Bahamas
Passports
Passport valid for
at least six months from date of departure from The Bahamas required by all except:
(a) 1. nationals of Canada, provided holding a birth certificate;
(b) 2. nationals of the USA. However, conditions vary and nationals may wish to enquire what specific documents need to be submitted.Visas
Required by all except the following:
(a) 3. nationals of EU countries for stays of up to three months (eight months for nationals of Belgium, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands and the UK), except nationals of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia who do need a visa;
(b) 4. nationals of Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, Turkey and the USA for stays of up to eight months;
(c) 5. nationals of Commonwealth countries for stays of up to eight months, except a) nationals of the Gambia who can stay for three months; b) nationals of Brunei, Cameroon, Ghana, India, Mozambique, Nigeria and Pakistan who do need a visa;
(d) 6. nationals of Chile, Israel, Japan, Korea (Rep), Martinique, Mexico, Norfolk Islands and Uruguay for stays of up to three months;
(e) nationals of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Venezuela for stays of up to 14 days;
(f) nationals of French, Dutch, Portuguese and Ecuadorean overseas territories, and of Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Cook Islands, Curaçao, Gibraltar, Hong Kong (SAR), Macau (Portuguese passport), Monaco, St Maarten, Tahiti, Turks & Caicos, Vatican City and Zimbabwe (who should contact the Consulate to find out the maximum length of visit without a visa);
(g) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or next connecting aircraft within three days, provided holding confirmed onward documentation and passport.Note
Nationals of Haiti and the Dominican Republic do need a visa when in transit.Types of visa and cost
Single-entry: US$26 ; Multiple-entry: US$34 (three to six months); US$52 (six to 12 months). Payable by cash or cheque (with valid cheque guarantee card).Validity
Usually three months. Applications for extension should be made to the Director of Immigration.Application to
Consulate (or Consular Section at Embassy or High Commission); see Passport/Visa Information.Application requirements
(a) Completed application form. (b) Valid passport. (c) Proof of sufficient funds to cover stay. (d) Two passport-size photos. (e) Itinerary of trip. (f) Return or onward ticket and documents to enter any other country to which travel is planned. (g) Stamped self-addressed envelope if applying by post. (h) Proof of employment or enrollment in University. (i) Proof of hotel booking or letter of invitation if staying at a private home.
Note: Only applications from the UK can be made via registered or recorded delivery.Working days required
Dependent on nationality of applicant, a minimum of 48 hours, maximum of six weeks. Applications made by post and from some nationals may take longer to process. 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.Temporary residence
Apply to the Director of Immigration, PO Box N-831, Nassau, The Bahamas (tel: (242) 322 7531.
No Test Required
US$18 (for all passengers leaving from Freeport). Children under six years of age are exempt.
Bahamas High Commission in the UK
10 Chesterfield Street, London W1J 5JL, UK
Tel: (020) 7408 4488 or 7659 0829 (visa enquiries).
Website: www.mfabahamas.org
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1730. Embassy of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in the USA
2220 Massachussetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 319 2660.
E-mail: bahemb@aol.com Bahamas Consulate General in the USA
Bahamas House, 231 East 46th Street, New York, NY 10017, USA
Tel: (212) 421 6420.
Website: www.un.int/bahamasTravel Advice
Most visits to The Bahamas are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
In addition, violent crime can be a problem in The Bahamas, mostly within the local community - although tourists have been subject to robbery, sometimes armed.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice: British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel
