Entry Requirements
Important Information
- USA Bahamas Consulate:
- Miami Tel:305-373-6295 Fax: 305-373-6312
Visas are not needed for USA and Canada. Please ask if your country needs a visa
Currently, all persons on international air flights must have a valid U.S. passport to enter the U.S . All persons must also have a valid U.S. passport, passport card or other travel document approved by Homeland Security.
Types of Passports
The U.S. Government offers two types of passport processing: 1) routine service 2) expedited service.
If you choose routine service, the U.S. Government states that you will receive your passport within 6-8 weeks after your application is submitted. They also warn that processing times can vary depending on workload and occasional unforeseen circumstances and busier travel season times.
Additionally, the U.S. Government also offers expedited service for those travelers needing a passport quickly. In this case, the government states that you will receive your passport, if you pay additionally for expedited service and two-way overnight delivery, ordinarily in about 3 weeks. This service costs an addtional $60 per application, plus overnight delivery costs.
Travel and Minors
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. The letter should indicate that the chaperones are authorized to travel outside the country with the minor, as well as permit the chaperones to seek medical attention for the minor, if necessary.
Non-US Citizens – Canadians
Canadians must present a passport to visit the Bahamas, which must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Prior to traveling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules. Permanent residents of Canada must travel with their Permanent Resident Card and also a valid passport from their country of origin.
Visa Requirements
– Tourist visa: Not required
– Business visa: Not required
– Student permit: Required
Non-US Citizens – Latin America
Latin American citizens are required to present a valid passport which must cover the period of intended stay. No Visa is required if the stay is less than 3 months. When departing The Bahamas for a country that has the passport validity requirement of six (6) months beyond the dates of travel, that requirement will be enforced.
Also required is a return ticket or onward journey ticket, hotel confirmation (if staying at a hotel, or name and address of residence) and proof of funds to support your visit.
Airline travelers should visit www.iatatravelcentre.com to check that travel documents are sufficient for the airline you are traveling on.
US Permanent Residents (Non-citizens)
- To enter The Bahamas, US residents who are not citizens need the following documentation:
Alien Registration Card (Green Card) - For visits NOT exceeding 30 days:
An original Alien Registration Card is required, along with a national passport (passport from country of birth). - For visits exceeding 30 days:
A valid national passport and a Bahamas visa are required for US resident non-citizens wishing to stay longer than 30 days.
Canadian Residents (Non-citizens)
- To enter The Bahamas, Canadian residents (and landed Canadian immigrants) who are not Canadian citizens are required to present a Passport.
- For visits NOT exceeding 30 days:
A valid national passport accompanied by a Canadian Permanent Resident Card. - For visits exceeding 30 days:
Contact our nearest Embassy or High Commission.
Please Note
Travelers should purchase return tickets 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, crew members who may be arriving by plane and returning by boat as their names will appear on the manifest.