Author: Jay Taylor

Get your Passport Fast, as fast as 48 hours

Please make sure to check and comply with the Bahamas Travel Requirement. Go to: www.travel.gov.bs

Check-in and Boarding

>> Boarding card
All passengers must obtain their boarding cards on the same day as the departure of the ship from the Bahamas Express ticket offices. Return boarding cards can be obtained at the same time as outbound boarding cards. In the event that any passenger loses their boarding card, it will be verified that it has not been used and will be re-printed.

>> Check- in
Check-in at  Port Everglades commences at 5:00 am and the terminal gates close at 8:00 am sharp. Please note that due to high security measures you may encounter some traffic delays on entering the port. We strongly suggest that passengers aim to arrive around 6:30 am. Upon return to Port Everglades please allow at least one hour for vessel clearance by local and federal authorities.

Check-in at Freeport harbor commences at 3:30 pm and the terminal gates close at 5:30pm sharp

Onboard services

Passenger Guide Ferry to Bahamas

>>Lounges
Bahamasshuttleboat.com boasts two types of seating areas: Economy Class and First Class. The passengers who travel in the First Class -exclusively for those who have booked this option- can enjoy more tranquility and space, and also more privacy

>>Entertainment
Passenger lounges are equipped with audiovisual units which show entertainment videos (films, documentaries, etc.).

>>Bar
This ship and other ships in the fleet have a bar service, with a wide range of products.

>>Shop
The Pinar del Río has a duty free shop, selling gifts, cosmetics and perfumes, candies, etc.

>>Smoke-free zone
Smoking is not permitted inside the ship. Nor is it permitted in any of the company’s premises on land. The company would like to thank its passengers for respecting this regulation.

 Baggage

General requirements for baggage:
>>Two items of hand luggage are permitted for use during the crossing/cruise free of charge. Passengers must be able to carry their own luggage onto the ship in one trip. The carrier reserves the right to charge for any excess items and for baggage weighing more than 45 pounds regardless of the number of items. Luggage may only contain the passenger’s personal effects.

>>For the transportation of heavier luggage, passengers can use cargo bins (5.5 ft. x 5.4 height) at a price of $350 each, only on the crossing from Fort Lauderdale to Grand Bahama (Freeport).

Reservation of the cargo bins should be made in advance of the date of travel on the website, travel agency or by ringing the call center on 1-954-969-0069. Passengers should be at the Balearia Warehouse 24 before sailing to load their cargo bin.

2021 Eller Dr Terminal 21, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

>>Passengers must comply with any applicable laws, regulations, tariffs, terms or conditions of the port or any third party service provider. Passengers may not take on board firearms, weapons, controlled or prohibited substances, or inflammable or hazardous items, or any contraband prohibited by local, state or national laws or noxious or offensive items or apparel, and passengers shall compensate the Carrier for any damage or costs caused thereby.

Baggage Continued

General requirements for baggage:

>>The ship’s officers and crew have the right to search baggage for any hazardous, controlled or prohibited substances. The Carrier is not responsible for any delay, detention, confiscation, damage or destruction of baggage or possessions by the authorities, or for the theft or loss of goods.

>>Animals cannot be brought aboard the vessel, except for guide dogs in the case of visually impaired passengers. 

>>All baggage must be securely packed and distinctly labeled with passenger’s full name and address. Baggage not claimed upon arrival of the ship will be stored at the passenger’s risk and expense, and shall be deemed abandoned if not claimed within 10 days.

>>The passenger agrees that the Carrier’s liability for loss or damage to baggage, valuables or personal property is limited under all circumstances to $250 USD per passenger.

>>The Carrier shall not be liable for any loss of or damage to money, jewelry, cameras, electronics, documents or any other personal property which the passenger retains in their possession. Valuables and other goods may be carried but are done so solely at the risk of the passenger. Items deemed to be valuable may be declared once on board and handed to the Captain for safekeeping, although the Carrier does not accept any responsibility for their loss or theft.

>>These restrictions may only be waived by the Carrier in writing addressed to the passenger in exchange for an additional fee. Passengers are advised of the availability of travel insurance to cover the cancellation of or disruption to the crossing and the protection of valuables. 

