Bahamas Tourist Visa: Bahamas Visa Requirements and Application Process

The Islands of the Bahamas is one of the best vacation spots ever! Now you can enjoy paradise island with the Bahamas Tourist Visa. In this post I’ll discuss everything you need to know about this tourist visa like the application process, required documents, costs, and a few FAQs for any lingering questions.

You can apply and schedule your appointment through Atlys. Getting a visa has never been this easy.

The Bahamas Tourist Visa is for international travelers who wish to travel to the Bahamas for tourism purposes. This visa is a single entry visa or a multiple entry visas. The single-entry tourist visa allows you to enter the Bahamas once for tourism and is valid for 3 months. A multiple-entry visa allows you to enter the Bahamas more than once and is valid for 3 months, 6 months, or a year. Make sure you have health insurance that covers your length of stay.

You need to attend an consular or embassy interview. You can schedule this interview during your application.

There are lots of countries part of the visa-waiver program that doesn't need a visa for the Bahamas. Because of this, entry and visa requirements differ depending on your country of citizenship and residency. If a person is born in one country and resident in another, the documentation required is based upon your birth country.

Do U.S. Citizens Need A Visa For The Bahamas?

No, U.S citizens don't need a visa to travel to the Bahamas. You only need a valid passport and a return flight ticket.

Do U.S Permanent Residents Need A Visa For The Bahamas?

To enter The Bahamas, U.S. residents who are not citizens need the following documentation:

For visits not exceeding 30 days:

An original Alien Registration Card (Green Card) and a national passport (passport from country of birth) are required.

For visits exceeding 30 days:

U.S. residents and non-citizens need a valid national passport and a Bahamas visa for U.S. residents and non-citizens wishing to stay longer than 30 days.

Do Canadian Citizens Need A Visa For The Bahamas?

Canadian visitors only require a visa if stays exceed 8 months. You must, however, have the following documents:

• A Canadian passport, with an expiry date of no less than 3 months after leaving the Bahamas (for direct travel) and no less than 6 months (if transiting through other countries such as the U.S.).
• A return flight ticket.

Is There A Visa Waiver Policy For Indian Nationals Holding Canadian, Schengen, USA, and UK Visas And Indian Nationals Who Are Permanent Residents In Those Countries?

You don't need a visa if under the following conditions:

• Nationals of India with a visa issued by Canada, United Kingdom, USA, or Schengen Member State for a maximum stay of 90 days.
• Nationals of India with a Permanent Residence Permit issued by the United Kingdom or Schengen Member State for a maximum stay of 90 days.
• Nationals of India with a Permanent Resident or a Resident Alien Card (Form I-551) issued by the USA for a maximum stay of 30 days.
• Nationals of India with a Permanent Resident Card issued by Canada for a maximum stay of 30 days.

Other Countries

Citizens from countries other than the U.S. and Canada must present a valid passport to enter the Bahamas, which must be current up to your travel period. Some countries are also required to have a Bahamas visa. You must also have a return, or onward journey ticket, hotel confirmation (if staying at a hotel, or name and address of residence), and proof of sufficient funds to support your visit.

What Documents Should I Have With me If I Don't Need A Visa For The Bahamas?

If you don't need a visa to enter the Bahamas, you need certain travel documents with you when you arrive in the Bahamas. You need to show the following documents to immigration once you arrive:

• A valid passport with six months validity from the date of departure.
• A return or onward ticket.
• Visa or entry permit for the country you would be visiting upon leaving The Bahamas.
• Sufficient funds to finance the visit (USD 200 per day)
• A letter of invitation if you're staying at a private address.
• A confirmed hotel booking.

You need certain travel documents before you apply for your Bahamas Tourist Visa. These documents are crucial for your visa application. If you don't have all the required documents, officials could deny your visa application. You need the following travel documents:

• 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.

You need to make sure these files are in digital format to upload when you apply online.

What Are The Required Documents For Minors Traveling Alone or With One Parent?

When minors travel with only one parent, you need a notarized letter of permission from the parent not traveling. If the minors travel alone, you need a notarized letter from your guardians or parents. The letter should indicate that the chaperones are authorized to travel outside the country with the minor and permit the chaperones to seek medical attention for the minor, if necessary.

The Bahamas Tourist Visa costs USD 100 for a single entry visa. The multiple-entry Bahamas Tourist Visa costs USD 110 for 3 months, 6 months, and a year. You can pay the visa fees electronically.

The application process is a bit complex because you must know where to look. But don't worry. I'll take you through the entire application process in a step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Access the website

Access the Government of the Bahamas website. The website's name is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Go to the bottom of the page. It'll look something like this:

You need to fill out the visa application checklist before applying after you fill out the checklist, click to start the application.

Step 2: Apply for your visa

Next, you'll see a bunch of headings. Click on the one that says "Apply for visa."

Step 3: Find out if you can apply online

Next, you must fill out all the questions they ask to find out if you can apply for your Bahamas Tourist Visa online (you're applying for a visitor visa). Remember, you can't apply for a multiple entry visa for 3 years online.

Step 4: Fill out the visa application form

Now you need to provide your information. This information includes your date of birth, nationality, and passport number.

Step 5: Visa information

Next, you must provide information like passport, contact, employer, travel, and other relevant information. You also need to make an appointment.

Step 6: Upload photo

The next step is very straightforward. All you need to do is upload your passport-size photo.

Step 7: Upload required documents

Next, you must upload all the required documents. These documents can include a copy of your valid passport, return flight ticket, and other relevant documents.

Step 8: Review your application and pay the visa fee

Reviewing your application is crucial. This is where you can find out if there are any mistakes in your application. Lastly, you need to pay the visa fee (mentioned in this post). You can pay the visa fee with a credit card or debit card.

How far In Advance Can I Apply For My Bahamian Visa?

Bahamian visas are only valid for three months from the date of issue. Therefore, you should ideally apply in the two weeks before you intend to travel to the Bahamas. Unfortunately, you cannot apply before November, as the visa would expire before you even depart for the Bahamas.

During your interview, officials will ask you questions to find out about your travels to the Bahamas.

Documents you should take with you

You must take your completed application form, visa confirmation page, and original documents. Where necessary, you'll be directed to another Bahamas Overseas Office by email.

The standard visa processing time for a Bahamas Tourist Visa is 7-10 business days, not including the submission date and providing that all supporting documents are in order and no interview is required.

That's it!

Now you have everything you need to successfully apply for your Bahamas Tourist Visa. Relax, sit back and just feel all your stress fade away while looking out to the white sandy beach and crystal clear ocean waves.