Bahamas tourist visa and visitor extensions

Under official visa agreements, the Department of Immigration waives Bahamian visa requirements for citizens of the countries on its list, about 150 countries and territories across Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Gulf, who wish to visit and remain for no more than three or eight months, as each agreement dictates. The Department recommends that visitors intending to stay more than 90 days review the visa requirement for their country. Citizens of countries on the visa-required list, about 90 countries, must obtain a visa from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' consular division before travelling, through its designated visa offices abroad or its e-visa online services; immigration officers refuse leave to land to anyone who arrives without a required visa.

Under section 22 of the Immigration Act (Chapter 191), travellers who are not citizens or residents must, during the border interview, hold a valid return ticket or other means of leaving, not intend to work, have the financial means to sustain themselves or identify a local sponsor, present a passport valid for at least six months (passport cards are not accepted) and a completed disembarkation/embarkation card. Admission is not automatic: other circumstances may lead to refusal of leave to land. Passengers arriving by sea complete the inward passenger and crew manifest.

Overstaying is a punishable offence. To stay beyond the period granted, apply for a visitor extension before it expires; approval is at the Department's discretion and applicants are interviewed in person by an extension officer. Since 18 September 2024 a non-refundable processing fee of BSD 200 applies.

Bring proof of payment, a return ticket or temporary cruising permit, a valid passport, your local address, the immigration landing card, the reason for the extension, any Bahamian visa, a valid email address and mobile number, and your sponsor's passport and address. Walk-ins and online appointments are available in New Providence and Grand Bahama.

Visitors may not engage in any gainful occupation. Anyone who wants to work for up to 90 days needs a short-term work permit, and for longer periods an annual work permit, both issued by the Department of Immigration.