People with reduced mobility

Both the Bahamas Express on-board and land staff is available to assist passengers with reduced mobility (people with any kind of mobility issues who cannot cope on their own, those with visual or auditory impairment, the elderly, pregnant women, etc.) to board the ship and during the crossing.

Passengers with reduced mobility are advised to state this both when booking and checking in, so that they can be given the care that is right for them. Passengers reserving online have the option of filling in the Remarks field with details regarding any care or particular assistance they may require in emergency situations.

The fast ferry Pinar del Río has the following services adapted to people with reduced mobility:

• Adapted armchairs (with folding armrests and seatbelt).
• Adapted toilets in the communal areas.
• Wheelchair tie down straps.
• Elevator and access ramps

Passengers with reduced mobility should board the ship in a vehicle driven into the garage and parked next to the elevator, which will take them directly to the passenger lounge.

Reservation and purchasing channels

Fast Ferry tickets can be reserved and bought on this website.

Passengers may also reserve and purchase tickets from the Fast Ferry ticket office at travel agencies, Tour Sellers or by ringing the telephone numbers given below.

Call time: Mon to Fri 8.00am to 6.00pm
For Cruises call a travel agent 954-969-0069

Travel Documentation

Please note that all travel documents listed below including visas, passports and alien resident cards must be valid for a minimum period of one month from the date of travel. As required by US government: 

US Citizens Same Day travel or Overnight may use one of the following:

– Valid US Passport (must be valid for 30+ days to exit and reenter the US)

US Residents Same Day Travel or Overnight:

– Valid US Passport from your country of citizenship

(must be valid for 30+ days to exit and reenter the US) AND valid ARC (Alien Resident Card)

*If ARC is expired you must bring the original extension document with expired ARC card and valid passport of the country of citizenship OR your passport must have an I-551 stamp with valid extension dates.

Non US Citizens Same Day Travel or Overnight:

– Valid Passport with valid entry stamp (B1/B2 or Waiver Tourist countries)

– Valid Visa with MULTIPLE entries (all classifications)

– Waiver visa countries must have their ESTA form

– If there is no entry stamp in passport, must bring ticket or boarding pass to prove entrance

Bahamian Visas:

Some countries require Bahamian Visas to spend one or more nights on the island. Please check with

the Bahamian Consulate to see if your country requires a Bahamian Visa for overnight travel.

Bahamian citizens:

– Valid passport

– ARC (Alien Resident Card holders) must have a valid passport and valid ARC card

– Bahamian Residents (not Bahamian citizens) must have a valid residency card of the Bahamas or a

date valid Letter of Permit to Reside issued from the Bahamian Ministry or a valid residency stamp in

their valid passport of their country of citizenship.

One way tickets to the Bahamas: Only Bahamian citizens or residents can purchase one way tickets from the US to the Bahamas. All other passangers must show proof that will leave the island with a different Vessel or Carrier.

Documentation for U.S. Residents

Effective April 23, 2018, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations require all U.S. citizens, both adults and minors, to possess a current, valid U.S. passport book or passport card for international travel.

• Accepted Documents: Only valid U.S. passport books or passport cards are accepted for international travel, including day trips and overnight packages.
• Documents Not Accepted: Birth certificates, photo IDs, naturalization certificates, and enhanced driver’s licenses are not accepted for boarding or international travel.

U.S. Residents: Same-Day Travel

If you are a U.S. resident traveling for a same-day trip, you must present the following:

• A valid Alien Registration Card (Green Card).
• A valid passport from your country of citizenship at check-in.
• If your Green Card is expired, you must provide the original extension document along with the expired Green Card. Digital copies on a phone are not accepted.

U.S. Residents: Overnight Stays

For overnight stays, U.S. residents must bring:

• Your valid Alien Registration Card (Green Card).
• A valid passport from your country of birth.

Important Note for Green Card Holders:

If the name on your passport does not exactly match the name on your Green Card, please ensure that your first and last name are entered precisely as they appear on your Green Card. Both your Green Card and passport must be valid for travel. Failure to present both valid documents will result in denied boarding, regardless of whether it’s a day trip or an overnight stay.

