a U.S. port).
However, closed-loop cruises don’t shield you from Bahamian immigration rules. If your criminal history is serious, you could still be denied entry at port—even after sailing there. Cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean have their own policies. Always check with them before booking.
Can You Travel to the Bahamas While on Probation or Parole?
Traveling while on probation or parole is a legal tightrope.
U.S. Law:
If you’re on supervised release, you must obtain written permission from your probation or parole officer and possibly from the court.
Without it, leaving the country is a federal offense.
Bahamas Immigration:
Even if your probation officer approves your travel, Bahamas immigration still has the final say on whether you can enter. Most parolees aren’t allowed to leave the country. If you’re on federal supervision, it’s very unlikely you’ll be permitted to go.
Will Your Criminal Record Be Checked at the Border?
While the Bahamas doesn’t run a full FBI background check on every visitor, it does access shared information systems like:
- Interpol Watch Lists
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) databases
- Advance Passenger Information System (APIS)
In high-security or red flag cases, immigration officers may request additional documents or question you further.
If flagged:
- You may be detained and questioned
- Entry can be denied on the spot
- You could be sent back to the U.S. on the next available flight
Tips for Felons Planning to Visit the Bahamas
✔ Apply for your passport early. It can take 8–12 weeks, or longer if documents are missing.
✔ Carry proof of your return trip. One-way travelers often face stricter scrutiny.
✔ Be honest about your background if asked. Lying on an immigration form can result in being banned from future visits.
✔ Get a travel clearance letter from your attorney or probation officer. This can help if you’re stopped or questioned.
✔ Avoid carrying anything illegal. Even minor offenses like cannabis possession can land you in Bahamian jail.
What If You’re Denied Entry at the Border?
If you’re denied entry into the Bahamas:
- You’ll be placed on the next return flight or ship
- You won’t be arrested unless laws were broken (e.g., lying, smuggling, or violent behavior)
- You’ll likely be flagged in the immigration system for future travel
You might be able to appeal or reapply after a certain period—but that’s handled case by case.
Alternatives: Felon-Friendly Caribbean Destinations
If you’re worried about being denied entry, consider other travel-friendly Caribbean nations:
- Jamaica – Entry often allowed unless serious convictions
- Dominican Republic – No visa required, case-by-case decisions
- Puerto Rico or U.S. Virgin Islands – U.S. territories, no passport or immigration control needed
Final Thoughts
Yes, many felons successfully visit the Bahamas every year without incident. But it’s not a guaranteed smooth ride. If your record includes serious charges, or you’re on parole, think twice. For others, with the proper documentation, a peaceful post-felony getaway is totally possible.
FAQs
Can a felon get a U.S. passport?
Yes, unless convicted of international drug trafficking or subject to travel-related restrictions.
Do the Bahamas check criminal records?
They don’t run full FBI background checks but use international databases and flags.
Can I go on a cruise to the Bahamas as a felon?
Yes, but you may still be denied entry by Bahamian immigration, depending on your record.
Can you go to the Bahamas on parole?
Only with written permission from your supervising officer—and even then, entry is not guaranteed.
Can I be denied entry even if I have a valid passport?
Yes. The final decision always rests with the Bahamian immigration officer.
