Bahamas Digital Arrival Card (BDAC): Complete Guide for US Travelers

Editorial Team
3 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Nassau, Bahamas — The Bahamas has officially launched the pilot phase of its Bahamas Digital Arrival Card (BDAC) , a landmark step toward replacing the traditional paper-based immigration process with a fully digital entry system for visitors.

Published: August 1, 2026 | By VisasUpdate.com Editorial Team

Bahamas Digital Arrival Card 2026 – infographic showing the BDAC pilot program launched May 5, 2026, allowing select visitors to complete immigration and customs documentation online before arrival, with paper process still available during the transition. — The Bahamas launches Digital Arrival Card (BDAC) pilot in 2026, marking the first step toward a fully digital entry system for visitors

What Is the Bahamas Digital Arrival Card?

The Bahamas Digital Arrival Card (BDAC) is a new digital entry system that allows select visitors to complete their immigration and customs documentation online before arriving in The Bahamas. It functions as both an immigration card and a customs declaration, consolidating two paper forms into a single digital process.

Aspect	Details
Official Name	Bahamas Digital Arrival Card (BDAC)
Launch Date	May 5, 2026
Status	Pilot Phase (Soft Launch)
Purpose	Replace paper-based immigration/customs forms with digital system
Availability	Select flights only (limited pilot)
Legal Basis	Amendments to the Immigration Act

Key Details at a Glance

Aspect	Details
Effective Date	May 5, 2026 (Pilot Launch)
Current Status	Pilot phase on selected flights only
Eligible Travelers	Select visitors on participating flights
Document Type	Combined immigration card and customs declaration
Submission Method	Online via dedicated web form before arrival
Paper Process	Still available during pilot period
Participating Agencies	Ministry of Tourism, Immigration Department, Customs Department

What This Means for American Travelers

Current Entry Requirements for US Citizens

For now, the entry requirements for US citizens remain unchanged:

Requirement	Details
Passport	Valid passport required
Visa	Not required for stays up to 8 months
Entry Card	Paper Immigration Arrival/Departure Card still required

Important: The BDAC system is currently in pilot phase and only available on select flights. Most travelers, including Americans, will still need to complete the traditional paper immigration card upon arrival.

Future Benefits for US Travelers

Once fully implemented, the BDAC will offer significant advantages for American visitors:

Faster Arrivals: Complete immigration and customs documentation before departure
No Paper Forms: Eliminate the need to fill out forms on the plane
Streamlined Processing: Reduce wait times at immigration, especially during peak travel periods
Single Digital Process: Both immigration and customs in one online submission

What to Expect During the Pilot Phase

For Travelers on Participating Flights

Selected visitors on participating flights will be able to:

Complete entry documentation online via a dedicated web form
Submit before arrival to The Bahamas
Skip paper forms at participating ports of entry

For All Other Travelers

The traditional paper-based process remains in place
Complete the paper Immigration Arrival/Departure Card as usual
Paper forms will still be available during the transition period

Legal Framework

The BDAC pilot follows the passage of amendments to the Immigration Act, which established the legal framework for digital entry documentation. The soft launch follows several months of successful system testing.

The pilot is being executed through close collaboration between:

Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation
Bahamas Immigration Department
Bahamas Customs Department

Why This Matters for US Travelers

The Bahamas continues to be a top tourism destination in the Caribbean, especially for visitors coming from Florida and the East Coast of the United States. In 2025, the country received almost 12.5 million international tourists, marking the highest number in its history.

The BDAC is part of broader modernization efforts, including:

Airport upgrades across Nassau, Paradise Island, Grand Bahama, Exuma, Eleuthera, Bimini, and the Out Islands
Expanded airlift to accommodate growing US visitor numbers
New hotel development across major tourist destinations

Quick Reference: BDAC vs. Paper Process

Aspect	BDAC (Digital)	Paper Process
When to Complete	Before arrival	On arrival (plane/airport)
Document Type	Combined immigration + customs	Separate forms
Availability	Select flights only (pilot)	All travelers
Processing Speed	Faster at participating ports	Standard processing
Status	Limited pilot phase	Still primary method

Official Resources

Resource	Official Portal
Bahamas Official Tourism Website	www.bahamas.com
Bahamas Government Portal	www.bahamas.gov.bs
Bahamas Immigration Department	www.bahamas.gov.bs/immigration
BDAC Official Announcement	www.bahamas.com/pressroom