Bahamas visas
Whether you need a visa to enter The Bahamas depends on your nationality — many nationals can enter visa-free as visitors. Immigration is run by The Bahamas Department of Immigration. This hub explains the main routes in plain language and links to the official sources so you can confirm exactly what applies to you.
Bahamian visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasBahamas visitor visas — short stays for tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.2 visas
- Work visasComing to The Bahamas to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.2 visas
- Study visasStudying in The Bahamas — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in The Bahamas.2 visas
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to The Bahamas as a highly skilled individual.2 visas
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in The Bahamas long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.3 visas
Bahamian visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Who needs a visa to visit Bahamas?
U.S. resident non-citizens staying beyond 30 days need a passport and a Bahamas visa. Canadians need visas for stays beyond eight months.
Entry into The Bahamas
To enter another nation, travellers must have a return or onward ticket and a passport or visa. Visitors may also be required to show proof of adequate cash for self-sufficiency in the Bahamas.
Eligibility to apply for a Bahamas visa
This place requires no visa for up to eight months. While a visa is not necessary, you must have a passport valid for at least six months after your country exit and one blank visa page. When a visa is necessary, the below is the criteria, but this will not be for everyone:
- Completed Application form.
- A valid passport.
- At least two blank passport pages.
- A passport-size photo of yourself.
- A return flight ticket.
- Proof of hotel bookings.
- Proof that you have sufficient funds to cover the cost of your trip.
Bahamas — key facts
- Visa authority
- The Bahamas Department of Immigration
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Bahamian Dollar (BSD)
- Time zone
- EST (UTC−5)
Bahamian visas — people also ask
The US dollar is equal to the Bahamian dollar (BSD)
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.