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Bahamas: visa and passport requirements

Passport required Return ticket required Visa required
Australian Yes Yes No/2
British Yes Yes No/1
Canadian Yes Yes No/2
Other EU Yes Yes No/2
USA Yes Yes No/1
Passports: 

To enter The Bahamas, a passport valid for at least six months from the date of departure, and a return or onward ticket, are required by all nationals referred to in chart above. 

Note: As a result of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air, land and sea* between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport or other approved document when entering or re-entering the USA.

*As of May 2011, a cruise ship passenger entering and departing The Bahamas by cruise does not require a visa. However, if the passenger enters by cruise and departs by air, then a visa is required. 

For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis_pa_tw_2223.html.

Visas: 

Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above. However:

1. Nationals from the UK and USA can stay in The Bahamas without a visa for a maximum of eight months.

2. Other nationals referred to the chart above can stay in The Bahamas without a visa for up to four weeks. Those wishing to stay beyond this need to apply for an extention of stay for up to a maximum of eight months.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.

Types and cost: 

Single-entry: £55; Multiple-entry: £65 (three to six months). Payable by cash or money order only.

Validity: 

Usually three months. Applications for an extension should be made to the Immigration Department (tel: 001 242 322 7531).

Application to: 

Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission).

Working days: 

Visa processing times can depend on the nationality of the applicant. They typically take a minimum of 48 hours, and a maximum of six weeks. Applicants are advised to make their applications at least six weeks before their departure date to The Bahamas. Enquire at the consulate or embassy for further details.

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