do i need a visa to travel to the bahamas

Do I need a passport to travel to the Bahamas?

When crossing international borders by plane, a passport is always required and the Bahamas are no exception. All US citizens must provide a valid US passport to enter or re-enter the states. It should be noted that many airlines do not allow US citizens to fly to the Bahamas without a valid passport.

How long does it take to travel to the Bahamas?

It takes 10 minutes one way and along the way the view of the harbor is wonderful. This is the national airline of Bahamas and mostly availed by frequent travelers and tourists who like to save on time in lieu of extra cost. Bahamas Air connects Nassau's Lynden Pindling Airport to various airports in the out islands.

What are the citizenship requirements for the Bahamas?

All applicants must submit:

• Birth certificate.
• Two passport-sized color photos.
• All existing Bahamas visas and permits, if applicable.
• Biodata page of a passport, valid for six months.
• Police certificate of good behavior for applicants 14 years of age and older from the six months leading up to application.
• BS$10.00 postage stamp.
• BS$100.00 processing fee.

Can you use visa or MasterCard in the Bahamas?

We haven't really found very many places that don't accept credit cards in the Bahamas. If it's a small food stand, a taxi cab or bus, or some of the boat tours or charter fishing trips, then cash is likely to be needed. Grocery stores, restaurants and car rentals normally take credit cards. Visa and MC are widely accepted.

Who needs a visa to go to The Bahamas?

U.S. Permanent Residents (Non-citizens) For visits exceeding 30 days: A valid national passport and a Bahamas visa are required for U.S. resident non-citizens wishing to stay longer than 30 days.

Does Bahamas require a travel visa?

The Bahamas requires all travelers to obtain a Bahamas Travel Health Visa before arrival to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Health Visa is completed online, requires a specific, negative COVID-19 test taken no sooner than 72-hours before arrival.

Can US citizens travel to The Bahamas right now?

The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 3 – Reconsider Travel – Travel Advisory for The Bahamas due to COVID-19 and exercise increased caution in The Bahamas due to crime. The CDC has issued for The Bahamas a Level 3 – High Level of COVID-19 Travel Health Notice.

Is visa required for Bahamas for US citizens?

When you are travelling to Bahamas with a U.S. Passport, a Tourist Visa is not required.

What documents do you need to travel to Bahamas?

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements U.S. citizens are generally required to present a valid U.S. passport when traveling to The Bahamas, as well as proof of anticipated departure from The Bahamas. Those traveling to The Bahamas on a cruise may use another Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document.

What is required to enter The Bahamas?

Effective 19 June 2022, all unvaccinated travellers ages 2 and older will be required to obtain a negative COVID-19 test — either a negative RT-PCR test or a Rapid Antigen test — taken no more than three days (72 hours) prior to travel and present the negative test results at check-in before travel to The Bahamas.

Where can US citizens go without a passport?

Best Places to Travel Without a US PassportPuerto Rico.US Virgin Islands.Northern Mariana Islands.American Samoa.Guam.Canada.Alaska.Mexico.

What should I avoid in The Bahamas?

Avoid walking alone after sunset, especially around poorly-lit and deserted locations, such as streets and beaches. Nightclubs and music venues provide a chance to experience local culture, though tourists should stick to heavily populated areas and walk in a group.

Is Nassau Bahamas safe for tourists?

Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas. Be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence.

Can I apply for Bahamas visa online?

A self-sponsored visitor is a person who is able to support themselves financially while visiting The Bahamas. Sponsored visas are NOT available for online application. Please contact the Visa Office for non-online application. Official and Diplomatic Visas are NOT available for online application.

Is Bahamas part of USA?

No, the Bahamas is not a part of the United States but a self-administered, independent country, which forms part of the United Nations, the Organization of American States, and the Caribbean Community.

How long does it take for a Bahamas travel visa to get approved?

Bahamas Travel Health Visa applications take up to 48 hours to process, so they should be completed with adequate lead time. Applicants will receive an automated response within 1 hour of submission indicating the application is being processed.

How long does it take for a Bahamas travel visa to get approved?

Bahamas Travel Health Visa applications take up to 48 hours to process, so they should be completed with adequate lead time. Applicants will receive an automated response within 1 hour of submission indicating the application is being processed.

Can green card holders go to Bahamas?

Green card holders do not require visas to visit The Bahamas. They should have a travel document that is valid for six months from the date of departure from The Bahamas; sufficient funds to finance their trip; onward or return tickets to leave The Bahamas and proof of accommodation.