Documentation for Non-U.S. Citizens

Non-U.S. Citizens: General Requirements (Day Trip & Overnight)

All non-U.S. citizens must adhere to the following documentation requirements for entry from the U.S. or Canada into The Bahamas:

• A valid passport with a valid entry stamp (e.g., B1/B2 visa or eligible visa waiver country stamp).
• A valid visa with multiple entries (all classifications).
• Travelers from visa waiver countries must have a valid ESTA form.

Specific Visa Requirements for Non-U.S. Citizens

• F1 & M1 Visas: Must carry their current, original I-20 form with valid signatures. Page 2, “Travel Authorization,” must have a current signature. This must be the original document or a color copy printed with a blue ink stamp.
• J1 Visas: Must have their current, original DS-2019 form, completely filled out with current signatures. The “Travel Authorization” box must have a current signature. This must be the original document or a color copy printed with a blue ink stamp.
• C1/D Visas: Generally cannot travel as tourists. C1/D visa holders can only travel on the carrier or vessel where they are employed. They may travel as tourists if they officially sign off from their crew duties and possess a valid tourist visa (B1/B2 or B/1) or a valid visa waiver entry stamp under a tourist classification.
• Missing Entry Stamp: If your passport lacks a current entry stamp, you must present your boarding pass or ticket. For electronic tickets, a copy of your travel itinerary and ticket number is required.

Visa Grace Periods and Limitations

• F1 Visas: You are permitted to travel within your 30-day grace period after your F1 visa or I-20 form expires. Please have a copy of your return ticket to your home country readily available.
• J1 & M1 Visas: You cannot travel internationally and re-enter the U.S. from a foreign destination other than your country of citizenship after your visa, I-20 (M1), or DS-2019 (J1) forms have expired. The 30-day grace period allows you to remain in the U.S. without penalty, not for international travel and re-entry from a third country.

Passport Validity for Non-U.S. Citizens

• Your passport’s expiry date must be at least 3 months after your return from The Bahamas for direct travel.
• If transiting through other countries (e.g., the U.S.), your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date.

Dual Nationality (Non-U.S. Citizens)

Bahamian + American Dual Nationality: U.S. citizens with Bahamian dual nationality must always use their U.S. passport when traveling between The Bahamas and the United States.

If you have two nationalities, the visa you use for travel must match the nationality of the passport you are using.

Both the visa and the passport must be valid and correspond to the same nationality.

You are not permitted to use a passport from one country and a visa from a passport of a different nationality.

Important Information for All Travelers

Lost Passports in The Bahamas

If your passport is lost in The Bahamas while on vacation, you will need to obtain email approval from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before being allowed to board a vessel to enter the United States.

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection Contact: 305-874-5444

Disclaimer

Please be advised that Balearia Caribbean LTD is not responsible for any denied boarding due to a passenger’s failure to present the required and proper travel documentation. It is the sole responsibility of the traveler to ensure all documents are in order before travel.

For the most current information on international travel regulations, please visit the travel section of the U.S. Department of State website: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html.

Incident warnings

Ferry to Bahamas goals of punctuality and comfort may be modified if the weather conditions inhibit a comfortable and safe crossing; in these cases, the company’s aim is to keep the passengers informed at all times, with several channels and communication systems in place to carry this out.

>>Internet The Bahamas Express website provides information on any possible problems and is periodically updated.

>>Telephone To request information on the company’s services customers can also call the Bahamas Express offices.

Safety

The priority of the captain and the crew onboard the Ferry to Bahamas is the passenger’s safety. For this reason, the ship Jaume II —as well as strictly complying with all pertinent services— includes additional safety equipment.

By complying with the International safety regulations, the Bahamas Express staff will request that passengers show their Passport and boarding card in order to access the pre-boarding zone. The port authorities control passengers’ access and  baggage using scanners and walk through metal detectors.

The application of international safety regulations involves restricting access to certain areas of the ship (such as the hold, where it is not permitted to take photos or make videos). The restricted access areas are duly indicated, therefore passengers are asked to respect this regulation, as well as the other safety and protection measures.