Is Bahamas part of USA?

No, the Bahamas is not a part of the United States but a self-administered, independent country, which forms part of the United Nations, the Organization of American States, and the Caribbean Community.

Who needs a visa to enter the Bahamas?

Who Needs Visas to Enter The Bahamas Designated Countries. India –Indian Nationals who have visas for, or permanent resident status in, US, UK , Canada and Schengen countries do not require a visa to enter The Bahamas. Indian nationals who hold diplomatic or official passports do not require a visa to enter The Bahamas.

Which countries do not require a visa to enter the Bahamas?

Equatorial Guinea. Eritrea. Ethiopia. Gabon. Ghana. Guinea. Guina-Bissau. Haiti. India –Indian Nationals who have visas for, or permanent resident status in, US, UK , Canada and Schengen countries do not require a visa to enter The Bahamas.

What are the requirements to get a Bahamas visa?

Requirements may also include a police report, flight itinerary, copies of previously held visas and foreign marriage and birth certificates. It is recommended that applicants contact the Bahamas Consulate Division before applying.

Which countries require a visa for the Bahamas?

Notable nations include Egypt, Cuba, The Dominican Republic, Indonesia, Iran, Pakistan, Laos, the Philippines, India, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Taiwan, Ukraine, UAE and Vietnam.

How long does a Bahamas visa last?

If traveling via another country, that card must expire no less than six months after their last day in the Bahamas. A return ticket is also required. Citizens of Latin America are not required to carry a Bahamas visa is their stay is less than three months. They are required to have a return ticket and proof of lodging confirmation.

How long can a US citizen stay in Bahamas?

Permanent US residents who are not American citizens must apply for a visa to the Bahamas for stays longer than 30 days. Additionally, a valid national passport is required. A green card is required for visits less than 30 days; however, a visa is not.

How long do you have to carry a yellow fever certificate in the Bahamas?

Visitors who have transited through an airport in a nation with risk of yellow fever transmission for more than 12 hours must also carry a vaccination certificate valid for at least 10 days before entering the Bahamas. Be mindful of credit card fraud in the Bahamas.

How long does a Canadian passport last in the Bahamas?

If traveling via another country, that card must expire no less than six months after their last day in the Bahamas. A return ticket is also required.

Can you travel to the Bahamas with a passport?

Most travelers with a valid US or Canadian passport that contains multiple blank pages and is well within its expiration date should have no trouble clearing customs in the Bahamas. Likewise, visitors from Latin America should be presented with few issues at the border. Still, these guidelines will help you earn that coveted passport stamp in the Bahamas and avoid any potential obstacles at your port of entry.

What is a Bahamas visa?

PASSPORT refers to a valid passport from the individual's country of birth. VISA refers to a Bahamas visa only. If a person is born in one country and resident in another (other than the US or Canada), the documentation required is based upon the country of birth.

How much does it cost to clear customs in Bahamas?

If entering The Bahamas by boat, there is a flat fee to clear Customs and Immigration, which is $150.00 for boats 35 feet and under and $300.00 for boats 31 feet and over. This covers a vessel with three persons or less.

Can a minor travel with only one parent?

NOTE: Where a minor child is traveling with only one parent, a notarized letter of permit from the parent not traveling may be requested. If traveling with non-parents, a notarized letter from the minor's guardians would be required.

Can you return to Bahamas by boat?

NOTE: Persons are advised to purchase return tickets (and seek reimbursement upon returning home for the unused ticket), even when they are certain to return via a private boat—the chance of an airline/cruise line ticket agent allowing travel on a single ticket is very slim. If, however, the person gets to the point of Bahamas Immigration on a single ticket, the Captain of the boat would have to present himself and the cruising permit. However, a copy of the cruising permit will be permitted for crew members, who may be arriving by plane and returning by boat as their names will appear on the manifest. A letter will not suffice.

How long does it take to get a Bahamas visa?

The Bahamas has mandated that all international tourists aged 18 or older obtain a Bahamas Travel Health Visa before arrival to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It is an entry requirement to enter The Bahamas for everyone, including U.S. citizens. The travel health visa application is online, requires a negative COVID-19 test, and takes up to 96 hours (or four business days) to process. Vaccinated travelers that have passed the two (2) week immunity period do not have to submit any negative COVID-19 test reports.

What to do if your Bahamas visa is denied?

The decision depends on various factors, such as meeting all COVID-19 testing requirements, uploading an authentic report, and your recent international travel history. If your application is denied, you may contact the Bahamas Travel Compliance Unit at [email protected] or call them on +1 (242) 502-0829. Alternatively, contact

How long do you have to answer the Bahamas daily health questionnaire?

On arrival and for a maximum of 14-days, or the duration of stay, you will be required to answer the Bahamas Daily Health Questionnaire. Vaccinated travelers are exempt from taking the daily survey. For unvaccinated travelers staying longer than four (4) nights, a Rapid Antigen test on day five (5) of your visit is required.

What does "pending" mean on a Bahamas health visa?

The trip status will change to ‘Pending.' This means that your Bahamas Health Visa is in an automatic review queue. It will be either accepted or rejected. You do not have to pay until you receive an acceptance.

What happens if you get rejected for a visa?

If your visa is rejected, you will get an email indicating the reason. Usually, it is easy to rectify and apply again. Common reasons include invalid tests, results not being conclusive, and lack of information.

Does the Bahamas accept Johnson and Johnson?

This is a mandatory requirement to submit the Bahamas Health Visa application form. The Bahamas only accepts Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca vaccines. You can put the lab as "CDC." If you're unsure about "COVID-19 Vaccine Slot Number", we recommend using

Do you need a Bahamas health visa for children?

Each member of your family is required to get a Bahamas Health Visa, including young children. To learn more about applying for a Bahamas Health Visa for your family, check out this guide.

What are the safety concerns in the Bahamas?

Find more information about common safety and security concerns in The Bahamas including credit card fraud , real estate scams, and water sport and scooter safety on our website.

Where is crime most common in the Bahamas?

Country Summary: The vast majority of crime occurs on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands. In Nassau, exercise caution in the “Over the Hill” area (south of Shirley Street). Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assault occur, but generally not in tourist areas. Activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated. Watercraft are often not maintained, and many companies do not have safety certifications to operate in The Bahamas. Jet-ski operators have been known to commit sexual assaults against tourists. As a result, U.S. government personnel are not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.

Does the Bahamas have child abduction laws?

The Bahamas requires compliance with regulations to divert child abduction similar to U.S. policies. Review those policies before traveling.

Do I need a visa to travel to the Bahamas?

Visit the Bahamas Immigration website for the most current visa information. U.S. citizens are generally required to present a valid U.S. passport when traveling to The Bahamas, as well as proof of anticipated departure from The Bahamas. Those traveling to The Bahamas on a cruise may use another Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document. However, we strongly recommend you obtain a passport before travel in case of an unforeseen emergency that requires you to disembark and return by air. U.S. travelers coming for tourism will not need a visa for travel up to 90 days. All other travelers will need a visa and/or work permit.

Is there a level 4 travel health notice for the Bahamas?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for the Bahamas due to COVID-19, indicating a very high level of COVID-19 in the country. Your risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized vaccine. Before planning any international travel, please review the CDC's specific recommendations for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. Visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in The Bahamas.

Is water tourism regulated in the Bahamas?

Watercraft are often not maintained, and many companies do not have safety certifications to operate in The Bahamas. U.S. citizens seeking to engage in adventure tourism-related activities, including boat tours, are strongly encouraged to confirm the following with any tour operator:

Is the Bahamas regulated for water tours?

Activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated. Watercraft are often not maintained, and many companies do not have safety certifications to operate in The Bahamas. Jet-ski operators have been known to commit sexual assaults against tourists.

Bahamas Travel Requirements

If you’re thinking of traveling to the Bahamas, there are a few things you need to know first. In this post, we’ll outline the basic travel requirements for getting into the country, as well as some other useful information for visitors. So whether you’re planning a vacation or just want to know more about traveling to the Bahamas, read on!

For vaccinated travelers

Fully vaccinated tourists coming to the Bahamas from other parts of the world will be required to show negative COVID-19 test reports. This can be either a Rapid Antigen test or RT-PCR, including RNA, NAAT, PCR, NAA, or TMA, taken not more than three days before arrival to the country.

For unvaccinated travelers

Effective 27th December 2021, unvaccinated tourists aged 12 and above need to obtain negative COVID-19 tests, taken not more than 72 hours or three days before their date of arrival.

Health Visa Application

All visitors coming to the Bahamas need to apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa via travel.gov.bs.